In the peaceful neighbourhood of Prahladnagar in Ahmedabad, this home stands on a 500 square yard plot, surrounded by generous existing open spaces on three sides. It is a haven for a family of three generations, where one of the sons is a renowned filmmaker. His passion for art, understanding of spaces, light, colours and the right frames, influenced the
home's artistic and naturalistic ethos.
A house that opens up strategically, blending indoor and outdoor spaces is truly a retreat. The design features a continuous staggering double-height volume that creates a seamless connection through all levels. Imagine reading in the cosy family area on the lower level and being able to look all the way up to the upper levels, fostering a sense of unity and openness. This also ensures a shaft of air that travels across the house making it airy almost throughout the day. There are escape windows at the higher level that allow the hot air to escape as it rises through levels, shifting the volume of fresh air at regular intervals.
The presence of a mature tree on the site presented a unique challenge of experiencing the home through a screen that seemed to obstruct the facade. The design team at the studio decided to embrace the tree and seamlessly integrate it into the envelope. This creative choice honoured the natural landscape and endowed the home with a distinctive and poetic feature that harmonises architecture and nature.
We shy away from typical basements and like to create well-lit spaces. It's a versatile area that includes a study for the children, a home office, and a large multipurpose hall. The hall flows out to an open-to-sky courtyard, where natural light streams in, transforming what could have been a shadowy space into a bright, welcoming expanse. It feels as if a breath of fresh air has entered the heart of the home, filling it with a vibrant and inviting glow. Our client likes to turn this room into a screening room for his projects where he can brainstorm, perform, workshop and get his creative juices flowing.
The entire house pays homage to natural materials. Kota stone seems to cool the floors in Ahmedabad’s hot summer, while natural wood furniture adds visual warmth and comfort. Exposed brick and concrete walls enhance the home’s character and simplicity. Each material has been carefully chosen to curate the experience and the feeling of our clients in each space. Generational homes have an image of being robust, durable and honest in its construction technique. As architects of this project, we chose to appreciate the honesty of materials and we avoid any type of cladding.
This home is not just another modern building but a reflection of the client’s passions and values. It captures the essence of those who cherish art, nature, and family, creating an environment that is both artistically rich and deeply connected to the natural world. It stands as an example of their love for beauty and their commitment to a harmonious, meaningful way of life.