An Agriculture Farmstay With Terracotta Tiled Roof | d6thD design studio
“Aaranya” an agriculture farmstay is located in rural settings at the edge of Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary, Gujarat; and was designed by Ahmadabad based architect Himanshu Patel from “d6thD” design studio with overt principle of vernacular architecture in mind.
Design Philosophy:
Mother Earth has enough for everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed. This simple statement remains the greatest insight into the ecology of this planet. The concern for the climate as well as economical and cultural sustainability has been looked at to incorporate without which sustainability may not work in the Indian context. Rather spending millions on the best technology to create the greenest of green building when very few Indians can associate with them and even fewer can afford, architect have came up with simple, established and honest practice offered by vernacular architecture.
“Roof material is made from terracotta, a material associated with the memory of many family generations, it has become a representative of the image of almost half million Indian villages and so the whole design is evoking this one strong element of Indian architecture- The terracotta tiled roof. “
Design Explanation:
Longer surface of cottages facing north-south direction in order to minimize heat gain and maximize cross ventilation and airflow from adjoining agricultural field. With an objective to minimize its visual impact and response to its earthquake-prone area, the scale of the building has been kept so grounded. Twin cottage plan with hip roof intended to help offset the heavy rainfall in monsoon and heat in summer, native to this region.
At a glance from front, the sloping roof looks like it unites the earth and sky. Externally, the elongated tiled roof forms a distinctive presence yet blended into the landscape, while internally; it shelters the entrance foyer and secures the visual privacy of bedroom. In the near future, the entire roof will be covered in creeping plants emerging from the punctured roof and spread on the tiled roof. When the roof will be fully vegetated, the building will virtually disappear. One feels a psychological transformation in one’s inner space as soon as one experience chirping birds and smell of the flowers at this space.
Cottages were carefully designed as if planted among the existing mango trees. Front yard having a mango tree defined with the natural bio fences constructed of shrubbery acts as a transition space between the more private cottage bedroom and the open farm area. Inbuilt sit out at foyer along with twisted sand stone column below roof adds drama into the welcoming gesture. This space is creating a refuge for contemplation. It also allows guest for an intimate interface with the outdoors where you actually wouldn’t need a book. Building form allows one to instinctively experience the psychological assurance of security on the one hand and the exhilaration of exposure and proximity to the nature on the other. Once the guest is in the cottage, he is cozy and protected. He has everything he needs, as in a womb.
Bathroom has dry and wet area separated with a small buffer space having stained colored glass panel on one side and waste glass bottle wall on other side. Vivid colored daylight appears in bathroom through that buffer, fills up space with joy and excitement. The Natural skylight from dome above; lit the shower space and that makes the bathing experience more refreshing.
The old construction techniques using rubble stone packed foundation, load-bearing exposed natural sandstone walls, brick dome with china mosaic on top and clay tiled roof are not only cost-effective and time tested but architect’s methodology to create job for local villagers as a beginning step of social sustainability and shared happiness. Every effort has been made to ensure that the cottages remains true to its context and testifies itself to the norms of vernacular architecture.
There is an element of vulnerability certainly during an evening spent on local wooden charpai (bedstead) under the stars, listening to the wind rustling in the mango trees and the distant call of a roaring lion but more than that, it brings a humbling awareness of one’s place in the world and harmony with the Earth. This can happen only when we are able to connect to our roots to Mother Nature.
Fact File:
Architect: Himanshu Patel
Design Firm:d6thD design studio, Ahmedabad Location: Bhojde village, Gir lion sanctuary, Gujarat, India
Client: Nishant, Dhanaji
Construction team: Jagdish, Mansukh, Jitu, Ramnik, Nanji, Nitin
Photographs: Inclined Studio
Completion: January 2019
d6thD means The 6th dimension to “feel good”
They design to let you feel good. The 6th dimension is not restricted to measure the physical world but to explore the Feel Good Spaces. Any object or space can be measure in 3 dimensions but to feel good about it is the 6th dimension.
d6thD promotes the use of locally available materials, traditional building techniques, culturally and climatically relevant building design. They are passionate about design, but driven by ideas rather than personalities. They are interested in exploring the ways in which spaces can create experiential happiness.
d6thD visualizes the practice as a sheltered and collaborative place for reflection, where a community (including clients and other collaborators) can reflect on how to make life happy and feel good through architecture.
Located in the coastal village of Pererenan, Bali, House Terra is a contemporary response to tropical living, designed by Biombo Architects as a family retreat. The project balances built space and landscape, creating a strong connection between architecture and nature while offering shelter from the island’s monsoon climate. Editor’s Note: “House Terra, more than a […]
Located on a 15′ x 95′ ancestral plot in a pal village, Surat, India, this residence is designed for a multi-generational family of seven. This minimal home interior design solves light and space challenges within a narrow plot. The family wanted to stay connected with their community and preserve their cultural roots. The site has […]
“The sky’s ever-changing canvas, painted with hues of blues at dawn and greys and blacks at dusk, seamlessly weaves itself into the very fabric of this home’s architecture and interior.” Located in a comparatively narrow lane of bungalow plots, this modern exterior house design borrows its modern straight-line form and color from the sky. A […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
The residence is sensitively designed and compatible with the neighborhood. Distinct from neighboring structures, the building creates a strong relationship to the streets by virtue of its large windows in facades. While there are dramatic and larger scale elements that define the building, it is also broken down into comprehensible human scale blocks with an […]
This contemporary residence, covering 7500 square feet, combines modern design with timeless elegance to create a peaceful and luxurious retreat within a busy urban environment. The home is built around large frames that open up to nature, blending the interior with its surroundings. The design focuses on craftsmanship and harmony, making the simple contemporary house […]
Imagine walking into a sunlit room with high ceilings, warm wooden floors, and a view of a leafy courtyard. How do you feel? Calm? Inspired? At ease? That’s not just your mood—it’s your brain responding to the space around you. Neuroarchitecture is an evolving domain that merges the understanding of neuroscience, psychology, and architecture to […]
Architecture is more than just the construction of buildings, it is a reflection of our values, art, culture, and society. It is a movement towards new, promising, and philosophical design strategies. One such movement that significantly influenced the architectural landscape is Postmodernism architecture. In this research article, readers will find a comprehensive guide for Postmodernism […]
Mango Tree House is an artfully designed personal residence that seamlessly integrates traditional architectural elements with the comforts of modern living, embodying the essence of traditional modern home design. Some houses are more than just structures; they hold stories, memories, and a deep connection to the land. Mango Tree House is one such space—one that […]
What if the home of the future didn’t have walls? Modern architecture homes aren’t just about aesthetics – it’s a rebellion. A conscious break from tradition. In a world obsessed with innovation, our homes are becoming laboratories of design, sustainability, and radical thought. Modern architecture homes are sharp-edged, glass-wrapped, tech-infused sanctuaries that defy the standard. […]