Playbox in Mumbai by SPS Architects
Designed as a private retreat for a ten-year-old girl, Playbox is an inventive architectural intervention that transforms unused ceiling height into a playful and functional space. Conceived by SPS Architects, this floating cube demonstrates how lightweight, dry construction can create adaptable, recyclable, and engaging environments for children without compromising openness or architectural integrity.
What inspired the creation of Playbox and how did the existing structure shape its design?
The client wanted a private space for their daughter without using other rooms in the house. Fortunately, the 1950s home had a vaulted concrete slab with clerestory windows, offering additional ceiling height. SPS Architects used this space to create a floating cube delicately perched above the dividing wall between the kitchen and living room. This solution maintained the openness of the vaulted ceiling while adding a new 120-square-foot retreat.
Why was lightweight and dry construction critical for Playbox?
The architects aimed to avoid civil work, opting for a fully dry construction that could be assembled by carpenters. Lightweight materials like rubber wood and polycarbonate sheets ensured ease of assembly and disassembly, making the structure recyclable and adaptable for future reuse.
What materials were used to construct Playbox, and how did they influence its aesthetic and functionality?
The box was framed with teakwood rafters and rubber wood planks, then clad with 10mm-thick multi-wall polycarbonate shutters. These shutters create an opalescent glow, allowing natural light while maintaining privacy. Clear glass sections at the top allowed the room to be air-conditioned when required, while interiors echoed the same material palette with colorful furnishings adding character.
How does Playbox incorporate playfulness into its design?
The hinged and pivoted polycarbonate shutters function like toys, enabling the child to adjust ventilation, light, and privacy by flipping panels up or down. This interactive design element made the space dynamic and playful, fostering creativity and autonomy for the young occupant.
How was comfort addressed within the compact Playbox space?
Playbox balanced openness with privacy. The glazed upper sections enabled air conditioning, while the shutters provided natural ventilation and light control. Interiors included essential furniture—bed, dresser, wardrobe, shelves—crafted from the same materials for cohesion, with color introduced through soft furnishings.
What happened to Playbox after the family moved, and how does its design support sustainability?
The structure was dismantled when the family moved to a larger home. Thanks to its dry construction and recyclable materials, the components are being reused in a new design. This reusability underscores the sustainable and adaptable qualities at the heart of the Playbox concept.
