Situated on a modest 100 sqm plot in the heart of Belagavi, this student housing project is a masterclass in spatial economy and architectural ingenuity. Conceived as a complex layering of compact, self-contained units, the design prioritizes both density and dignity, maximizing every square inch without compromising on comfort or quality of life for its 29 student residents.
Clad in a deep terracotta red, the building’s façade exudes a bold, monolithic presence. Its staggered roofline slices through the suburban skyline, breaking the monotony of surrounding low-rise constructions and marking a distinct architectural identity. This expressive silhouette, while playful in form, is a direct response to stringent height restrictions, deftly compressing a vertical narrative under the 15-meter statutory limit.
To counteract the potential claustrophobia of a densely packed footprint, the design employs a floor-to-floor height of just 2,400mm, ensuring efficient vertical stacking while preserving spatial clarity. Within this volume, a rhythmic choreography of living modules is arranged around shared semi-private zones, including a compact lobby, pantry, and sanitary facilities — all interconnected by a central staircase that acts as a social spine.
Two cleverly interlocked room typologies form the project’s modular grid, akin to a jigsaw puzzle — each piece tailored for maximum utility. Every detail, down to the millimetre, has been rigorously optimized. Toilet partitions are replaced with 40mm kadappa stone slabs to save space and eliminate the need for conventional tile work, while unplastered brick walls painted white expand the sense of visual scale and simplify long-term upkeep.
Material minimalism defines the interiors — raw, honest, and deliberate. The spatial language speaks of frugality, but never austerity. The restrained palette and elemental surfaces allow the architecture to breathe, reflecting light and encouraging a sense of openness within the tight envelope.
Externally, the elevation is the result of intentional spatial negotiation. Windows punctuate the facade in a seemingly irregular pattern, hinting at the layered complexity within while reinforcing the sculptural solidity of the exterior mass. These apertures serve both as light inlets and as expressive elements in an otherwise unified form.
Despite the intense programmatic demands and spatial constraints, the project achieves a vibrant character. Stacked Student Housing is not merely a residential complex. It is a vertical community, a vessel for growth, exchange, and individuality. It mirrors the energetic spirit of student life, standing as a bold yet grounded landmark within its rural context. Thoughtfully pragmatic and architecturally expressive, it’s a compelling model for urban micro-living with soul.
Project Fact File:
Project Name: Stacked Student Housing
Firm Name: Thirdspace Architecture Studio
Project Location: Belagavi, Karnataka, India
Typology: Student Housing
Completion Year: 2017
Gross Built Area: 4,000 sq.ft
Principal Architects: Praveen Bavadekar, Namrata Betigiri
Project Team: Madhuri Gulbani
Photographer: Hemant Patil
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