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Architecture

2020

In-Betweenness of the Built and the Unbuilt

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right-doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.” Rumi.

Where is this field of ours? How do you envisage this field? How do you create an “in-between” space? The Indian mythological story about Hiranyakashipu talks about this in-between concept in a metaphorical way. The story is about a demon who could not be killed via a complete or absolute form (man/beast, devil/god, day/night, indoors / outdoors, earth/sky and so on). This context creates a fundamental question in one’s head – if not absolute, is there something that lies ‘in-between’, something which imbibes a bit of both – and more importantly, something that can be considered a form in itself?

The Two Bay House is the manifestation of this very concept. Neither inside, nor outside, neither solid, nor void, neither public nor private, neither complete nor incomplete – rather a threshold between these. The in-between space is the central element of this house – and the entire planning revolves - around this. To empower this element, the corridor is given an identity – a larger-than-life scale. As you enter the corridor, you notice the double-height space that defines the language and aesthetic of this place. The corridor is intentionally bound in a certain geometry that lets you access the two bays on either side – but still maintains its own character.

Ahmedabad,Gujarat,India

Architects	:	MISA Architects
Area	:	5000 sq. ft.
Year	:	2020
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/misaarchitects/

Exterior view of Two Bay House by MISA Architects

Entrance of Two Bay House by MISA Architects

The three punctures on the roof create the play of light and shadow – the entry point is actually a calculated placement to create a natural spotlight as one enters through the monumental threshold. The water channels on either side along the corridor are replenished by rains, during monsoons – again an intentional in-betweenness of the natural and the built. These water channels are the buffers between the corridor and the other spaces – living, dining, and kitchen in the left bay; and rooms and swimming pool in the right bay. The access to these bays is like a bridge over these water channels. During festivities, the user personalizes this space by placing oil lamps and flowers on the water surface. This space – the corridor – is the building’s soul.

Double height passage with skylight of Two Bay House by MISA Architects

Double height passage of Two Bay House by MISA Architects

Living room of Two Bay House by MISA Architects

Passage to pool area of Two Bay House by MISA Architects

Open to sky courtyard of Two Bay House by MISA Architects

Swimming pool and deck area of Two Bay House by MISA Architects

As we move along the place, the journey unfolds. There are courtyards that open up, the bedrooms lead to the attached garden (backyard), and the living/dining/kitchen come across as a single continuous space with supporting elements that make it efficient yet completely consolidated and accessible. The large openings of the living act like a large screen, leading to the amphitheatre. This extended plinth-level terrace is again the transition between the public and the private spaces – literally setting a stage for the expansive green lawns and the unbuilt thereon.

The landscape along the driveway is a natural barrier, and thus, keeps this enormous green space a mystery till one reaches the vantage point. By design, the built footprint is only about 5% of the entire land parcel. This house is the field we were looking for.