The site is located in an urban locality in Ahmedabad. The plot is 80 feet wide and 230 feet long; with entry from the western end. As one approaches the site from the main road, the parking structure and the main building are viewed together. The expression of both the structures is essentially horizontal; with the floating slabs of both hovering at various levels creating a visual lightness and the composition of slabs creating an abstract rhythm.
The concept behind the architecture and its expression is to develop a vocabulary which is austere, clean, synchronized and subtle in its presence from outside. The architecture of the building and the surrounding landscape generates a series of horizontal lines making it appear firmly rooted to the ground; yet visually engaging due to the floating planes. This expression in a way reflects the humble and down to earth nature of the clients. The west facade facing the main road is a composition of floating horizontal planes at different levels cantilevered over the main lawn. This play of projecting planes at various levels continues in the north and the east facades also; creating an asymmetric composition as a visual stimulus to the viewers.
The colours of the building are variations of grey colour; the colour range being from mid grey to charcoal grey with subtle variations. The clad stone has a similar colour palette; with the random lines in the stone accentuating the horizontal composition. The teak clad soffits of the projecting slabs create warm hues against the neutral building colours. The linear site creates a possibility of positioning the house in the middle and opening it up on both the west and the east side to the immediate landscape.
The layout is designed in a manner which would make the central bay of the home visually transparent with uninterrupted views on both the sides. A central court is introduced at the main entry of the house which acts a space for capturing natural light inside and as a space for various activities. The court becomes the hub of the house with the circulation paths of the house around it and the spaces directly or partially being connected to the court.
The court seeks to generate emotions at a physical, mental and spiritual level. The light traveling inside the court makes various shadow patterns at various times of the day creating a sense of time and depth in space. The metaphorical presence of water in the court adds a dimension of tranquillity and motion at the same time.
The site consists of existing large neem trees at the eastern end. This is large boon to the extreme climate of Ahmedabad which has very hot and long summers. The family dining and kitchen areas are placed on the eastern side with a large veranda facing the neem trees. This place being shaded in the evenings becomes a major outdoor recreational activity space for the family.
The reasonable size of the neem court adjoined by utility services creates an ideal setting for extended family gatherings, events, parties, etc. The front lawn is placed between the main house and the semi-covered parking structure at the entry point of the site. The double height formal living, the master bedspace and the guest bedspace have verandas which open up into the front lawn at the ground level. At the first level the son’s bedspace and the guest bedspace open up to the front lawn with cantilevered balconies projecting towards the main lawn.
The linear stone planters alongside the front lawn at the main circulation path have been placed strategically to divide the lawn and the common movements. The planters are high enough to act as seating in the front lawn, also ensuring there is visual connection to the outside. The concept of the interior is to realize an understated elegance and luxury in the expression of the interior.
The interior of the home is an amalgamation of various materials. The flooring is done in polished Italian marble; natural teak and teak veneer is used for furniture in tandem with various stones. Dyed and stitched veneer is used to create surfaces with graphic patterns in contrast to the natural veneer and stone.
The house pays tribute to various upcoming Indian artistes and their works are displayed at various prominent places in the home. They inspire us to create more spaces which may become a backdrop to highlight the wonderful work they do.
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