Urvi Shah of Transspace used the concept of boxes while developing the overall design language of this house located on a plot area of 4500 sq. ft. in a gated community surrounded by bungalows.  The house is designed for a family of four, who desired a shift to a house closer to nature. Expecting the design to be very functional they at the same time believed in maximalism. Read on SURFACES REPORTER (SR) to know how architects developed a concept which responds to the context and the client's brief all together.

Concept Development:

The main concept was to open out each space and have green pockets in sync with nature. The heart of the design is the central courtyard strategically created to establish visual linkages. After leaving the regulation margins, an additional setback was planned on the front road facing side of the plot. A garden was conceptualized in this expanse.

Also Read: A Stack of Uneven Cuboid Boxes Forms the Exterior of Double-Storey Sarpanch House | Telangpore | Neogenesis+Studi0261

Living, dining and staircase forming the active core of the house, were designed with limited or no wall separation between them. Aligned to the client’s brief, landscaped pockets were planned in and around these spaces to keep them open, connected and in sync with nature. Spaces overlooking these green scopes were designed on the above floors.

The facade is flanked by balconies and terraces at different levels to cut the direct entry of sunlight thus acting as buffer for the main functional spaces.

The elevation thus strikes a balance between solidity and transparency. Boxes are used as elements to add character to the climate responsive balcony of the master bedroom.

A shift in material from brick to exposed grey plaster distinguishes this volume.

This concept of boxes is then taken further while developing the overall design language.

The interior colour scheme is conceptualized to be neutral and the material palette minimal.

All the furniture is either customized as per design or handcrafted on site as per details.

Wood and metal became the key elements while developing the furniture. Used differently at different spaces against the subtle backdrops of white and grey, these materials are then overlaid with pastel furnishings and accessories.

Spatial Organization:

The internal zonal articulation is kept simple, with a distinct delineation of common, semi-private and private zones.

The common areas comprising of living, dining, kitchen and a guest bedroom are housed on the lower level, main bedrooms on the first and the semi-private spaces lie on the level above it.

The central courtyard created to establish visual links and connectivity in all the three dimensions. The spaces on the ground floor are arranged in a C around this court.

Together with the outdoor landscape, this quad frame beautiful views for the living and the dining.

The staircase placed in this courtyard takes one to the above floor. Bedrooms on this floor are riveted by a common reading area. The staircase further takes one to the second level encompassing the entertainment room and a landscaped terrace.

The Courtyard:

The central courtyard was strategically designed to blur the boundaries between inside and outside. It further helps in establishing visual linkages and connections in all three dimensions. Along with the garden, it frames beautiful views for the living area. In line with the deck, it dispenses an experience of being set in the greens for the dining.

In the vertical axis, it connects all the floors exuding different experiences at each level. The black terrazzo flooring done on site by local craftsmen and the umbrella tree becomes the highlight on the ground floor, the play of natural light through the slit window on the first and the sciography cast by the skylight on the second.

Lastly, this courtyard houses the staircase. With its sleek design in wood and metal in line with the house’s furniture concept, the staircase is crafted elsewhere and then assembled on site.

The Window Seating:

Designed to add character to the façade, the window seating was designed in sync with the box concept. A shift in material from brick to exposed grey plaster distinguishes this volume on the exterior.

Connecting the garden with the interior this seating in the living room is a cozy nook to sip a cup of coffee while enjoying the view.

The Terrace:

On the second floor, overlooking the garden on the ground floor is the terrace. Designed to satisfy dual purpose, one as a spillover space for small parties or gatherings and two to act as a warm alcove for some family time.

Most of the space was planned to be kept free or with loose furniture to cater to the first function while a metal gazebo with swing element was conceptualized for the second. Greenery was then added to complete the space.

Project Details:

Principal Architect Urvi Shah

About the Firm

Traanspace is a constantly evolving design practice, established in the year 2009 in Vadodara with the aim of creating original and timeless designs. Headed by Architect Urvi Shah the firm has worked on projects spread over various genres ranging from bungalows, multi-dwelling, weekend homes to commercial, retail and interior. The firm believes in experimenting beyond conventionalism and building unusual illustrations in architecture on a very simple note. The motto “Less is more” is unfailing in our designs actualised by bold and straight lines. Believers of minimalism and sheer contemporary designs, the firm prospers in designing in detail.  

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