A vertical street-view perspective of a contemporary 7-marla house biophilic facade detail design featuring a perforated white screen and lush entrance landscaping in Rawalpindi.
A wide-angle street view of biophilic facade, showcasing its geometric volumes, integrated street-side greenery, and sleek modern entrance gate.
CLIENT

Mr. Farman Khan

Project Type

Residential

LOCATION

House 152, Street 03, Block-A, Faisal Margalla City, Rawalpindi

Covered Area

3,230 square feet approx.

Status

2026 - Ongoing

Tags
Architecture design - Interior design - Structure design - Electrical design - Plumbing design - Site Supervision

Navigating Light and Transparency in Faisal Margalla City

Designing for a 7-marla plot always comes down to a game of inches. This is especially true when a client has an ambitious brief. For the Farman House in Faisal Margalla City, we implemented a biophilic facade to manage the south-facing orientation. The site is hit with intense sun throughout the day. Additionally, the client wanted a sense of openness. They specifically requested a ground-floor bedroom and a water body.

The Concept: The Glass Bridge

A full swimming pool proved difficult given the depth of the mid-block site. However, we maintained that sense of “water and light” through the internal layout. The house is split by a central open area. To get from the public entrance to the private heart of the home, you cross a glass bridge. Consequently, this transition allows light to penetrate deep into the plan. This makes a standard-sized house feel significantly more expansive.

The front elevation of Farman House, highlighting the interlocking box volumes, white metal jali screens, and balanced use of wood and stone textures.
A perspective view showing the architectural depth of the 7 marla house, featuring cantilevered slabs and a mix of open and screened balconies.
A detailed view of the ground floor entrance, featuring a minimalist gray gate, linear facade lighting, and vibrant red floral landscaping.
Close-up of the upper floor of a 7-marla house, showing how white perforated screens and wooden louvers provide privacy while allowing light into the residence.

Implementing the Biophilic Facade

The facade is a direct, functional response to the orientation. We used a combination of local limestone for its thermal mass. This was contrasted with fluted panels in a warm wood tone. Furthermore, the most striking element is the custom-fabricated metal screen. This biophilic facade element acts as a trellis for climbing plants. This creates a “living” shield that naturally cools the air. Meanwhile, the vertical louvers ensure privacy from the street without sacrificing ventilation. By focusing on how the house breathes, we managed to fit a complex program into a compact urban lot.