Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautama Buddha - indeed, there could be no name more appropriate for a project focussed on providing a tranquil and peaceful ambience to its residents. Lumbini Terrace Homes (LTH) is inspired by the desire to facilitate a balanced and wholesome lifestyle. "The idea was to give people the freedom and choice of having their own garden and outdoor space," says Suditya Sinha, Vice-President- Projects, BIDPL. "Personal outdoor spaces, even at a height, were welcomed with great enthusiasm."

Designed to the 'Zen'ith

The complex has been designed by New Delhi-based architect Design Forum International to provide a home for the working professional with a modern lifestyle and desire to be connected with nature. The landscape elements play an important role in evocating the Zen philosophy of the project. Ample space has been provided for landscaping with gardens and terraces on every floor. Contemplation zones in the form of tree plazas, a yoga amphitheatre, gymnasium, jogging tracks, safe pedestrian walkways, and a recreational club contribute to mind-body health.

Clean and green

Planned with eco-friendly measures, the project has 76 per cent open space with extensive greening, waste management, reduced energy consumption and lead-free paint. From the time of excavation, reduction in site disturbance was implemented to check soil erosion. Soil conditioning and moisturising, along with the reduction of heat islands and grid paving, aims to deliver a refreshing landscape. On the civil and electrical side, LTH features energy-efficient building materials, window panes and fittings. The added green pockets and the use of CFLs, LEDs and solar panels are aimed at reducing overall power consumption.

Given that the complex is located minutes away from the Dwaraka Expressway, sound and pollution would ostensibly pose major problems. However, as Sinha explains, "The master plan allows LTH to be placed away from the main expressway; hence, the residential pockets will not be greatly affected by the noise. The green terraces further help with noise reduction and pollution."

Tech secure

As far as safety is concerned, BIDPL has gone hi-tech, starting with the FTTH (fibre-to-the-home) system, which integrates and centralises security systems. "We are providing automation-ready homes, where one can control home security on the mobile phone or tablet," elaborates Sinha. "FTTH systems integrate all communication and low-voltage devices through one cable. We are exploring new ways to make it secure for children by strategically placing cameras and devices to mitigate risks. Central control rooms in each tower will monitor activities in the day and night through night vision cameras for security."

LTH also boasts of an earthquake-resistant design as recommended by IIT-Delhi. The design, approach and amenities comply with the requirements for a design for earthquake zone 5. Technically, all buildings have to respond to the codes prescribed for earthquake-resistant design. BIDPL went further and got the concept reviewed by IIT-Delhi.

"We have used the best quality materials like steel from Tata and JSW and OPC 43 cement from UltraTech," says Sinha with pride. "Design mixes are being inspected regularly and a material testing laboratory on site regularly checks for quality and standards.

The 'rate' race

LTH is the first and only complex in NCR to receive the coveted CRISIL 4-star rating. "CREST or CRISIL Real Estate Star Ratings provide city specific, all-round assessments of real-estate projects and help buyers benchmark and identify quality projects within their city," explains Sinha. "These ratings address two critical needs in the realty sector: improved transparency and objective benchmarking of projects. The star ratings are based on an eight-point scale that is specific to the city, from 'City 7-Star' - the highest - to 'City 1-Star' the lowest, being a 'non-deliverable project'." The 'Gold' grade by State-level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) is another feather in the company's cap. "We have abided by all the necessary government norms," he adds. "The project has been granted all environment clearances and been assigned the 'Gold' grade by SEAC."

Project details:

Completion year: 2014
Contractor: Ahluwalia Contracts. Tel: 011-4941 0500. E-mail: mail@acilnet.com. Website: www.acilnet.com
Architects/Planners: Design Forum International. Tel: 011-4655 6600. E-mail: info@dfiarch.com. Website: www.designforuminternational.com
Landscape Architects: JRA. Tel: 0124-4017 652. E-mail: kavitajain@jradesign.org Website: www.jradesign.org
Services Consultants: Spectral Consultants. Mob: (0) 99904 80950. E-mail: relations@spectral.in. Website: www.spectral.in
Cement: UltraTech. Tel: 022-6691 7274. E-mail: support.rmc@adityabirla.com. Website: www.ultratechconcrete.com