This simple farmhouse design is a humble residence that responds to the climate and site. It is a fun fact that the house is both an inward and outward looking house at the same time. One of the USPs of the simple farmhouse design project would be that it connects well with the most playful element of nature—the sun—through its dynamic perforated screens and courtyards that animate the spill-out spaces with playful shadows throughout the day. The site situates itself on the outskirts of Baroda, near a village named Aampad.

Editor’s Note: “With a character reminiscent of a country house, this farmhouse in Vadodara embodies an earthy aesthetic featuring rustic bricks, a sloping roof, and elegant Mangalore tiles. The open-plan design seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor spaces. Its interiors boast a soothing color palette, while the captivating sciography of brick jaalis enhances its charm, making the farmhouse a luxurious and comfortable retreat.” ~Simran Khare

This Simple Farmhouse Design Responds To The Climate And Site | Dipen Gada & Associates

What constitutes a beautiful house? I believe every house unique to its natural setting, challenges the notions of domesticity and ideas of aesthetics as perceived by its architect. Embedded in all of it is a strong philosophy that lends itself to. It’s distinctive character and language. The same applies for this house as well.

Client Brief

The client happens to be one of the prominent developers in the city. He approached us with the very simple requirement of building a second home where they could unwind and relax in the lap of nature. We were fortunate enough to have had a client who trusted us enough from past experiences and thus gave us complete freedom to exercise our creativity.

Plot layout and challenges

The plot is a squarish piece of land with a total area of roughly 43,600 sq. ft. with a beautiful parcel of land with an existing orchard and a minimal client requirement of simply 2 bedrooms and a kitchen and dining. We had the opportunity to sprawl around and limit the house to just one floor. Since it was a farmhouse, the effort was to lend it a character similar to country houses. Thus the use of bricks, sloping roofs, and Mangalore tiles.

Exterior and planning

It’s green setting further encouraged us to plan spaces in a manner that allows connection with the outside at all times, inviting ample sunlight along with it.

The house is thus done in an ‘L-shape, dividing the public and private spaces in separate wings with a central courtyard-like space that is held by a small swimming pool on one corner. The space is demarcated by a tall frame made of exposed brick.

The overall experience of journeying towards the house is quite fascinating, filled with surprises at various stages. The first veil appears in the form of a tall concave wall done in a manner that makes it look like a gorgeous brick jali, lending it an opportunity to render the cobbled floor with engaging Sociography. Honestly, it is quite an element of suspense.

As one moves behind the brick jaali, along the curve, a very delicate but ornate box in casted antique jaali waits to invite you.

This is the entry foyer to the house. Soon after entering it, one is astounded by the view that one encounters. An ambulatory on either side covered in a sloping roof and a stark blue pool amidst the greens instantly engaged one.

The house is surrounded by a picturesque garden with a small orchard on one corner of the site. It nests a tiny circular seating area under it. There is also another Terminalia court on the other side of the garden and a jogging track along the periphery of the plot.

Interior

The interiors are in an abundant and soothing white with the use of indigenous materials like cane, lime plaster, brick courtyards, and beautiful terrazzo. 

All spaces have a muted monochromatic character to it. There is occasional accents of a few bright paintings or loose pieces of furniture like consoles and chairs with vibrant upholstery here and there.

All spaces have a semi covered courtyard with subtle greens and brick jaali as a spill out space.

The ambulatory circumscribing the exteriors is another spillout on the other end of each of these rooms. Thus, even though one is inside the house, there is a constant connection with the outdoors at all times.

Fact File

Designed by: Dipen Gada & Associates

Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design

Project Name: Sitish Parikh Farmhouse

Location: Vadodara, Gujarat

Year Built: 2023

Duration of the project: 2 Years

Principal Architect: Dipen Gada

Team Design Credits: Dipen Gada, Ishank Patel, Prashant Gujjar, Vishal Jani and Prakash Prajapati

Photograph Courtesy: Tejas Shah

The Firm’s Website Link: Dipen Gada & Associates

Firm’s Instagram Link: Dipen Gada & Associates

Firm’s Facebook Link: Dipen Gada & Associates

for Similar Projects >> A Classic Design Aesthete of Bold Blues and Monotone Moldings