Designing across volumes
The volume of the expansive house is divided into three main zones – public, semi-private and private. The public zone consists of the entrance foyer, the office and a mandir while the semi-private zone hosts the living area, a centrally binding courtyard and a family lounge. All the bedrooms are relegated to the private zones while an entertainment zone with a swimming pool features in the basement. Lavish double-height volumes for the semi-public zone ooze vastness, exuding effortless luxury. The design is made age friendly and fully accessible with a majority of the living and private spaces being at the same level and necessary ramps in every zone.
Adhering to Vaastu
With the homeowner’s penchant for complying with Vaastu, each aspect of the design was thoughtfully designed. While Vaastu norms dictate that entrances should be relegated to the northern or eastern side, the site provided access from South-East. The architect thus curated a driveway from the south accessing an entrance to the East, orchestrating a beautiful avenue while affording layers of privacy to the house.
Abstracting the Pol house
Inspired by the humble Pol houses of Ahmedabad, the Brahmasthan or the central courtyard forms the heart of the design. This courtyard grew around a pre-existing tree and creates a visual connection between the different levels of the house and while bringing in natural light into the basement. The interiors spotlight an interesting play of materials and light, enlivening all corners with timeless design. Shaded balconies and metal mesh work at the outdoor spillage area creates a cozy and personalized experience.
A continuous connect with the context
Across all internal spaces in the house, an attached deck or balcony space brings the lush landscape indoors. The dining area opens into a verdant space shaded with a contemporary jali of captivating leafed forms. The resulting play of light and shadow crafts visual interest. A covered canopy pushes the main windows inwards, passively keeping the rooms cool during harsh summers. The central courtyard illuminates the house from within, allowing light to stream in through a skylight jaali with forms reminiscent of the Pols.
An interplay of local materials
The materials used for construction were all locally sourced. Teak India and Ita Gold, Indian natural stones, were used largely for external cladding and Italian marble in warm tones is used throughout the house internally. The warmth of the Italian marble creates a beautiful play with the landscape, making the bungalow true to its context. A temple, entirely carved out of white marble, anchors an underlying spiritual axis. Distinct walkways cutting across the court are constructed using differently sized polished pebbles and materials, creating a comfortable walkway that provides desirable reflexology and a comforting and lively spirit to the space.
Where design and art meet
Stunning design and fitting artwork balance each other in this house. Large artwork inspired by Jain scriptures called ‘Pattachitra’ is seen from the courtyard and entrance foyer as it wraps around the upper floor. It is a traditional cloth based scroll painting and has various mythological narratives and folktales inscribed in it. Actual gold plated graphic forms of lotus were added to create layers on the textile work.
Textile artwork inspired by moonlight and the tree of life, appropriately titled ‘Moonlight’, is also displayed in the living area. This 30-feet-long composition is inspired from the colors of moonlight and represents life and family. The textile and paint composition and has highlights of ‘zardosi’ work in it. Of key significance to the spiritual bent of the homeowner, the art exemplifies Jainism and spirituality. Dotted around the bungalow, artwork paying homage to the abundant history of Ahmedabad can be found, from the mural of Ashtamangal which is displayed at the entrance, to sketches of Pol houses displayed along the staircase.
About the architect:
Ar. Mandviwala engages in various work experiments with new spatial concepts intensifying existing urban landscapes and encompassing all fields of design, from the urban scale to interiors. Known as an architect who consistently pushes the boundaries of sustainable design, he has various townships, high-rise buildings, residential, commercial, hotels, hospitals and office interior projects to his credit across India. Over the years, he has developed an architectural language forging design sensibilities that are inherent to site’s climate and conditions. His approach to design is simplistic with a minimal and modern flair.
Artists: Ujjval Shah of NOYA Products and Ashish Gujjar
