Excerpt: Manoj Patel Design Studio Designed an abode by creating array of volumes, articulated openings, and collating various materials & Colour with play of shadows to enhance the experience for users with the interior as well as exterior surroundings.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] The house is stacked with several layers of open and semi open spaces that weave connections from the entry to core of the house on a plot of 900 sqft in the urban context of Vadodara. Voluminous mass has a functional brief of 3BHK house with different experiences of spaces. For us it was an experience of finding opportunity in this challenging plot and identifying new ways to add the aesthetical details.
Giving new thought to the requirements, we planned a house that has its main structural element in the central core of the house, where the 2 identical bridge masses act as a connector. The connectors are adjoined with one bedroom on each floor above. One of the identical connectors opens to the front east side as a circular opening and another opens as a large sliding on the last floor.
Located in the center of residential vicinity, the site opens to many views of street life. The concern was to create a buffer from noise into the house and at the same time allow the users to enjoy habitable areas. an interactive planning interface between inside and the outside evolving elements that address the purpose of sustainability, aesthetics and functionality.
Façade tells another graphical interpretation of the vernacular material on the east side. Closely knitted clay tiles pattern cast shadows on one another, fascinating contemporary design in continuous flow. Façade intends to bring down the indoor temperature through sustainable shading. Detailing out the minute corner junctions also highlights the crafted murals in clay profiles. Each clay tile of varied sizes derives playful rhythms on the façade. The rectangular geometrical shapes in recurring long symmetrical lines depict astronomical interpretations of the stars and sky observed.
The house with series of large openings and in-between spaces, initiates both private uses and allows to have restricted interaction with the visitors. Entering the dwelling through semi- shaded adjacent walkway, we get welcomed into the living room. The barrier-free interior layout, give visuals of colorful pictorials infused with kota stone floorings and furnishings. One, witnesses a different backdrop for a living room, where an accent wall has a central staircase connecting all floors. Inviting more natural light provides a vast view of the greenery drooping inside from full height glass shutters. A corner alcove with colorful mural backdrop invites one for peaceful relaxation. The use of vibrant colors has a soothing effect on viewers’ minds. The living room vertically doubles up for the most utilized spaces and acts as a connector bridge above for easy communications.
TV paneling displays art in fluted wooden strips and laminates with the entrance door composition setting in as a large frame. The jali door lets in perforated sun rays to cast a shadow and functions as a see through screen. Open Dining – Kitchen concept lets to have communicate with nature outside through large elevation sliding.
A tale of interactions starts while climbing the stairs, an alternate to view the outside or to view the internal spaces, and creates stories. The contrasting geometric mural painting on the voluminous staircase wall, amuses with its details. Adjacent wooden panels and a false ceiling, craft another art inside the house. A recessed circular niche window on the mid-landing transforms into seating for the passerby. Sleek railing creates pockets of fun filled gatherings where nature pops in from the openings.
Exploring new material palette for bedroom backdrops, derived crafted series in a different approach. One of the master bedrooms on the first floor gives a textural effect in fluted monochrome based tiles and wooden frames. The orientation of tiles in grooves creates patterns. Another master bedroom on the last floor interprets spiral barcode patterns embossed on tiles inserted with grey toned tiles. This room opens in a terrace garden for some views. The planning of this dwelling creates a sequence of volumes, articulated openings, and play of shadows to enhance the experience for users.
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