The Terra Kota House came to life through a series of heartfelt discussions and negotiations among the family members, each bringing their unique needs and preferences to the table. The result is a home that effortlessly accommodates the retired life of the parents while fostering the burgeoning careers of their children. It’s a space designed for togetherness, yet respectful of personal solitude.
Connected to the core
Upon entering the Terra Kota House, one is immediately captivated by the shift in axis that directs visitors towards the core of the home—the sunken seating area, a double-volume space that visually connects the entire house. This central seating area is the heart of the home, designed for interaction and socializing. The intricate play of light and shadow, facilitated by strategically placed skylights and northern facades, ensures that the house remains cool while being bathed in natural daylight.
The house, covering a built area of 3000 sq ft, is a composition of nine squares, each thoughtfully carved and projected to negotiate the program with the surrounding environment. The architectural genius of the house lies in its balance of public and private spaces. The social spaces, including the open kitchen, dining, and living areas, are oriented to the north and east, ensuring a cool atmosphere throughout the day. In contrast, the bedrooms on the south and west sides remain a buffer for the house while providing a retreat during the night.
Thoughtful interventions
The choice of materials—kota stone and terrazzo for the flooring, complemented by wooden windows and inbuilt seating—reflects a timeless and user-friendly design. The exposed concrete elements in the double-volume space contrast beautifully with the plaster-finished surfaces of the rest of the house, while the fluid terrazzo flooring in the sunken seating area highlights this space against the darker tones of the kota stone and concrete.
As one explores further, the house reveals its thoughtful design in every corner. The ground floor features a formal living/entertainment room, guest bedroom, and verandah, each space designed to enhance the social bonds within the family. The open kitchen, with its cantilevered concrete island, serves as a multifunctional space for both culinary activities and casual gatherings.
Conscious innovations
The journey through the house continues up a staircase made of mild steel plates and recycled wood treads, leading to the first floor where the bedrooms overlook the double-volume space, maintaining a visual connection throughout the home. The parents’ bedroom, with its mix of contemporary and traditional elements, opens into this central volume, ensuring cross-ventilation and a flood of natural light.
In designing their own home and studio, the architects took the liberty to experiment and innovate, creating spaces at different levels and using materials that breathe, like natural Indian stones and wooden windows. The studio space, set amidst the canopies of Yellow Gulmohar trees, serves as a tranquil pavilion where the architects can immerse themselves in their work, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
The Terra Kota House is a perfect embodiment of Terra Firma Architects’ philosophy—achieving architectural appropriateness through climatic comfort, sustainability, and contextual design. This story, rich in architectural detail and human connection, would make an ideal feature It not only showcases innovative design and sustainable living but also celebrates the personal narrative and emotional investment that brought this beautiful home to life.
Fact file:
Name of the project: Terra Kota House
Location: Ahmedabad, India
Area: 3,000 sq ft
Type: Residential Architecture
Design firm: Terra Firma Architects
Lead designers: Hitarth Majithiya, Netra Bafna
Photography: MKG studio
