The Container Home in Gandhinagar is one of the first weekend homes in the city made using a shipping container. The plot area was 4000 sq.yards with a built up area of 77 sq.yards. More than three-fourth of the land had deep contours which left very little flat land for containers.
Aranya: The Container Home in Gandhinagar – One of The First Weekend Homes in the City | Studio Espaazo
Visit : Studio Espaazo
The built mass was placed keeping in mind the site topography, landscapes and requirements. The strategic placement of the containers captured stunning views of the valleys from both, the inside and the outside. The cantilevered deck was one of the most important requirements, which eventually also turned out to be one of the most used spaces.
During the construction process, all the trees were fully preserved and one of them was used as a focal point to locate the containers. The blues and the greens created a beautiful harmony and contrast in the space.
The challenges faced in this project :
The site had deep contours and 75% area of the land was taken up by the contours which left us with only 25% flat land making it a big challenge. Considering we were using containers, the location of the containers was difficult to decide. Keeping in mind the plumbing lines, electrical connections, structural constraints and design requirements in terms of spatial planning, we tried out multiple options, geometries and then finalized upon one. We also kept all the trees intact and used one of them as our starting point for the design.
The containers (as can be seen in the plan) capture views of both the valleys and are connected by a veranda which faces the valley filled with lush greenery. The tree between the container shades the entire house naturally (considering containers have extreme heat gain issues).
During the execution, the roads were only 30ft and the site is located at a place where there are slopes and deep contours which did not give the hydra vehicle enough turning radius so we divided the container into two equal halves and got them welded using girders on site. Second, as the photographs show, the container canti-levers at the end, so for the machine to put the container at it’s right place, there was a hassle with the distance (somehow we managed to do it).
Our clients wanted to use their weekend home during the COVID lockdown so we had only 4 months from design to execution which was a task but we delivered the project in the given time crunch.
What is that one design element in the entire space which has your heart?
The canti-levered deck that opens at the end right into the valley from all the 3 sides has our heart. It is the most favourite space of our clients and we are in awe of it too. The canti-levered deck.
If the project is influenced highly by the context of the site, please share with us the insight for that.
The project was definitely influenced by the context. We really wanted to respect the site topography, the site conditions and make sure none of the trees were harmed during the entire process. The valley had wild trees which were also conserved. This was one of the biggest reasons we worked out a column grid for our structure instead of creating a flat plinth, which allowed us to conserve maximum flora and existing land. The positioning of the containers was also derived by the natural formation and shape of the valleys as we wanted to avoid extra filling.
Color Palette of the Project :
Material Palette of the Project :
Fact File :
Designed by : Studio Espaazo
Project Type : Residential (Mobile Architecture)
Project Name : Aranya: The Container Home
Location : Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Year Built : 2020
Duration of project : 4 months
Plot Area : 4000 sq. yards
Built up : 77 sq. yards
Project Size: sq feet : 700 sq.ft
Project Cost Appx : 30L
Principal Architects : Avishi Jariwala, Smeet Kaswala
Team Design Credits : Avishi Jariwala, Smeet Kaswala
Interior Styling: Avishi Jariwala
Photograph Courtesy : Mr. Dhruv Thakker
Products and Materials : Construction Materials: GM Sons | Lighting: Anmol Lights | Doors and Partitions: Parth Containers | Sanitaryware: Jaquar | Windows: Parth Containers | Furniture: Fabindia, Pepperfy & Bespoke | Flooring: Patidar Ceramics | Kitchen: Bespoke | Paint: Bahubali & Sons | Artefacts: Fabindia | Hardware: Was sourced by Parth Containers
Consultants for the Project :
Civil: Maruti Constructions
Interior Designers, Landscape Architects, MEP & HVAC Consultants and Lighting Designers : Studio Espaazo
Structure Engineers: Parekh Associates
Acoustics Consultants: Parth Containers
Contractors: Maruti Construction
Quantity Surveyors: Kalpesh Dobariya
Firm’s Website Link : Studio Espaazo
Firm’s Instagram Link : Studio Espaazo
Firm’s Facebook Link : Studio Espaazo
Email Id (For any inquiry) : avishi.studioespaazo@gmail.com
Modular houses are prefabricated structures built in modules manufactured and assembled on-site. They are built under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials, and designed to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities but in about half the time. As a result, this reduces the construction cost to 30% to 50% less than […]
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
Architecture is not just a profession, it is an evolving journey of discovery, adaptation, and growth. At Elev8 2025, Architect Hiren Patel takes us on a journey into the design philosophy of Monkey Forest Villa. He explores the architectural elements that contribute to the home’s artistry. He also offers insight into the story of his design […]
Nestled in the serene embrace of a quiet residential colony, Charcoal Charm stands as a testament to modern architecture home innovation, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. Designed for a prominent businessman’s family, this 4BHK residence not only caters to the family’s need for privacy and comfort but also provides a rejuvenating retreat from the bustling […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]
The initial impression of this contemporary residence design is one of striking visual interplay, where bold architectural gestures redefine conventional aesthetics. A diagonally laid brick veil, its textured surface meticulously arranged to capture the shifting light throughout the day, becomes a dynamic façade element, casting ever-changing shadows that animate the exterior. Editor’s Note: “The yellow […]
Namana is an east-facing home situated on a compact 60’x50’ plot beside a serene vineyard. Designed for a family of three, the single-story residence emphasizes spatial fluidity, natural illumination, and a tactile material palette that evokes warmth and simplicity. Editor’s Note: “Namana, a quiet dialogue between light, material, and space, is a home that listens […]
“We want a modern oasis to retire to with our little boys on the weekends” was a brief given to us by our clients who are busy medical professionals with a very hectic life in the city. Inspired by the essence of prairie-style homes, the couple wished to cherish and recreate their favourite moments from […]
Nestled between the bustling residential and industrial edges of Bengaluru, Ihita stands as a bold architectural statement, embodying a harmonious blend of traditional Indian house design and modernity. The home challenges conventional urban residential design by prioritizing openness, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Through the strategic use of large […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]