The Sculpted House

Location:Vadodara
Built-up Area:1900 Sq.Ft
Programme:Homes
Status:Completed
Completion Year:2016
Photographer:Tejas Shah

Project Details:
This 1900 sq.ft  penthouse on the 9^th floor of a high-rise apartment located in a prime area of Vadodara, is designed for a young couple. This house is an experiment in itself. It is conceptualised to put up a play of modernism merged with rusticity and create a new metaphor.

Functionality and Adherence to Client’s Brief:
The brief was more functional than aesthetical. They wanted a budget friendly house with simple interiors. In addition to the four bedrooms, they wished for a home theatre, puja area, library and interactive family spaces which exude openness.

Sensorial-Spatial Experiences and Use of Material:
The house unfolds varied spaces, each with its individual character and detailing, setting into motion a chain of experiences.The white walls and kota flooring provides a neutral platform for experimenting. Interesting contrast are then created by adding a dash of colours in the form of IPS walls, coloured wood and metal works. A natural palette of materials with a little twist and a spatial experience enriched with natural light creates an elegant environment for the family.

Originality, Innovation, Creativity:
This house breaks the stereotype of conventional design philosophy and attempts to combine two completely different ideologies. It is an experiment, one which tries to reflect the present times while is rooted in the past. Innovatively each material is used differently to enhance the spatial experience. Kota flows from the flooring to the walls and further highlights a few artworks. Coloured wood and metal works stand out in an otherwise subtle furniture arrangement. Each furniture piece is designed in house and locally crafted. Creatively materials are woven with each other to derive an eclectic ensemble.

Detailing:
Collaboration of ideas, materials and aesthetics derives the final design which is then detailed to produce a holistic output. The wooden entrance door is accentuated by metal jaali work.The jaali is conceptually traditional but is detailed out as a very modern element. The console unit is very rustic in design divided in small pockets to create a look which reminds one of old tijoris. The staircase is a pure play of metal with wooden treads. Its backdrop is done in kota stone with groove patterns. All the rooms are detailed meticulously to create interesting spaces.

Innovative Adaption of Local Crafts:
The experiment ends with a touch of artworks and sculptures customised on site to blend with our design concept.The IPS wall in the living room is in itself an artwork. It has kota cladded on the wall finished with patterns in metal. The staircase has a group of sculptures cast from solid wood and metal to highlight the lower level and glass planters hanging from box ceiling on the upper level. An art piece painted directly on wood further enhances this area.Another medium is used to make paintings for the home theatre area. Metal based paintings compliment the metal works in the entire space. All the artworks are designed in house and customised on site. Leaving behind an impression of simplicity and minimalism.