The House of Memories in Valsad is a modern yet nostalgic abode, designed by Studio Lagom, that seamlessly blends tradition and contemporary architecture. Located on a 165’ x 55’ plot in a city known for its orchards and lotus ponds, the home is a celebration of the family’s heritage while embracing modern needs.
The house replaces the family’s 40-year-old residence, a 22-room structure bought from a Parsi gentleman, which also served as their office. Though rich in memories, the old building faced issues of leakage, maintenance, and accessibility, especially for a physically challenged family member. This led to the need for a new, barrier-free home.
Studio Lagom took on the project after the plinth for a frame structure had already been laid. The architects envisioned a load-bearing structure with exposed brick, reflecting the clients’ well-traveled tastes and preference for a timeless aesthetic. The design revolves around a central well, celebrating it as a positive element that connects the new home to its roots.
The architectural presence of the home is both emphatic and contextually grounded. The workspace, positioned near the street, is partially hidden behind a main gate inspired by tambour desk shutters. The office facade features a concrete-bordered box with teak slats, softened by cascading greenery. The residential section is marked by a carved wooden door, leading to a lush courtyard with a lotus pond and the central well.
Inside, the ground floor hosts a living room, temple, dining area, kitchen, and two bedrooms, while the upper level includes two primary bedrooms, a family room, and a guest room. The design emphasizes an inside-outside feel, with large louver-shuttered windows, skylights, and greenery-infused spaces. The master bedroom opens to a private terrace, perfect for entertaining, and the son’s study overlooks the courtyard’s frangipani tree. The senior members’ living quarters are framed by bamboo backdrops, creating a serene environment.
Materiality plays a key role in the home’s narrative, with exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and concrete elements adding texture and warmth. Many wooden features, such as shutters, cabinets, and staircase treads, were salvaged from the old house and repurposed in the new design. This approach aligns with the clients’ and architects’ commitment to sustainability, which is further reflected in the use of solar energy and rainwater harvesting.
The integration of old elements with curated new pieces adds character to the home. Antique furniture, South Indian pillars, vintage seating, and objets d’art create a rich tapestry of stories in each room. Original art from across India enhances the home’s eclectic charm.
A standout feature is the ‘dancing brick wall,’ a load-bearing structure with bricks laid at varying angles, creating a perforated, textured expanse that facilitates ventilation between the home and workspace while maintaining privacy. The workspace itself, with its spiral staircase and vintage-inspired furniture, continues the materiality and spirit of the home.
The House of Memories is more than just a residence; it is a dynamic, functional, and beautiful embodiment of the family’s past and present, meticulously designed to resonate with their lifestyle.