Where is this field of ours? How do you envisage this field? How do you create an “in-between” space? The Indian mythological story about Hiranyakashipu talks about this concept of between spaces in a metaphorical way. The story is about a demon who could not be killed via a complete or absolute form (man/beast, devil/god, day/night, indoors / outdoors, earth/sky and so on). This context creates a fundamental question in one’s head – if not absolute, is there something that lies ‘in-between’, something which imbibes a bit of both – and more importantly, something that can be considered a form in itself?
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right-doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” Rumi.
Editor’s Note: “With expansive areas and majestic double-height spaces, this abode in Gujarat weaves a unique character through a harmonious fusion of materials. The thoughtfully planned skylights and the interplay of mass and void evoke a comforting and opulent aura. Water channels, acting as tranquil buffers, imbue the residence with its complete soul.” ~Simran Khare
The Two Bay House is the Manifestation of in Between Spaces | MISA ARCHITECTS
The Two Bay House is the manifestation of this very concept. Neither inside, nor outside, neither solid, nor void, neither public nor private, neither complete nor incomplete – rather a threshold between these.
The in-between space is the central element of this house – and the entire planning revolves – around this. To empower this element, the corridor is given an identity – a larger-than-life scale.
As you enter the corridor, you notice the double-height space that defines the language and aesthetic of this place. The corridor is intentionally bound in a certain geometry that lets you access the two bays on either side – but still maintains its own character.
The three punctures on the roof create the play of light and shadow – the entry point is actually a calculated placement to create a natural spotlight as one enters through the monumental threshold.
The water channels on either side along the corridor are replenished by rains, during monsoons – again an intentional in-betweenness of the natural and the built.
These water channels are the buffers between the corridor and the other spaces – living, dining, and kitchen in the left bay; and rooms and swimming pool in the right bay. The access to these bays is like a bridge over these water channels.
During festivities, the user personalizes this space by placing oil lamps and flowers on the water surface. This space – the corridor – is the building’s soul.
As we move along the place, the journey unfolds. There are courtyards that open up, the bedrooms lead to the attached garden (backyard), and the living/dining/kitchen come across as a single continuous space with supporting elements that make it efficient yet completely consolidated and accessible. The large openings of the living act like a large screen, leading to the amphitheater.
This extended plinth-level terrace is again the transition between the public and the private spaces – literally setting a stage for the expansive green lawns and the unbuilt thereon.
The landscape along the driveway is a natural barrier, and thus, keeps this enormous green space a mystery till one reaches the vantage point. By design, the built footprint is only about 5% of the entire land parcel. This house is the field we were looking for.
Fact File
Designed by: MISA ARCHITECTS
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Two Bay House
Location: Chekhla, Gujarat
Year Built: 2020
Built-up Area: 180000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Kranti Desai, Anand Jasani, Vipul Jiyani & Tarun Patel
Photograph Courtesy: Inclined Studio
Overall Design And Client Coordination: Kranti Desai
Site Supervision And Execution: Anand Jasani
Manufacturers: Saint-Gobain, Asian Paints, Caesar, Daikin, Indian Natural Stone, Jaguar, TURAKHIA VENEER, cera
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: MISA ARCHITECTS
Firm’s Facebook Link: MISA ARCHITECTS
For Similar Project >>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
In a landscape where aspiration quietly waits, Granthalay emerges as a circular building and sanctuary for learning—gathering people, knowledge, and place into a shared civic moment. Granthalay is conceived as a civic institution that extends beyond the conventional idea of a library, responding to the acute lack of educational and community infrastructure in the district […]
A dilapidated old manor house in Jaffna peninsula, with warped roof beams, warped door windows and many structural defects were presented to the architects for refurbishment- by clients- to be refurbished as a retirement home for themselves who were returning to Sri Lanka after escaping to overseas due to the 25 years old North East […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
Design, when it emerges as a living tapestry, turns the experience of living into a vibrant everyday narrative. Baldota House in Alandi, Pune by ARCHOS accommodates three generations under a single roof in the area spanning 7500 Sq. Ft. Spearheaded by the family’s desire for a generous space and a theatrical essence along with balanced […]
Few homes are celebrated for their iconic interiors, while some are celebrated for their open layouts. True to its unique context and subtleties, this home with a monochromatic palette, designed by Ar. Saumya Khanna & Ar. Sudhir Ambawata Co – founders & principle architects of SSDA Architects brings the essence of volumetric design and a […]
Adopting sustainable living today, both in design and daily life, is crucial for reducing our environmental footprint and preserving resources for future generations. In the design of this bamboo pavilion, this means using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and creating spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. In daily living, sustainability involves mindful consumption, reducing waste, conserving […]
Tucked into the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Aashiyana is a residence that balances context, climate, and craft. Designed by architect Srijit Srinivas, this bungalow is conceived as more than a tropical retreat-it is a spatial journey where bold colour, filtered light, and thoughtful materials orchestrate a distinctive atmosphere. Nestled Amidst Lush Landscape Aashiyana Balances Craft […]
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
Project 1374 is located in one of the plotted developments in the north of Bangalore, characterized by well-demarcated plots, open spaces, spacious roads, and organized infrastructure. Trees flank the wide streets, dividing the plots with dense canopies offering shaded avenues. Abutting the plot stood a cluster of trees- a quiet presence. We borrowed these trees […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]