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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. R-House in Vadodara, India by K.N.AssociatesMay 27th, 2023 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: K.N.Associates A three-level bungalow in Vadodara designed for a traditional Gujarati joint family This home by K.N. Associates was built with exposed brick and RCC; the structure is contemporary, while being rooted to its site and context Exterior Exposed brick as well as RCC come together in this home, with pergolas visible on open terraces. An open courtyard is nestled within the C-shaped footprint of the structure. Semi-open spaces abound, acting as buffers between the living areas and the garden, to be enjoyed in conducive weather. Wooden columns, arches and brackets salvaged from old structures have been used strategically, on an occasional porch or a balcony, to create a jharokha. The extravagant detail in their carvings contrast with the straight lines of the architecture, which is without frills. But in this bold, unexpected gesture, the tones of the old wood and the terracotta of the brick come smoothly together without jarring. In India, such columns can be sourced from Gujarat, Rajasthan or even the south. We were careful to choose the ones from Gujarat, to root the home to its location.  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah
 Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah Entrance Wide “floating” steps pass by a metal sculpture of a cowherd. Prancing in joyous abandon, the figure has been frozen in motion by sculptor Avinash Gondaliya. The quiet detailing on the main door has a diamond shaped pattern in a wood finish, the handle echoing the same shape in an oversized iteration. Puja Room Located just inside the entrance, the puja room is surrounded by a waterbody on three sides, and is connected to the family room, separated by an L-shaped brick jali. This insulates it from voices and the sounds of everyday activities which are unavoidable when an extended family shares a home.  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah Living Room The two sides of this room provide an unhindered view of the garden. An antique swing and a jharokha add local flavor, while the furniture is from Tectona Grandis, Ahmedabad. Curtains are from D’Décor, with chandeliers and lamps from Kaanch, Vadodara. A multitude of masks make up a seemingly random display on a brick wall. In various parts of the home, textured kota has been laid in a pattern to simulate a carpet; polished green kota teamed with its yellow cousin in a leather finish sweep over the floors. We were particularly careful about the joints where a brick wall meets one in RCC. The edge of the brick was chamfered, so that you see only one continuous material when you view the wall.  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah Dining Area and Staircase The pièce de résistance is a large round cut-out in the wall. With a 20-foot diameter, it is set with textured glass in blue, yellow and green in a geometrical pattern which carries through the diagonal lines of the pattern on the surrounding RCC wall. Dominating the space, it connects all the floors of the house. The metal supports which bear the weight of the glass, have been clad in wood. Adjacent to it, a 16-foot-tall suspended art installation brings color to the space. Created by Hemanshi Patwa, its lotus leaves are 18-24 inches in diameter and made of blown glass, with a metal structure for support.  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah Parent’s Bedroom Located in the south west, this bedroom has a traditional bed and a jharokha. Opening onto the garden, it has its own porch with antique pillars.  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah First Floor The first floor has three bedrooms, the common space being furnished in reclaimed wood. The double height space enjoys a large window and is protected from the sun by motorized blinds sandwiched between glass. The master bedroom has a wicker ceiling, brass etching on the bed back, louvred wardrobe shutters and its own study. The attached terrace from which the garden is visible, has outdoor seating topped by a pergola. An old champa tree grows through a cut-out provided in the slab of the terrace. The brother’s bedroom also has a wood and wicker ceiling, brass inlay on the bed back and an antique jharokha with a view of the garden, while the children’s bedroom has artwork featuring their own portraits.  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah Second Floor This floor houses a gym, a guest bedroom and a home theatre. A fun space with exposed brick walls, the floor and ceiling of the home theatre are in wood. The wall at the rear is painted with monuments of Baroda, while another wall has a collage of children playing marbles. Although acoustics have been considered there is no fabric paneling or high-tech sound proofing, since there was no requirement for replicating sound studio specs. With sculpture and installations befitting its scale, this home reduces its carbon footprint with the use of local materials to create an enduring, meaningful space. Drama and glamour convincingly rub shoulders with tradition.  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah  Image Courtesy © Tejas Shah  Image Courtesy © K.N.Associates  Image Courtesy © K.N.Associates  Image Courtesy © K.N.Associates
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Tags: Gujarat, India, Vadodara Categories: Apartments, Residential |
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