ARCHITECTURE | Design Essentia Magazine https://designessentiamagazine.com #letstalkdesign Tue, 09 Apr 2024 19:12:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://designessentiamagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cropped-de-logo3-32x32.jpg ARCHITECTURE | Design Essentia Magazine https://designessentiamagazine.com 32 32 Villa by the Backwaters / Studio TAB https://designessentiamagazine.com/villa-by-the-backwaters-studio-tab/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=villa-by-the-backwaters-studio-tab&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=villa-by-the-backwaters-studio-tab Tue, 09 Apr 2024 18:57:35 +0000 https://designessentiamagazine.com/?p=22939 Tucked between a dense cover of palm trees and the backwaters of Varapuzha, here time seems to pause and takes one back to an era gone by.

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Tucked between a dense cover of palm trees and the backwaters of Varapuzha, here time seems to pause and takes one back to an era gone by.

Project Name : Villa by the Backwaters
Project Location : Kochi, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Studio TAB

Text description by the architects;

Never before had a pocket sized plot felt so larger than life. Tucked between a dense cover of palm trees and the backwaters of Varapuzha, here time seems to pause and takes one back to an era gone by. Local fishermen sail by in their wooden canoes selling their fresh catch from the sea, the summer breeze coaxing a gentle psithurism that lulls one into a nap and the seagulls squawking as they glide over the backwaters all day long. This seemed like a different world the very first time we visited the site and each time thereafter.

For a family who has lived over six decades of their lives in metropolitan cities across India and abroad and who always wishfully yearned to have a place of their own in their native land; they probably couldn’t have chosen a more idyllic site.

The project commissioned to us had layers of expectations. From that of a holiday home for the globetrotting client to a home where his septuagenarian parents could have an enriched retired life. With a brief so clear and a context so strong, ideating a design concept couldn’t ever have been easier.

All throughout the project timeline, we ensured that we respected the context where we are building. This involved a detailed climatic study to reduce the dependency on artificial thermal comfort, studying and working with local materials, engaging local craftsmen to build and create using traditional techniques and ensuring the project is an honest effort in giving shape to the client’s idea of home. The concept was always going to be a contextually driven one. Of all things natural and local. The space had to be a getaway from the urban jungle living. A home where aesthetics meet sustainability, where form and function come together to create a space that dreams are made of. A home that’s non pretentious and rooted to the nature.

We put in 4 months of time before actual site work to study the local materials, understand the local craftsmanship and scan the by lanes of the ancient Mattancherry market. Our objective was to go back in time to create a design that remains timeless.

We involved local artisans and craftsmen in shaping the laterite blocks, creating age old practice of lime plastered walls, recreating ancestral furniture with comfort specific interventions, custom designed handmade tiles and other designs as a contemporary ode to the bygone era. We also visited dilapidated houses in and around Kochi and sourced out old woodwork from there so as to salvage and restore them within this project. 

Project Name : Villa by the Backwaters
Project Location : Kochi, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Studio TAB

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Infinity House / GA Design https://designessentiamagazine.com/infinity-house-ga-design/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=infinity-house-ga-design&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=infinity-house-ga-design Fri, 23 Feb 2024 13:43:17 +0000 https://designessentiamagazine.com/?p=22834 a house in Khandala with large overhangs and contemporary style with a white and grey palette.

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A house in Khandala with large overhangs and contemporary style with a white and grey palette.

Project Name : Infinity House
Project Location : Khandala, Mumbai, India
Architect/Interior Designer : GA Design
Principal Designer : Rajan Goregaoker

Photographer: Prashant Bhat

Text description by the architects.

On our initial visit to the site, we knew that this site would be a challenge. The plot was irregular in shape and contoured. There was a dense undergrowth on site and a terrain which was unmanageable and it was very difficult to understand how to plan the villa so that it should be facing the best views. After a lot of hard work, and surveying the surrounding areas we took our best guess and started to work.

Since site was contoured, we worked with the section first. Entry level would have the living and we could therefore achieve a floor below and above. Regulations anyways permit a height of 9 meters above ground so the contoured site proved to be to our advantage.

 Honestly speaking we were always waiting for an opportunity to design an infinity pool and this site seemed ideal for that.

The client’s requirements were simple. It was understood that it was important to take maximum advantage of the view. Apart from the master two more bedrooms for his children a guest room and room for groups of friends. Games and entertainment area was important too. The rest was up-to us.

The challenge was orienting the villa and understanding which would be the best angle to orient the house to maximize the views.  That was difficult and we were apprehensive till we were actually standing on the first slab of the house. The ground floor plan has the living centrally located with the kitchen the service areas, the changing rooms, Jacuzzi and group guest room areas on the left and the guest room and the staircase core on the right. The staircase leads to the bedrooms on the first floor and the entertainment area on the lower floor.

The language of the house in contemporary with a white and grey palette. Khandala being an area of heavy rainfall we have designed the house with large overhangs. Here at the entrance of the house the dead walls are cladded with black Italian marble with a large overhang for the son’s bedroom. the white band connects to the entrance canopy which is another essential feature in this heavy rainfall area.

As you walk in the first thing that hits you is the whiteness of the Lhasa white marble with white walls. The sunlight streams through the skylight above. One look at the skylight and you see a huge metal lotus artwork on a pale grey wall. As you walk to the living room you are faced by wood and glass screen wall which serves as a semi-transparent partition between the living and the passage area. As you enter the living you are faced with a panoramic view of Khandala, and a stunning infinity pool in the foreground. The living room because of the glass screen seems virtually open. As you walk out on the swimming pool deck you see the cantilevered bedroom over the swimming pool. This place was designed as an outdoor sit-out. The cantilevered bedroom partially over the swimming pool creates a dramatic effect. To achieve a box type cantilevered effect for the bedroom we have considered a flat slab construction method which gives a seamless look to the ceiling without beams. The swimming pool deck is also covered by a portal frame 30’ above. As you move again towards the interiors of the house, a marble staircase lit up with led lights leads to the first floor. The passage which leads to the bedrooms opens out into another open area giving you a framed view of the valley. Various semi covered areas have been designed from where you can enjoy different vistas of the valley.

 When you enter into the son’s room which is facing the entrance of the bungalow, you can see that it is surrounded by floor to ceiling glass. Here again because of the flat slab the ceiling seems as if its extending outwards in one level. A concrete wall behind the bed and a Satuario marble backrest with a modern ceiling light fixture gives the room a masculine feel. The bathroom again is large, black and with a gold mosaic. The daughter’s room has got a full corner view with a piece of modern art on the ceiling. The room opens up into a corner terrace giving it a 270 degree’s view. The daughter’s bathroom is large with a combination of black and graphic tiles and with a wardrobe and a lounger to enjoy the view. The master bedroom is cantilevered over the swimming pool with its open corner is as dramatic from inside as it is from outside. The view from the master bedroom deck is again a 180 degree’s view and floats above the swimming pool. The white marble of the floor continues into the master bathroom with red travertine walls and a skylight above the shower.

The lowermost level is the games room. This area is partially below the swimming pool, hence the drop in the ceiling. This area opens up into 5000 sft lawn area. The villa looks most stunning during the night. We considered blue and white as the combination for the outdoor furniture. It creates a beautiful contrast. As you walk down into the garden from here and you turn back, you can see the house in its full glory. The led for the infinity swimming pool creates a stunning visual while the red wall behind in the games room adds color and the cantilevered bedroom and the portal gives it a dramatic look.

Project Name : Infinity House
Project Location : Khandala, Mumbai, India
Architect/Interior Designer : GA Design
Principal Designer : Rajan Goregaoker

Photographer: Prashant Bhat

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RJ House / ARA Designs https://designessentiamagazine.com/rj-house-ara-designs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rj-house-ara-designs&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rj-house-ara-designs Fri, 29 Dec 2023 11:19:52 +0000 https://designessentiamagazine.com/?p=22572 A magnificent home, ensconced amidst Alibaug’s tropical foliage with earthy elements and colours.

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A magnificent home, ensconced amidst Alibaug’s tropical foliage with earthy elements and colors.

Project Name : RJ House
Project Location : Alibaug, India
Architect/Interior Designer : ARA Designs
Principal Architect : Amey Dahanukar

Interior Design : Esha Pandya of Studio Flamingo and Isprava

Photography credits : Isprava

Text description by the architects.

Epitomizing luxury, RJ House is a magnificent home, ensconced amidst Alibaug’s tropical foliage. Earthy elements and colors create a soothing impact to make you feel close to nature while rustic textures and patterned floors strike a harmonious visual balance. Striking contemporary fixtures define the stunning living and dining space which opens onto a laidback poolside area. Recreationally, there’s plenty to help you relax—take a dip in the pool, unwind in the jacuzzi, sip on chilled cocktails at the bar, play pool & table tennis or curl up with a book in the den. Comfort awaits you in the five cozy bedrooms. What’s more, the fifth bedroom can be converted into a lounge where you can enjoy a movie marathon with loved ones. The terrace offers views of the entire property and is perfect for your morning cuppa or those breezy evening sundowners.

What was the brief from the client?

 

Amey : The RJ House project commenced as a friendly design competition, centered around the creation of a tropical modern-style residence in the picturesque locale of Alibaug. Spanning a generous one-acre expanse, our overarching objective was to seamlessly integrate the structure with the local surroundings, drawing inspiration from the iconic tropical modernist architect Geoffrey Bawa, While the property enjoys a prime location along the main road, our unique concept revolves around creating a distinctive boundary. We achieved this by introducing a striking double wall that not only separates the house from the main compound but also serves as a captivating entrance installation. This innovative design choice was pivotal in aligning the house with its natural environment. Upon entering the property, visitors are greeted by an internal courtyard, serving as a transitional space that sets the tone for what lies beyond. As one proceeds through the entrance, a narrow corridor emerges, reminiscent of a journey through a lush forest. Towering trees on either side of this corridor effectively isolate it from the main living spaces, enhancing the sense of immersion in nature and creating a tranquil passage to the heart of the house.

If you had to name the design style used, what would it be?

Tropical Modern

What were the inspirations and key concepts for the development of the project?

Firstly, we drew inspiration from the visionary architect Geoffrey Bawa, who famously integrated internal courtyards into his designs. We incorporated this concept by strategically placing an internal courtyard within the living space. This central oasis not only brings a touch of nature indoors but also serves as a focal point for the entire design.

Secondly, our approach involved reorienting the house’s perspective. Instead of focusing outward toward the surroundings, we intentionally designed the house to look inward. The internal courtyard took center stage in this regard, becoming the heart of the entire composition. This inward focus created a sense of sanctuary and tranquility within the property.

Lastly, we introduced a dual-roof concept, dividing the structure into two distinct blocks. This architectural choice added visual interest and served functional purposes, providing a unique character to each part of the house while maintaining a cohesive design language.

What were the difficulties, or first setbacks encountered?

The project encountered a notable challenge from the land’s composition, which contained a substantial amount of bedrock or core material. This presented a significant obstacle, as excavating through the rock proved to be a labor-intensive and time-consuming process.

 

Explain the use of colors and or other details to add value to the design.

Our design philosophy for this project was rooted in simplicity and a commitment to the fundamentals. We embraced the elegance of white as a timeless expression of purity and minimalism. To enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the space, we incorporated wooden strings as a sunshade element along specific sections of the corridor. This not only served a practical purpose but also added a warm, natural texture to the design, creating a harmonious blend of modernity and nature.

 

Furthermore, the color palette was purposefully restrained, with green being the primary hue chosen for the landscape. This verdant choice for the outdoor environment was a deliberate nod to the lush tropical surroundings, contributing to a seamless integration of the structure with its natural setting.

What is your favorite element of the design?

I find the entrance courtyard particularly captivating as it effectively transforms the journey from the drop-off point to the main house. This courtyard serves as a symbolic bridge, creating a deliberate separation between the house and its external surroundings.

 

What do you think is the USP of the project?

The true essence of this design lies in its seamless interconnection of spaces, all nestled harmoniously under one roof. A paramount consideration was the meticulous orchestration of spaces, adhering to a well-considered hierarchy that ensures each area serves its distinct purpose while contributing to the overall unity of the residence.

 

One of the most compelling aspects of this project is the strategic use of natural light, which bathes the entire house in its luminous embrace. In particular, the living room stands out as a prime example of this design philosophy, as it is bathed in abundant natural light streaming in from all sides. This thoughtful integration of light not only enhances the aesthetics but also creates an inviting and dynamic living environment.

Project Name : RJ House
Project Location : Alibaug, India
Architect/Interior Designer : ARA Designs
Principal Architect : Amey Dahanukar

Interior Design : Esha Pandya of Studio Flamingo and Isprava

Photography credits : Isprava

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Within Cuboids / Alok Kothari Architects https://designessentiamagazine.com/within-cuboids-alok-kothari-architects/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=within-cuboids-alok-kothari-architects&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=within-cuboids-alok-kothari-architects Mon, 20 Nov 2023 07:34:32 +0000 https://designessentiamagazine.com/?p=22526 a cost-effective 3-bedroom house featuring an exposed brick façade, a charming kitchen garden and privacy amidst future developments on neighbouring plots.

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a cost-effective 3-bedroom house featuring an exposed brick façade, a charming kitchen garden and privacy amidst future developments on neighbouring plots.

Project Name : Within Cuboids
Project Location : Pune, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Alok Kothari Architects
Principal Designer : Alok Kothari

Photographer: Hemant Patil

A young couple working in the IT industry embarked on a journey to build their home on a 3,700 sq.ft. parcel of land located in a serene gated community on the outskirts of Pune with breath taking views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges. Their vision was to have a cost-effective 3-bedroom house featuring an exposed brick façade, a charming kitchen garden and privacy amidst future developments on neighbouring plots.

The advantage of having a brief that was not loaded with a lot of requirements was that the site could be opened for un-built spaces. Working on these lines, the house was planned within two parallel cuboids anchored around a central axis. The axis – an alley leading to the entrance – is at the core of the design philosophy. A covered courtyard filled with river pebbles and adorned with a ‘tulsi- vrindavan’ welcomes you at the main door and acts as a connector to the 2 cuboids. Along with the central court, the permanence of the central axis is further reinforced with a ‘tabebuia rosea’ tree that anchors the transitional space between the parking & the house entrance. The stepping stones pathway leading to the main door adds to the significance of the axis.

Both cuboids host open courtyards on the ground floor, seamlessly integrating the interior spaces and amplifying their volumes. The living room extends into the veranda and then flows into the green lawn of the living court – beauty of which is further amplified by a ‘frangipani’ tree tucked in a corner and boulders found during the site excavation. A reversible wooden swing in the living room adds a sense of movement to the space.

The dining area abuts the front open courtyard, offering a visual connection with the outdoors and the main gate. Placement of the blue fabricated staircase between the dining and courtyard makes the space more dynamic.

The courtyards on the ground floor are strategically positioned to connect with the public spaces of the house viz. the living and dining. To address the client’s concerns regarding privacy, exposed brick perforated walls have been incorporated at both the open courtyards. This not only screens the indoors from outsiders but also adds an engaging element to the space.

First floor hosts two master bedrooms, each placed in both cuboids respectively. The expanse of these bedrooms is accentuated by the balconies, which offer panoramic views of the mountains & open fields. Unlike the ground floor, the first floor is opened to establish a stronger connection with the outdoors. The yellow spiral staircase leading to the terrace has been pulled out into the rear balcony, reflects the same.

The massing of the house has been kept subtle with a focus on accentuating the geometry of the cuboids. Strategically placed exposed brick perforated walls highlight the courtyards & give them a natural look. Earthy tone of the walls complements the brick façade & also imparts a sense of warmth. To mitigate future privacy concerns, openings on the side walls have been kept minimal, with larger openings only on the front and rear walls.

Courtyards not only draw in natural light but also help in boosting the natural ventilation. Placed on the east & west façade, the perforated brick wall of the courtyards reduces the glare. Deep recessed balconies on the first floor and minimum number of openings on the south façade further decrease the heat gain. Together with this and the stack ventilation enabled through ventilation punctures at the top of the central courtyard, the design reduces the dependency on mechanical ventilation.

Harmonizing with the earthy material palette of the exteriors, the interior flooring is a combination of different natural stones. Basalt stone covers the entire ground floor except for the entrance lobby and the buffer space between the dining & kitchen to highlight their importance as ‘pause points.’ The flooring pattern of concentric squares in Jaisalmer stone anchored to a central geometric motif enhances the beauty of these spaces. Basalt flooring extends to the common areas of the first floor, while the bedrooms feature a combination of Jaisalmer and green Kota stone flooring.

The vibrant colours (blue & yellow) of the staircases not only accentuate the beauty of the stone flooring but also highlight their importance as movement lines.

Project Name : Within Cuboids
Project Location : Pune, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Alok Kothari Architects
Principal Designer : Alok Kothari

Photographer: Hemant Patil

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Core Court House / Traanspace https://designessentiamagazine.com/core-court-house-traanspace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=core-court-house-traanspace&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=core-court-house-traanspace Mon, 20 Nov 2023 07:08:32 +0000 https://designessentiamagazine.com/?p=22503 this house is developed around an introspective courtyard, creating a core space which casts interesting multi-level interactions with the adjoining spaces. This courtyard is the soul of an otherwise simple house.

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this house is developed around an introspective courtyard, creating a core space which casts interesting multi-level interactions with the adjoining spaces. This courtyard is the soul of an otherwise simple house.

Project Name : Core Court House
Project Location : Vadodara, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Traanspace
Principal Designer : Urvi Shah

Photographer: Tejas Shah

Text description by the architects;

As the name suggests, the house is developed around an introspective courtyard, creating a core space which casts interesting multi-level interactions with the adjoining spaces. This courtyard is the soul of an otherwise simple house.

Situated on a 2900 sq. ft. plot of a gated community in Vadodara, the context of the site as one can easily imagine, did not provide much of an interesting canvas. So we decided to create one for our clients. Being mindful about the plot size, we restrained from investing a lot of space on something elemental and compromising on the client’s requirements. We rather wanted to generate something from within. So, as one can see, we carved the courtyard centrally in the plan and designed a staircase around it. The light penetrating from the skylight and the lush green plantation in the court together add life to the house helping us create enlivening spaces around it.

The planning is rather simple with the living, dining, kitchen and one bedroom on the ground floor surrounding the core court. Three bedrooms on the first floor with a connecting passage overlooking the courtyard and a home theatre, art studio and terrace on the second floor with a similar passage as first floor, overlooking the courtyard.

The massing is a floating brick box. Instead of going with the ordinary brick bond, we chose to use horizontal stack bond to grasp that striking plainness. Planters and balconies are carved out in south and west directions to act as buffer for the internal spaces. This greenery curtain breaks the solidity of the façade. The concept of oblique concrete bands was then introduced to add some uniqueness, as well as to further create curiosity and interest for what dwells inside.

The interior is a play of three materials – grey flooring, white walls and wooden furniture. The furniture is either built-in or very minimal, but at the same time is in sync with the unflinching solidity of the outside. An attempt is made to wholly and solely maintain the importance of the courtyard rather than shifting it to fancy elements.

The staircase rising against the only brick wall inside the house, though simple, adds an elemental tranquillity. The skylight above it cast whimsical sciography on the brick wall. The play of these shadows along with the core court at its base keep the house dramatic throughout the day.

To sum it up, this house appears to be a simple, ordinary house to a common man. It is the resident, who on experiencing the life within day after day, experiences it’s extra-ordinary character.

Project Name : Core Court House
Project Location : Vadodara, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Traanspace
Principal Designer : Urvi Shah

Photographer: Tejas Shah

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Enclosure House / Design Ni Dukaan https://designessentiamagazine.com/enclosure-house-design-ni-dukaan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=enclosure-house-design-ni-dukaan&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=enclosure-house-design-ni-dukaan Tue, 11 Jul 2023 16:18:32 +0000 https://designessentiamagazine.com/?p=22259 A house without elevations, an inward-looking “Enclosure” located in India’s Western state Gujarat’s quaint town Himmatnagar.

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A house without elevations, an inward-looking “Enclosure” located in India’s Western state Gujarat’s quaint town Himmatnagar.

Project Name : Enclosure House
Project Location : Himmatnagar, Gujarat, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Design Ni Dukaan
Principal Architect : Veeram Shah

Photographer: Ishita Sitwala

Text description by the architects,

A spiritual journey is an inquiry into one’s own existence, or rather an inquiry into existence and non-existence and the relation between the two, culminating in the realization of pure existence beyond inquiry. Founder and Creative Director of Ahmedabad-based multi-disciplinary design studio Design Ni Dukaan Veeram Shah’s latest architectural masterpiece “Enclosure” – spread across 2,137 square meters — has been no different, and perhaps the most important learning has been one of self-negation. 

How does one design a formless house? This was the primary inquiry from which the conceptual foundation for the project was generated. This led to the designer questioning the very basis of built forms. This caused a shift in the designer’s perception that resulted in an inside-out approach to the design, wherein the experience of space from within took precedence over the external form and a second skin wrapped around the structure, holding the separate parts together and defining a series of courtyards that are intrinsic to the experience of the house. And so, it became a house without elevations, an inward-looking “Enclosure” located in India’s Western state Gujarat’s quaint town Himmatnagar, the administrative headquarters of Sabarkantha district. 

The materiality of the enclosure was the product of a parallel inquiry into the logistics of construction in the remote, rural location. The client, who himself had gone from being a farmer to a successful businessman now returning to his roots, insisted on employing local labor so as an experiment a village contractor was asked to build a sample wall in concrete, and the outcome: an unpredictable but beautiful texture caused by the shifting and warping of unbolted wooden formwork; was fascinating. These “anticipated imperfections” were embraced as part of the construction process, even extending this choice to the use of other materials. 

The muted material palette of concrete discolored Kota stone, white and wood is occasionally punctuated by a warm terracotta tone: at the main entrance (where it forms the backdrop to a brass Bindu, signifying the point of origin), in the swimming pool, on seats around seasonally flowering trees, and sculptural objects scattered throughout the house and garden. The only other use of color is found in the most private spaces of the house, the bathrooms, with each being rendered in a different pastel shade and dramatically illuminated by turret-like skylights. 

The footprint planning attempts to separate public, semi-private, and private zones of the house while maintaining a continuity of flow around a central open space. All parts of the house open onto a courtyard, via a covered corridor, as well as onto smaller, private courts, ensuring that they get adequate light and ventilation while being protected from the harsh tropical sun and hot winds. 

In many ways this project directed the trajectory of the studio (Design Ni Dukaan) during its formative years. Disrupted by several delays during Covid-19, it took them almost nine years to finish the project. The span of time, in fact, gave them the opportunity to repeatedly reassess their ideas of what architecture is, of what a design practice should be, and to delve deeper into these questions while still being able to detach from and discard concepts when required. As the project progressed, everything from architecture to interiors to the landscape was addressed to develop a comprehensive design language, and all elements down to the smallest, including furniture and hardware and light fittings, were rigorously detailed and custom-made by their craftsmen. The project was truly a celebration of the act of creation, which has become for us the essence of our design practice. 

Project Name : Enclosure House
Project Location : Himmatnagar, Gujarat, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Design Ni Dukaan
Principal Architect : Veeram Shah

Photographer: Ishita Sitwala

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Studio AR13 / AR 13 https://designessentiamagazine.com/studio-ar13-ar-13/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=studio-ar13-ar-13&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=studio-ar13-ar-13 Sun, 09 Jul 2023 16:16:23 +0000 https://designessentiamagazine.com/?p=22235 This office studio in Vadodara is a convertible space that can be used for work, play, and gathering.

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This office studio in Vadodara is a convertible space that can be used for work, play, and gathering.

Project Name : Studio AR13
Project Location : Vadodara, India
Architect/Interior Designer : AR13
Principal Architects : Himalay Goraniya, Hiren Patel and Shivani Chauhan.

Photographer: Vinay Panjwani

Text description by the architects,

AR13 is an architectural studio that aims to give back to society through its architectural designs. The studio itself is a convertible space that can be used for work, play, and gathering. Located on an internal road in Vadodara, the studio is built on an east-facing rectangular plot with an area of approximately 2600 sqft. It shares a common wall with open plots on the west and south sides, while the north side abuts a residential building.

The building is designed as two linear blocks that enclose a major footprint of green space. The blocks are set back to avoid direct sunlight from the south into the workspace. This arrangement allows for maximum usable plot area when the space is opened up. The ground floor is designed with the possibility of future extensions and considers the nature of spaces above.

The front elevation of the studio is divided into two parts: a pedestal entrance gate and a parking garage gate. The pedestal entrance in the northeast side features concrete-casted steps on a water body with fishes and foliage. This entrance serves as a threshold to create a sense of calm before entering the creative space from the busy roads. The adjacent parking garage is a multipurpose area with a 30′ wide horizontal bi-fold gate. When closed, the gate provides partial privacy, and when opened, it serves as a thoroughfare from the street. The garage area can be used for parking, workshops, staging events, or as a backroom.

Upon entering through the pedestal entrance, the studio space is linearly divided into a waiting area, discussion area, working space, pantry, material library, and washroom. The enclosed area only has walls on the north and west sides, while the other two sides feature large wooden openable doors that connect to the green spaces.

The interior of the studio features a basic material palette of wood, concrete, steel, and natural stones. This combination gives the space a raw and edgy feel that complements the lush green views and the backdrop of Agra red stone and concrete finished compound walls. The furniture in the studio is designed for both functionality and aesthetics, playing with the combination of materials. The workstations are designed as connecting modules with a common leg stand and storage, and they have extendable surfaces to accommodate large drawing sheets while still maintaining individuality.

The building serves as a journal of the architects’ experiments with materials, structures, openings, and finishes. Each opening is treated differently, considering its context and nature. The systems vary in nature and material, but they come together to create a cohesive space. For example, the 32′ wide opening between the workspace and the deck features bespoke glass progressive sliding shutters with a frame made of composite materials (wood and steel). The 32′ wide opening also has large wooden sliding folding doors that act as vertical fins, providing sun screening on the south side while maintaining light and temperature in the workspace. The parking garage gate is a 30′ wide steel gate that folds up to create a canopy and act as a visual barrier.

Throughout the day, the studio space creates a dramatic atmosphere with an amazing play of light and shadow. The building comprises three different types of slab structures with different methods and finishes. The garage slab is an inverted beam slab casted with conventional steel shuttering, left unfinished to maintain a raw, semi-open space. The studio slab, spanning 32′ x 16′ with a thickness of 7″, is casted on handpicked fine pine wood planks to create natural wooden figures imprinted in the ceiling. This slab also contains a niche housing the curtain and sliding door. The small pantry area slab is casted using plywood shuttering with a wooden batten grid, resulting in a clean and finished slab with V grooves.

The studio continues to evolve with blooming plants as a backdrop, Agra red stone lines, rusting rain chains, and ongoing art pieces and explorations.

Project Name : Studio AR13
Project Location : Vadodara, India
Architect/Interior Designer : AR13
Principal Architects : Himalay Goraniya, Hiren Patel and Shivani Chauhan.

Photographer: Vinay Panjwani

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VIPA Farm House / Studio One By Zero https://designessentiamagazine.com/vipa-farm-house-studio-one-by-zero/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vipa-farm-house-studio-one-by-zero&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vipa-farm-house-studio-one-by-zero Tue, 30 May 2023 08:40:30 +0000 https://designessentiamagazine.com/?p=21904 With a sense of nostalgia and vernacular elements the design of this #house becomes modern and timeless.

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with a sense of nostalgia and vernacular elements the design of this house becomes modern and timeless.

Project Name : VIPA farm house
Project Location : Sholavaram, Chennai, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Studio One By Zero

Photographer: Yash R. Jain

Text description by the architects.

A doctor couple who wanted to leave the hustle and bustle of Chennai city bought a 2 Acre parcel of land in the outskirts of the city. The clients approached us with a clear brief of having a 2-bedroom house, with vernacular building elements incorporated. Our intention was to create a sense of nostalgia but to also make sure that the design was modern and timeless.

A dual courtyard is the heart of the house along the east-west direction connecting one end of the house to the other. The living and kitchen are placed on one end whereas the bedrooms are placed on the other which provides better privacy. The dining is placed in between the two courtyards to accommodate large family gatherings. This means that the clients are constantly connected to nature and its conditions outside, be it the morning sunshine or the smell of the monsoon rains. To invoke a sense of nostalgia for her childhood visits to her village, we decided to use exposed brick and cement plaster throughout the house. This makes the architecture and the interior of the space to be more symbiotic with one another. The natural finish and appearance of each brick varies from one another creating textures that age organically through time. 

The entrance of the house has a cantilevered slab which provides ample protection from the sun but lets in all the breeze that flows through the property. The living is planned in such a way that it overlooks the courtyard. The grey oxide flooring with granite inlays along with the use of a filler slab in the ceiling ensures that the interior is kept cool throughout the day. Strips of 4mm glass break the monotony of the oxide flooring and also helps to avoid the floor from cracks.  The character of the house is enhanced with wooden and brass antiques that have been sourced from different parts of Tamil Nadu. 

We enter the dining room through a 9 feet wooden and glass door. The use of Athangudi tiles from Karaikudi adds a subtle traditional essence to the space. The courtyard on the west side has an intricate brick parametric wall flanked with tall plants on either side which balances the texture of the exposed brick, concrete, and lush green plants. The positioning of this wall blocks the harsh light from the west. The projection and recession of the bricks create a wave-like pattern with varying light and shadow play throughout the day. The courtyard on the east has a Chinese Ficus tree as the central focus which gives a break from the brutalist brick and concrete aesthetic. The folding gate opens to reveal the lush green lawn and the landscape on site providing endless views from the dining and courtyards. The courtyards create a passive cooling effect throughout the entire house. 

The two bedrooms, the master and guest bedroom are separated from the dining and courtyard spaces by a 9 feet glass door. The master bedroom is treated with wood and cane to bring in enough warmth and texture to the space. Upon entering the guest bedroom, you are welcomed by a striking live edge wood headboard which always serves as a conversation starter. All the furniture, wardrobe, kitchen cabinets, and doors used in the house are made from reclaimed wood taken from different palaces and houses in various parts of Tamil Nadu. Reusing wood has always been our priority, our aim is to decrease the usage of freshly cut trees and repurposing the ones that have been discarded.

Project Name : VIPA farm house
Project Location : Sholavaram, Chennai, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Studio One By Zero

Photographer: Yash R. Jain

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On the Brooks House / Monsoon Collective https://designessentiamagazine.com/on-the-brooks-house-monsoon-collective/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=on-the-brooks-house-monsoon-collective&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=on-the-brooks-house-monsoon-collective Thu, 11 May 2023 13:44:50 +0000 https://designessentiamagazine.com/?p=21883 Set against the lush backdrop of Kerala’s greenery, On the Brooks stands out with its linear form and rustic brick facade.

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Set against the lush backdrop of Kerala’s greenery, On the Brooks stands out with its linear form and rustic brick facade. 

Project Name : On the Brooks House
Project Location : Angamaly, Kerala, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Monsoon Collective

Photographer: K. Midhul

Text description by the architects.

Set against the lush backdrop of Kerala’s greenery, On the Brooks stands out with its linear form and rustic brick facade. The single-story house for three located in Kochi is an amalgamation of the traditional and contemporary and has been conceived with an emphasis on upcycling vernacular materials. The design intent deals with the creation of meaningful experiences within the home.

Concept: The design is based on the concept of a flowing brook, with water channels flowing around and through the building, and the rhythmic movement of the water being expressed in the form. The water flowing through these channels during the monsoon coupled with the vistas created within the space aids in the creation of a multi-sensory experience within the home.

Design Philosophy: The design involves a reinterpretation of traditional Kerala architecture. Modernisation of these traditional elements to translate to a more contemporary style goes hand in hand with retaining the value of these spaces as per vastu principles. One such example is the entrance doorway set in a protruding concrete enclosure that is reminiscent of the traditional “padippura” doorway in its imposing scale and meaning. Courtyards and verandahs, a prominent part of Kerala’s vernacular architecture are vital to creating harmonious living spaces in the house. The plan involves the creation of elongated visual corridors, highlighted by the water channels leading toward the courtyard. The courtyard, the terminal of this visual axis is a semi-open garden, enclosed by patterned brick walls with rhythmic voids complimenting the flow of water through the channels. The “thinnai”, a transitional and social space in the region’s older homes, has been transformed into a deck adjoining the space.

Materiality: The building utilises locally sourced brick, accented by concrete, steel, cane, and glass. The car porch, with its canopy made of locally sourced hand-cut cane reeds arranged in a geometric pattern within a steel frame, is a step towards upcycling a material that is often overlooked. Brick, another locally sourced material is used in the sinuous focus wall, made of combining semi-circular arches, that emulate the flow of water in a brook. The curves juxtapose the linear character of the form. The entire structure is capped by a concrete parasol roof that seems to float over the wall, an illusion created by the provision of slit windows right beneath it. 

Sustainability: The protruding angular profile of the parasol roof aids its functionality as a rainwater catchment zone. The rainwater is then directed to the channels running around and into the interiors of the house, finally leading to the courtyard. The water is then discharged into the orchard beyond the house for irrigation purposes.

Though the creation of a well-crafted home is primary, the project strives to create a harmonious collection of spaces that are well-integrated with the context and climate. The house, crafted with humbleness aims to communicate with the common man, with its emphasis on creating sufficient, affordable spaces. Thus, On the Brooks with its refined details reaffirms the value of simplicity in architecture.

Project Name : On the Brooks House
Project Location : Angamaly, Kerala, India
Architect/Interior Designer : Monsoon Collective

Photographer: K. Midhul

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Dusk House / naav studio https://designessentiamagazine.com/dusk-house-naav-studio/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dusk-house-naav-studio&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dusk-house-naav-studio Thu, 11 May 2023 11:31:45 +0000 https://designessentiamagazine.com/?p=21864 /Inspired by the hues of crepuscular light, this private terrace #bar located in the plush Banjara Hills is the perfect embodiment of functional yet aesthetic space.

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Inspired by the hues of crepuscular light, this private terrace bar located in the plush Banjara Hills is the perfect embodiment of functional yet aesthetic space.

Project Name : Jaipur Residence
Project Location : Jaipur, India
Architect/Interior Designer : naav studio

Photographer: Monika Sathe

Text description by the architects.

Inspired by the hues of crepuscular light, this private terrace bar located in the plush Banjara Hills is the perfect embodiment of functional yet aesthetic space. The refreshing tropical modern design pulls one right into the warmth of the sunset, capturing the essence of it like no other. The first challenge here is combining the distinctive design elements of the house and terrace – an ingenious resolution is found in the creation of a semi-outdoor transitional space leading to a floating staircase. The intricately woven teak beaded door and the crimson in the antique kumkum (a traditional Indian red turmeric powder) box installation pop against the warm tone of the wood and the oxide finish wall in this space. The achromatic swing hanging over the verdant green rug further offsets the subtle colors, easing us into the color palette of the adjacent rooms.

The terrace is surrounded by greenery and the city softly disappears into the sky to make us feel like we are part of the scenery. The spatial division is chalked out by its functionality which includes the sit-down dining area and an elevated bar conversing with the landscape pockets. The creative use of design elements at the bar results in a seamless blend with nature. The roof’s opaque linen fabric encases the two-tiered mild steel pergola. This casts shadows across the room with the changing sunlight and the breeze blocks act as a visual barricade to the busy city. The airy monotone amphitheater provides comfortable seating without restricting movement or taking away from the space. It is, however, the details of the bar counter that catches one’s eye. While the beauty of the Oolitic limestone coral block keeps you captivated, the extended metal fin cladded storage and the sleek standing counter are the perfect condiments for the unit. Adding to this, the sandy Corian kitchenette synchronizes and ties all elements together wonderfully.

The fluidic dining table is inspired by nature and departs from all clean lines. The rustic, cylindrical mild steel legs add to its sophistication. The crafted metal bathroom door is reminiscent of the woven design dialogue of the entrance from the floor below. The Indian pink marble keeps in line with the warm and airy color story of the rest of the terrace with small peeps of sunlight shining through, showcasing a dance of light and shadows.

While the terrace has been created to allow for social interaction, in contrast, the soothing yoga room has been created to give one peace from the hustle and bustle of the city. Complementing the handwoven cane ceiling, wooden floors have been used here to provide a softer surface for all your asanas. The space plays with a variety of textures and colors, creating a dynamic minimalist design. Inspired by the colors of the sunset, the terrace feels cohesive while maintaining its distinct spaces. The beauty of this space lies in its careful use of natural materials to make one feel like they are far from the city, despite being in the very center of it. 

Project Name : Jaipur Residence
Project Location : Jaipur, India
Architect/Interior Designer : naav studio

Photographer: Monika Sathe

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