Meethi-Mishti Nu Mati Ghar: An Earth House Creating A Playful Environment | SferaBlu Architects + Naman Shah Architects
Our clients for this project were two girls; 3 & 9 years respectively. The house was to be made for them, as per their fancies and to appeal to their sensitivities. It was eco-friendly, focusing on local materials and techniques, upcycling, recycling, and ensuring a minimal carbon footprint.
Visit: SferaBlu Architects + Naman Shah Architects
Now, this earth has been on-site forever. It has endured the test of time. So it just made sense that this very earth becomes the house! One that uses only 6-8% of cement usually needed for normal construction. In villages, people often build their houses using mud. Bringing the same idea into mainstream architecture, we built structural walls for the house by ramming earth excavated from the site itself.
The earth provides thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption as well. And to add a fun element, like patterns seen in layered sand art, different natural oxides are used to create layered fluid patterns in the large monolith. The girls’ stone and shell collections, were also added to the walls to preserve their fond memories.
The kids asked if we can create a ceiling that changes. So we decided to have a sloping glass for the living room ceiling. A dynamic ceiling, one that changes with the weather. Gaze and fantasize about patterns in the clouds, experience the rain which feels like a waterfall on your heads, stare at the moon and the stars all night! This cool north light brightens the house throughout the day, reducing electrical consumption.
The idea was to make it a playhouse. Since Ahmedabad gets hot in summer, we decided to bring the playground inside the house. There is a slide going down from the first floor. There is a secret room! that consists of three different entries, but each is a mystery to find. Their excitement had no bounds when we made a guillotine door, a sliding door that looks just like the partition, and a staircase that is a part of the bookshelf on the ground floor. The bridge on the first-floor ramps down to the girl’s room for an impromptu catwalk for the fashionista.
The wood from an old building was up-cycled skilfully into frames, doors, and windows. Research around traditional lime plaster mixtures shows that there are recipes that filter out toxins from the air. We invited craftsmen who are specialists in these techniques, passed down through generations.
Next was an acrobatic bed, suspended from the ceiling, with a rope ladder going up and plenty of climbing and jumping opportunities. There are plenty more quirks in the house such as a hidden basin. It looks just like the dining counters but lifts a flap, out folds a mirror and there you have a basin. And sketches from their drawing books became grills for windows, blackboards on partitions to bring out the Picasso in them.
These are just a few examples of the countless conversations that evolved into Meethi-Mishti nu Maati Ghar (Meethi-Mishti’s Earth House).
FACT FILE:
Design Firm: SferaBlu Architects + Naman Shah Architects
Project Name: Meethi-Mishti nu Mati Ghar
Project Type: Residential
Completion Year: 2020
Area: 440 sq.mt.
Lead Architect: Naman Shah
Architectural Design: Tarjini Parikh, Binal Shah, Jasmit Bagga
Interior Design: Rahul Patil
Project Interns: Shreya Biscuitwala, Lavina Alagh, Niyati
Project Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Photography: Umang Shah
Website: http://www.namanshaharchitects.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blusphere5/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sferabluarchitects/
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. […]
Located in the heart of Raipur, yet away from the chaos of the central market, is a refined 6200 sq. ft. residence built on a 4000 sq. ft. plot. Rightfully named the ‘House of Grace’, this Raipur home embodies simplicity, sophistication, and tailored luxury. Designed by Piyush and Sonal Agarwal, co-founders and principal architects of […]
When Design meets Excellence. A Luxurious Modern Sustainable Villa in SPA ECOCITY, house designed by Sbaspectra-Formations- a world-class vibrant community with refreshing greenery in Tamilnadu, India. A Sustainable Villa With Contemporary Minimalist Architecture | Sbaspectra-Formations Design Concept This villa is not just about looks; it invites people to relax and to enjoy its exceptional comfort […]
Nestled in the remote village of Chapar, Uttarakhand, a stunning mountain house design seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings while offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. Designed by Ātman Studio, this residence is a testament to thoughtful, context-driven architecture, where every element responds to the land, climate, and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. With […]
Imagine a cozy house design nestled in a serene and blissful environment. The site is uniquely positioned, with roads on two sides and a lush park filled with greenery at the rear. This thoughtful location offers a rare blend of convenience and tranquility, making the residence a perfect marriage of natural living and urban sophistication. […]
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 […]
The house is named “ADVAIT,” which means “UNIQUE” and a strong sense of spirituality. The brief was to design a contemporary design home for a family of six people and their support staff. The concept was based on mandala architecture, which represents the symbol of the universe, a cosmic diagram that functions as a powerful […]
Rasa’s landscape home design is rooted in the interplay of space and memory, fostering a profound connection with outdoor environments. Our approach embraces grandeur, enriched with meticulously designed focal points that evoke emotion and create lasting impressions. Through thoughtful craftsmanship, we shape outdoor spaces that are not only visually compelling but also deeply experiential. Editor’s […]
Duplex home design encompasses a world range of functional sophistication, luxurious aesthetics, and spatial innovations, laying out modern necessities amid a variety of styles and settings. Whether the intention is to plan a dream dwelling or just for inspiration for the next project, this list of stunning duplex homes shall awaken exciting ideas. Each showcased […]