Excerpt: The residence “Stripped Mobius” by Matharoo Associates creates an infinite loop of fluid planes in bare concrete and modulates a lofty yet intimate space. The design is developed to screen this avoidable context of neighbouring properties while simultaneously negotiating Vaastu, the strict ancient guidelines that govern the shape and placement of spaces, water bodies, and courts, down to the orientation of water closets and choice of colour.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] The house for a real estate developer situated in the western suburbs of Ahmedabad is on a secured plot abutted by an embellished villa on the east and large villas towards the north and west. The design is developed to screen this avoidable context of neighbouring properties while simultaneously negotiating Vaastu, the strict ancient guidelines that govern the shape and placement of spaces, water bodies, and courts, down to the orientation of water closets and choice of colour.
The composition consists of a simple construct of two double-storied rectangular blocks placed parallel to each other and oriented along the north-south axis. The east block functions as the guest wing with the public entrance, formal living, guest room, and kitchen, while the west block includes the private ones like the master bedroom, parents’ room, and bedrooms for both children.
The void between the two blocks plays host to the family living and dining spaces, a temple, and large shaded verandahs that open to gardens on the north and south.
The regularity of these cuppadah sandstone-clad boxes is broken by a curved wall in bare concrete that extends along all three axes. It begins at the entrance and encircles the kitchen to form a utility yard outside before meandering into the dining space, nestling the living area and temple along the way.
The intersection also rises up from the verandah to enclose the lounge on the upper level and turns into a floating, curved slab that looms over the central volume. The epitome of these embryonic interiors is in the basement, where the solid curves are rendered with light from above and reflected against transparent glass planes, making a profound juxtaposition.
The play of this seemingly infinite loop of fluid planes in bare concrete simulates a mobius strip and modulates the space to be one that is inside and yet outside, contained and yet spilled, lofty and yet intimate.
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