The client, rooted in the cultural context of pol houses of Ahmedabad, aspires to create a modern abode that reflects a harmonious blend of contemporary aesthetics while preserving the rich legacy of heritage. Residing within the UNESCO-inscribed walled city of Ahmedabad, the dwelling exudes a solemn ambiance, embodying Indian rituals and customs. Drawing inspiration from the iconic pol houses, key spatial elements such as doors, windows, columns, and brackets serve as expressive motifs within the interior spaces.
Editor’s Note: “Drawing inspiration from the Pol houses of Ahmedabad, this residence exudes a solemn ambiance, with doors, windows, columns, and brackets serving as expressive motifs. The tactile experiences within the interiors, intertwined with a contemporary design aesthetic, evoke a profound sense of belonging. This abode’s modern expression stands as a testament to the timeless fusion of vernacular charm and contemporary elegance.” ~Simran Khare
A Home Rooted In The Cultural Context Of Pol Houses of Ahmedabad | The Art Container
The interior design incorporates green kota and brown kota stones. They are adorned with inlay patterns, resembling famous paintings, and feature linear divisions reminiscent of S.H. Raza’s work.
Tactile surfaces, including the relationship of the otla at the doorstep, find resonance in the courtyard, where a bespoke dining table takes center stage with a tulsi kyara (pot) incorporated into its design.
The dining table, inspired by the Champa Leaf, is crafted from Rajasthan green marble with brass inlay. The walls, finished with lime wash, contribute to the house’s cooling effect through natural lime plaster.
Lighting elements in the interior echo the wooden battens found in traditional pol house roofs. Externally, the house exudes a minimalist and modern aesthetic, while the interior embraces the ethos of ‘more’ is less’—a heritage house enriched with objects that carry memories of the past.
In this contemporary expression, the dwelling becomes a timeless testament to the fusion of present-day design sensibilities with the enduring heritage of vernacular architecture.
Furthermore, the adaptive repurposing of brass utensils, now transformed into sculptural lighting, and the deformation of the brass and copper kalash utensil into a floral pedestal sculpture within the staircase volume, exemplifies the seamless integration of heritage elements into the modern narrative of the residence.
Each bedroom seamlessly incorporates heritage textiles inspired by the Sabyasachi collection for bedroom upholstery, extending to veneer-clad surfaces intricately etched with palm motifs, thereby enhancing the furniture with exquisite details.
Fact File
Designed by: The Art Container
Project Type: Residential Interior Design
Project Name: Heritage Legacy – AMDAVADI House
Location: Ahmedabad
Year Built: 2021-2023
Duration of the project: 3 Years
Project Size: 3150 Sq. Ft
Principal Architects: Raveena Panchal Shah
Photograph Courtesy: Inclined Studio
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Asian Paint / Furniture – Walnut Furniture / Kitchen – Tanushree Kitchen / Paint – Asian Paint
The Firm’s Website Link: The Art Container
Firm’s Instagram Link: The Art Container
Firm’s Facebook Link: The Art Container
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