Designing a weekend house for a discerning client in Ahmedabad was an exciting challenge. The client, with a strong artistic inclination, sought a blend of a residential block, dining/gym area, entertainment block, and temple, while incorporating three existing structures. Through detailed discussions and site visits, we refined the entry layout, spatial arrangement, materials, lighting, and eco architecture, ensuring everything aligned with his preference for subtlety and natural, exposed materials. After presenting sketches and 3D renders, the client praised the design for perfectly capturing his vision, with a focus on elevating every gathering in a contemporary, harmonious style.

Editor’s Note: “A weekend home, ‘The Other Side’ is a story built through structure. This home weaves a tactile narrative of eco-conscious design, artistic sensibility, and spatial rhythm, where bold details coexist with warmth and stillness. Here, the design language is soft, yet leaves a lasting impression for generations to come.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

Eco Architecture Elevated the Design of a Weekend House in Ahmedabad | Architects at Work

Materials Reflecting Natural Finishes and Textures

The project materials reflect the client’s preference for exposed, natural finishes. We used metal frames, planters, and pergolas on the facade, with textured walls providing a complementary backdrop. Metal elements, such as the bridge, staircase, zarokhas, railings, and entry columns, were employed both indoors and outdoors. Exposed RCC finishes on the facades and brickwork on key features, like the outdoor seating area and staircase wall, add texture and vibrancy. Additional materials like sandstone, Kota stone, glass, and wood enhance the spaces. The pile foundation and post-tensioned beams were chosen for structural integrity, with self-compacting concrete ensuring durability and a clean finish.

Striking Entrance Design

Entrance to the site begins with a carefully curated landscape experience, offering a preview of the project to come. To enhance this, we created a narrow passage lined with plants and a pebbled floor, which gently curves at a 60° angle, guiding visitors toward the main metal wicket gate. Upon entry, one is welcomed into a grand, open space where architectural forms are thoughtfully scattered throughout. The main double-height entrance is defined by its striking volume, highlighted by three exposed RCC frames that support suspended lighting and full-scale glass windows with intricate Georgian bar detailing. The significance of these frames lies in the exceptional precision required by the engineer to suspend them from the main RCC slab, a remarkable feat of craftsmanship.

Suspended Bridge Concept

As you step through the frames, you’re immersed in a space that skillfully blends various elements designed to engage and inspire both residents and visitors. A metal bridge stretches from one end of the room to the other. Moreover, exposed girders support the bridge, giving the structure a suspended, almost ethereal feel. A curved metal staircase, clad in wooden battens, attaches to this bridge. Moreover, it leads to a platform that serves a dual function: acting as both a raised bar counter and a step-up feature, elevating the space by 4 feet. The striking black granite finishes the platform, making a bold statement in the room.

Behind the counter, a shelf serves as both support for the staircase and a design element, with both structures raised slightly by 4 inches to create a sense of lightness. Local artists adorn the walls with artwork, enriching the space with cultural depth. Sandstone and exposed brick cladding further accentuate the space, offering texture and warmth, creating the ideal backdrop for the entire composition.

Glass Zarokhas

Glass zarokhas integrate on either side, blending traditional and contemporary design elements in a signature style used across various projects. The carefully chosen sofas provide comfort, while the chest, lounge chair, and rug introduce a sense of refinement, tying the space together with elegance and thoughtful design.

Spatial Arrangement

In this project, the client envisioned separate buildings for the dining area, gym, main living block, temple, and entertainment spaces, all thoughtfully arranged around a louvred passage. The dining and surrounding blocks overlook a central courtyard, where the client envisioned hosting various activities. The dining block features an open kitchen and dining area, with large glass windows adorned with Georgian bar detailing. The design leaves the ceiling exposed in reinforced concrete, while a wooden lighting element adds warmth and contrast. The furniture and design elements select wood and warm tones, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

The client, with a keen eye for art and design, prefers a bedroom where every element, including the bed, side tables, dressing unit, chest, and console, is meticulously crafted in wood with warm tones. Each piece showcases unique craftsmanship, reflecting the client’s design sensibilities. The painter chooses a neutral single color for the room. As a result, the furniture elements stand out as the focal points of the space. This design approach creates a serene yet artfully curated environment. Moreover, it highlights the intricate details and personal reflection imbued in each handcrafted item.

Outdoor Dining Extension

The extension of the dining block forms a plinth, creating an outdoor seating space. PT beams frame this area, adding a slim and visually appealing touch. The seating features exposed brick laid in a circular pattern, leaving a small space in the center for a bonfire. This design element stemmed from the client’s desire to host outdoor gatherings. Additionally, a louvred passage surrounds the main living block. As a result, it provides shaded surfaces and reduces sunlight on the bedroom walls.

Shadow Play

An intriguing pattern arranges the metal and wooden battens, casting beautiful shadows throughout the day as sunlight falls on them. The central courtyard, around which all the arranged blocks act as an excellent gathering space for open-air movie screenings. The existing trees on-site stay preserved, merging with the RCC slab as they integrate into the built form.

Fact File

Designed by: Architects at Work

Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design

Project Name: The Other Side

Location: Chekhla, Gujarat

Year Built: 2023

Duration of the project:  More than 3 years

Project Size: 14,120 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Shweta Pandya & Krishna Patel

Design Credits: Ar. Yaksh

Photograph Courtesy: Inclined Studio

Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Sand stone & Plaster, Brick, Exposed R.C.C. Construction Materials – Brick, R.C.C, & Metal / Lighting – Phillips, Changi / Doors and Partitions – Century / Sanitaryware – Jaquar / Facade Systems – Architects at Work / Windows – Fenesta / Furniture –Dtale, Trezure, Jaipur Rugs / Flooring – Kota & Vitrified Tiles / Kitchen – 9 Kitchen & Wardrobe / Paint – Asian Paints / Hardware – Darshan Hardware

Consultants for the Project: Civil – Vallabhi Infrastructure / Interior Designers – Architects at Work / MEP & HVAC Consultants – Himanshu / Structure Engineers – Amee Associates / Contractors – Vallabhi Infrastructure

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