Every project, regardless of its size, presents its unique set of challenges, from initial client meetings to the final handover. In this particular project, Architects at work encountered three distinct challenges.
Editor’s note: Swapna residence shows a unique take on elevational treatment. The front facade functions in three divisional sections, showing an equal amount of closed and open spaces. The exteriors are compelling that way and the interiors give off a charisma. There are a lot of factors involved from the common areas to the private areas. ~ Nishal Sevak
Architects at Work present a uniquely enticing facade | Architects at Work
Firstly, I had to meet the client’s requirements within a limited 600 sq yrd plot situated on a bustling main road. It was crucial to fulfill the specific demands of each family member within this confined space.
To address this, strategic decisions were made, such as placing all services on the roadside to minimize noise, elevating the bungalow for parking beneath the garden and increased privacy, and positioning living spaces inward on the north side, resulting in a beautifully integrated placement of stairs and passages that fostered connectivity between different areas.
Secondly, the execution phase posed challenges related to the availability of skilled labor and materials as per our detailed plans.
Overcoming hurdles, such as sourcing materials from neighbouring cities and ensuring meticulous supervision at every step, was time-consuming but essential.
The bungalow featured intricate elements like a cantilevered temple mass, MS frames for creepers, wooden carvings on mirrors, Italian floor inlays, intricate patterns from floor to ceiling, and precisely finished MS stairs, all of which required dedicated efforts to execute.
Thirdly, the facade treatment was a challenge, especially in considering the sun’s direction and its impact on the residents inside. To mitigate this, deliberate decisions were made, such as blocking the south and west sun with cavity walls and placing services on these sides to reduce heat transfer.
Angled windows were strategically placed to facilitate natural ventilation, while cutouts and spacious balconies on the north and east sides allowed soft morning sun inside. Additionally, large north-facing windows provided shaded garden views, enhancing the indoor-outdoor living experience. Courtyards in toilet areas resolved light and ventilation issues effectively.
Noteworthy moments included the placement of 150x150mm MS box sections on the 2nd and 1st floors with the help of a crane and skilled labor, bringing the elevation to life.
Some decisions, like orienting the entire bungalow inwards, initially raised client doubts but gradually became clear as the bungalow took shape, emphasising the importance of strategic planning.
In the end, I embrace challenges in each project, as they transform the process into a rewarding journey. Fulfilling a client’s dream and turning it into reality is the ultimate goal, making every challenge worthwhile.
I believe the universe operates in a complex interplay of influences, where everything affects and is affected by each other.
In this intricate web of existence, we hold the view that the mere existence of a building is not a standalone occurrence. For any entity to truly thrive and endure, it must be deeply influenced by its needs and context.
This particular bungalow exemplifies this perspective vividly. It has been profoundly shaped by a multitude of surrounding elements such as the road layout, adjacent plots, the path of the sun, the aspirations of the client, and the specific conditions of the site.
Each of these factors has contributed to a series of decisions that render this project uniquely distinct. The design of the facades, the layout, and the orientation, as mentioned earlier, are all intricately interwoven with these contextual influences, making this project a testament to the harmonious fusion of architecture and its surroundings
Fact File
Designed by: Architects at Work
Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design
Project Name: Swapna Residence
Location: Himatnagar, Gujarat
Year Built: 2022
Duration of the project: 2.5 years
Plot Area: 5500 sq.ft
Built-up Area: 6760 sq.ft
Principal Architects: Shweta Pandya, Krishna Patel
Photograph Courtesy: Dhrupad Shukla
Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Texture, Veneer, Paint Etc. / Wallcovering / Cladding – Texture, Stone / Construction Materials – Metal, R.C.C, Brick / Lighting – Hybec / Sanitaryware – Jaquare / Windows – Aluminium Section / Furniture – Onsite / Flooring – Motto / Kitchen – Mastero Furniture / Paint – Asian PaintArtefacts – Veolin / Hardware – Hettich.
Firm’s Website Link: Architects at Work
Firm’s Instagram Link: Architects at Work
Firm’s Facebook Link: Architects at Work
For Similar Project>>> A Lavish Home that Combines Luxury, Greens, and Simplistic Elegance | AH Architects & Maatiscape Architects
Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) blurs the boundaries between structure and nature with the conceptualization and design of the elemental villas at Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli ranges, the design of the resort draws inspiration from the vastness of its surroundings and natural elements. Each villa type, including Earth, Lagoon, […]
The design of Habitat 0 begins with the central concept of a vacation home community organized around a circular form. This layout places individual spaces radially around a central circular courtyard, creating a communal space where every area has access to expansive views of the surrounding greenery. The circular design is essential in fostering a […]
Nestled in the tranquil village of Thenipalam, Malappuram, Aman is a 2,800 sq. ft. residence, manifesting its Urdu namesake, meaning peace, sanctuary, and security. Designed by Vaktra Architects, this traditional Kerala home is a testament to simplicity, blending Kerala’s tropical ethos with contemporary elegance. This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance […]
Pranjali – The Doctor’s Bungalow is a peaceful and practical modern bungalow design located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The name Pranjali, meaning “a graceful offering” or “a gesture of respect,” reflects the spirit of this residence—a calm, humble, and thoughtful space created for a doctor couple seeking balance in their busy lives. The design goal […]
The contemporary style architecture house is located in the lively urban context of Thaltej, Ahmedabad nestled within a private cluster of four bungalows. Though the home enjoys the benefits of community, it also maintains a high degree of privacy and seclusion. This is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement, despite the proximity of a […]
Screenwriter and director Megha Ramaswamy approached Fractal Chaos to design an organic home as a weekend retreat in Pasli Gaon, Velhe—a village about 150 km from Pune. The site is located between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, which gives it a unique ecology with 4 seasons. Drawn to the land by a bordering […]
Situated in the bustling residential neighbourhood of Koorkenchery, Thrissur, Dr. Lakshmi’s residence stands as a refined architectural response to a narrow 15.53 cent plot. The 4214.07 sq ft home is a seamless blend of modern traditional kerala house, with an Indonesian inspired grey white exterior that exudes sophistication. The design strategically employs linear planning, integrating […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]