The outhouse, on the outskirts of western Ahmedabad, is a retreat for a Gujarati family to unwind over the weekend or have gatherings. The outhouse design embraces openness, where natural elements are seamlessly woven into the architecture, creating a tranquil retreat.
Editor’s Note: “Whispering the language of leisure through every corner, ‘The Elemental Outhouse’ captures and celebrates the quiet drama of nature. Carved paths, ochre walls, and sculptural clarity script a story of soulful experience. Designed for gatherings, yet perfect for solitude, it is a reminder that stillness is a form of luxury.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Outhouse Design Is A Celebration Of Organic Planning | Modo Designs
The sprawling site makes the journey from the entrance to the outhouse a memorable one. The volume is an open ground-floor structure with a linear organization.
The spaces are planned in an organic manner, connected internally through the pool and the dense vegetation from the external borders. The structural framework is sculptural in nature, covered in a palette that is respectful of its surroundings and presents itself as a part of it.
The front bay comprises the living room, dining area, and kitchen. The rear bay has one bedroom and a changing room.
The pool forms the central part of the outhouse, having a seating room hovering above it. The seating room adds a layer of retreat to the design layout, having a view of the pool beneath and a background of shades of green.
In terms of material and finishes, the external walls are in ochre shade rough texture, the ceiling is a combination of exposed RCC and wood. The flooring of the internal spaces comprises terrazzo floor cast on site while the verandah has leather-finished black granite.
The landscape is a fine balance of hardscaping elements and the gentleness of the soft scaping. The curved walkways lead to the house in an amicable way, greeting the green pockets in between.
Fact File
Designed by: Modo Designs
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Elemental Outhouse
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 2020-2023
Built-up Area: 3000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Arpan Shah
Associate Architect: Anupam Choudhary
Design Credits: Rushika Khanna
Photograph Courtesy: phxindia
Interior design: TheWhiteBoxDesigns
Firm’s Website Link: Modo Designs
Firm’s Instagram Link: Modo Designs
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