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 deep connection between the spaces and the landscape, ensuring that nature is a constant presence throughout the journey. The arrangement of spaces around the courtyard facilitates a natural flow, allowing residents and visitors to experience both privacy and openness simultaneously.

Editor’s Note: “Driven by circular thinking and a commitment to giving back to the community, this structure creates a loop between people and nature, a setting for reflection and withdrawal. Drawing from the richness of the local context, the built environment is elevated through unconventional spatial experiences, local craftsmanship, and distinctive design forms.” ~ Baarat Krishna

Habitat 0 Creates A Communal Space Anchored by A Community Club House | RA Design Studio

Communal Space

At the heart of the community, the amphitheatre functions as both a circulation path and a multifunctional gathering space. This non-programmatic area serves as a flexible space for events, where the community can come together. The steps leading to the terrace garden not only act as a passage but also serve as a social space, seamlessly blending architecture with the surrounding landscape.

This integration blurs the boundaries between built form and nature, encouraging interaction and engagement among residents and fostering a lively, dynamic atmosphere. The amphitheatre introduces a versatile space for community activities, offering opportunities for both informal gatherings and organized events.

The building itself features a dual-skin design that combines architectural functionality with aesthetic appeal. The outer skin consists of arches that act as a protective weather shield. These arches cast dramatic shadows inside, adding depth and interest to the interior spaces.

Play of Light and Shadow

The play of light and shadow changes throughout the day, with the arches sometimes creating fish-like shapes on the surfaces. Meanwhile, the inner glass skin offers transparency, allowing natural light to flood the spaces and creating a sense of openness. This glass façade enables the interior to be flexible and adaptable to various activities, enhancing the livability of the spaces.

Built-Landscape Relationship

The relationship between the built environment and the landscape is emphasized by the design’s integration with nature. From the external garden, the journey continues into the central courtyard and upward to the terrace garden. The landscape creates a seamless connection between outdoor and indoor spaces, making the transition between them feel natural and immersive.

A significant feature of the design is the semi-open swimming pool area, which is integrated into the circular form of the building. The pool is divided into two parts, and its design is enhanced by cutouts in the roof, allowing natural light to filter in and create a sense of openness. The sloping walls surrounding the pool create a dynamic atmosphere, making it an inviting and accessible space. In the evenings, soft lighting around the pool area adds a dramatic effect, further enhancing the experience of the space.

Local Materials and Craftsmanship

The construction of Habitat 0 emphasizes local materials and craftsmanship, with the building utilizing materials sourced from the surrounding area and labor from local artisans. This not only helps integrate the community into its environment but also supports the local economy by providing jobs to nearby workers. The use of locally available materials ensures that the building is in harmony with its surroundings, both in terms of aesthetics and environmental sustainability.

Finally, the micro-elements of the design—such as the shadows cast by the arches, the glass panels, and the sky cutouts—enrich the visual and spatial experience. Moreover, the carefully considered lighting design further enhances the ambiance, tying all elements together seamlessly. The arches’ shadows create dynamic patterns inside the building, while the glass skin blurs the line between inside and outside.

The sky cutouts above the pool and terrace garden enhance the feeling of openness. As a result, they bring the sky into the experience of the spaces. Evening lighting around the pool and amphitheatre creates an inviting atmosphere. As a result, it adds to the sense of tranquillity and beauty throughout the site.

A Thoughtful Integration

In essence, the design of Habitat 0 is a thoughtful integration of architecture, landscape, and community. From the macro concepts of the circular layout and journey through the space to the micro details of lighting, shadow, and material use, every element is carefully considered to enhance the overall experience. This balance between the grand and the intricate ensures that the vacation homes provide both functional and aesthetic value. As a result, they create a harmonious environment for residents and visitors alike.

Fact File

Designed by: RA Design Studio

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Habitat 0 Community Club

Location: Gujarat

Year Built: 2024

Project Size: 9203.14 Sq.ft

Architecture Design: Radhika Savani Dutt

Landscape Design: Arpit Dutt

Photograph Courtesy: Vinay Panjwani

Source: Archdaily

Firm’s Website Link: RA Design Studio

Firm’s Instagram Link: RA Design Studio

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