The
Jenga House
The Project
Where sculpted concrete and slim aluminium merge to create a breathable home in the heart of the city.
The Jenga House is conceived as a porous residential structure that re-establishes a harmonious balance between built form and open landscape, a critical need in contemporary urban living. Its design features two L-shaped duplex volumes arranged to maximize light penetration, vistas, and integration of green spaces such as hanging gardens. This chiselled volumetric approach not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also serves functional needs by fostering natural ventilation and daylighting, contributing to energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
The architectural choice of exposed monolithic concrete cores, textured using pine wood shuttering, blurs the boundaries between structure and surface, inside and outside, reinforcing spatial continuity and porosity. This materiality resonates with the natural surroundings, creating a dialogue between the built environment and the bare rock landscape, emphasizing a sustainable and site-responsive design ethos.
Context Integration
Situated in Delhi on a 670 sqm plot with a built-up area of 1675 sqm, the Jenga House integrates seamlessly into its urban context by responding to the climatic and environmental conditions of the region. The porous form mitigates the dense urban fabric by allowing light and air to permeate the building, reducing heat gain and fostering a microclimate that enhances livability. The design respects the local ecology and urban fabric, making it a model for sustainable residential architecture in Indian metropolitan contexts.
Innovation and Originality
The project’s innovation lies in its unique volumetric composition and use of advanced Metra Building systems-specifically the NCS 120 STH SLIM, NC 65 STH, and NC 50I profiles. The NC-S 120 STH SLIM system offers ultra-slim aluminium thermal break windows that combine high aesthetic value with superior thermal and acoustic insulation, enabling large, elegant openings without compromising energy efficiency or security. Its smooth sliding action and suitability for home automation enhance functional sophistication.
The NC 65 STH HES system, characterized by high energy-saving performance, excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, and superior burglary resistance, aligns perfectly with the project’s sustainability and safety goals. Its versatility and wide range of finishes allow for seamless integration into the building’s aesthetic language while supporting renovation and new construction needs. Together, these systems enable the Jenga House to achieve a refined balance of form, function, and environmental responsibility, showcasing Metra’s cutting-edge aluminium solutions in a residential context.
Completed in 2017 by Matra Architects and Rurban Planners, the Jenga House has been recognized for its architectural excellence and innovative approach to residential design. The collaboration with Mixx Windows ensures the highest standards of installation and product performance, leveraging Metra’s advanced aluminium systems.
