‘An architect’s dream is an engineer’s nightmare’, however, when the client is an engineer, the dream ceases to be far-fetched. From delivering a 90-point brief to the architects to being an avid patron of technology-driven architecture — one thing was clear — Kamalbhai Mistry wanted a design that was anything but ordinary for his home. The HIVE House, from its very onset, was set out to be a design distinct in both its form and function.
Standing proudly in Vesu, a developing area in Surat, the HIVE house was named so due to its eye-catching facades. Although different by design, all the facades have one thing in common. They are all derived from repeated, hexagonal fractals or modules.
Repetitive hexagonal modules on the facade. 
A closer look of the modules.
The hexagonal fractals of the facade have a smaller inner hexagonal fractal which further breaks into six equilateral triangles.
The facade, enveloping the common areas of the ground floor, is not just inspired by biomimicry alone but is also responsive. The hexagonal fractals of the facade have a smaller inner hexagonal fractal which further breaks into six equilateral triangles. Each of these triangles is solar-sensor based and glides over the outer larger hexagon, like the gates on an airport bus, to come closer or move farther apart. This allows the right amount of light for optimal thermal comfort to penetrate inside the spaces. However, all of the fractals do not have free movement. Only strategically placed fractals are mobile and exhibit said mechanism.
Intervention for light penetration. 
The sensor based triangles glides over the outer larger hexagon and provide light.
Another facade, a kind of a screen, is employed at the ground floor level at one side of the entrance bridge and the first-floor level enveloping a bedroom. Made of hexagonal rings of varied thickness, this facade breaks down the harshness of the penetrating light.
The sharp lines of the exterior are in contrast with the free-flowing interiors. Kamalbhai aspired to have a home with as few partitions as can be. However, this contrast is harmonized thoughtfully by the material palette. While the exterior sports steadfast nude materials like metal and no-nonsense timber, the inside is dominated by marble and a far more eclectic use of timber. A shining example of using timber inside the house is an organic, sculptural piece placed right at the entrance, inside the home. This piece acts as a partition doubled as seating while still keeping the free-flowing nature of the interior in place.
The style of the staircase of a home can speak volumes about its design. The staircase of this home is not just expectantly unique but a technological feat in itself. The staircase spans 7 meters, has a thickness of 38 mm, and is made out of metal. However, the materiality does not bar the staircase from blending in with the interior. Instead, the organic twist in its design makes it just the right fit.
Metal staircase spanning 7m at HIVE House.
There are other technology-savvy mechanisms and sights in the house. The front door is like the door of a fort. It is a door inside a door. It effectively mimics the purpose of the conventional double door entrance. It still allows ventilation to take place through the smaller door. Even after all these interventions, the house is a prime example of how technology and the environment are not mutually exclusive concepts.
The technologically advanced house respects its context. The very form of the house considers both — macroclimate and microclimate. Green pockets surround its derived V-shaped form. From the bridge-like entrance over a sunken courtyard to the walkable green-roof —each aspect partakes in this contribution.
Experience at the entrance bridge. 
The sculptural piece made of timber at the entrance.
While, for most, a house as technology-driven as HIVE house might not be the go-to for most folk – its contribution towards making technology in residences less intimidating is undeniable. As for the architects at OpenIdeas, post HIVE house, they have bagged around three projects where clients are looking for the possibility of incorporating technology in a design. One is a pivoted screen design using technology that acts as a partial partition system or, as a window, a door in the design.
OpenIdeas Architects
Visit: openideas.co.in
Email: info@openideas.co.in
Contact: 079-66118910
Hexagonal screen at HIVE House. Repetitive hexagonal modules on the facade. A closer look of the modules. 
A closer look of the modules. 
Mechanism of the hexagonal module. 
Detail of the hexagonal module. Intervention for light penetration. The sensor based triangles glides over the outer larger hexagon and provide light. Experience at the entrance bridge. The sculptural piece made of timber at the entrance. Metal staircase spanning 7m at HIVE House. 
Exploded view of the HIVE House. 
Ground Floor plan. 
First Floor plan.
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