Prashant Parmar Architect / Shayona consultant: The Modern Contemporary House in Ahmedabad follows the principles of modern simplicity in all the architectural aspects with a contemporary ensemble in the interiors to create a bungalow with seamlessly interconnected spaces. This humble east-facing plot welcomes the sunlight and air to pass through the full-sized window to keep it naturally bright and airy throughout the day. The bungalow holds strategically oriented elevated gardens on every level to promote cross-ventilation keeping the spaces cool and connecting the user with nature.
The architect planned every activity in such a way that it has a connection with the gardens and created a visual and personal connection between all the floors. At the same time, to overcome the “Boxy” and “Overpowering” structure on the South-East corner, staggered volumes were created which resulted into the terrace garden on each floor giving it a natural stepped form. Moreover, this house becomes an interesting self-shading structure as a result of various cuboid volumes staggered at different levels.
In summer, the temperature of Ahmedabad touches 45 to 47 degrees keeping the city hot, especially during noon. In that extreme climatic conditions, open spaces become useless, if they are not shaded properly. Here, this shelf shading structure fulfills its purpose and benefits users to hangout in the balcony spaces even in the daytime. From the initial stage of planning, all the activities were pushed to the rear side and the front side was kept open to accommodate that space with elevated gardens on each floor. The toilets were placed on the west face which acts as a buffer for the bedrooms on the east face and cuts the heat from the west side.
Upon entry to the house, the double-heighted entry foyer gives an iconic identity to stand out from the surrounding houses. One experiences the volumetric difference of double height to single height while entering the home. The elements like wooden blinds are purposefully placed in the Common Area to maintain the privacy of the user and get a dramatic effect of light throughout the day. The Puja area is made double heighted to give a grandeur look.
The double-heighted Lounge Area on the first floor gives a “wow factor” to the space. A user can connect with the upper as well as lower levels at the same moment. A minimalist bedroom with a camouflaged door and garden balcony is an exemplary element of the house. The multipurpose room on the second floor is treated as a leisure space which is highlighted with seamless wooden flooring that creates a warm ambiance.
For the Exteriors, the right proportion of red brick cladding with stone Crete texture in grey and white tones highlights the aesthetics of architecture. Whereas, thoughtful use of veneers, stone veneers, fluted panels, modified clay material with Italian marble flooring enhances the subtle tones of interiors. The use of natural materials like MCM makes the building sustainable and maintenance-free.
