An abode to humans and birds alike; Kalrav House, which translates to the house of chirping birds, is nested within a thicket of previously existing and newly sapped trees. Facing the east, Kalrav (façade) opens up in the form of a ‘flying bird’. Following the position of the house, the intent is the least possible footprint taken up by the house. The form is shaped with glass as a façade supported by exposed concrete and lime plaster to flaunt the minimal, sleek, and earthy design for the Kalrav Villa in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Minimal, Sleek, And Earthy Design For The Kalrav Villa In Ahmedabad, Gujarat | VPA Architects
Visit : VPA Architects
One is welcomed by the low heightened entrance pavilion into the house which unfolds two elevated seating rooms – private and formal – encompassed by water bodies, thus forming the ambiance of a floating island.
Further, these islands reveal a central, double-height stair shaft enveloping the landscape, and blurring the inside-outside of this abode.
The initial steps are designed as carvings of ‘dhangadhara (local) stone’, quite a stair trek. While stepping up, stairs take sleek form from local teak wood and steel frame. This courtyard is elevated by the open ‘mandir’ space.
The prayer room is thoughtfully designed to be surrounded by the landscape around the courtyard. Instead of confining the deities within walls, they’re established in the more breathable square.
On one side of this magnificent courtyard lie the semi-private spaces, the kitchen, dining, utility spaces, and so on. Whereas, the other side is private spaces including a bedroom at the corner and family seating.
An east-facing glass passage viewing the front garden encases the invigorating green landscape into the house. Glass-covered passages and balconies allow maximum involvement with nature around. Succeeding the picturesque view allowed by the passage lie two master bedrooms.
Master bedrooms have a subtle underline of earthy tones and composed decorum furnished by lime plaster and neutral interiors. Besides, these master bedrooms are elevated by the design of the roof which, not only forms ‘the flying bird’ façade but helps create an uplifted (floating) aura.
Once more, the sleekness of glass and metal walls along with exposed RCC act as the rescue in accessorizing these bedrooms with the presence of the lush greenery as a backdrop.
The floating roofs are elevated at 1.5 height and are a steel deck construction with a concrete layer atop. It is further finished by tiles on top and with thermal insulation finished with timber wood as the ceiling.
The timber ceilings impart a soft and warm feeling throughout. The concept of an open bath is induced with utmost importance given to privacy.
Custom bathtubs are fashioned out of local stones (Rajasthan stone and black stone respectively) back dropped with a dry-clad stone wall. The bamboo screens permeable to the light and greenery provide a soft and soothing aura.
The open-to-sky bathrooms are adorned with added landscape furniture. A glass façade that skins the majority of this abode is designed by keeping climatic response in mind.
The house is a man-nest surrounded by maximum foliage throughout the year, thus maintaining a balanced temperature. The water bodies and local materials further help in maintaining freshness. Private spaces like bedrooms have ‘kota stone’ flooring and fabricated louvers to control the natural light.
Lime plaster and pigmented lime plaster are used instead of paints making a more sustainable design approach. Respecting the existing nature around, none of the trees were cut during planning. Instead, these trees were preserved and the water body was designed to keep them on the islands.
The minimum footprint provides a huge central lawn along with a separate service structure and mini sports plaza. The interiors of the house flaunt neutral color schemes and fabrics keeping a minimal and earthy look alive.
The paintings that beautify the lime-plastered walls, are inspired by nature, birds, and animals truly fulfilling ‘the man’s nest’.
Fact File
Designed by : VPA Architects
Project Type : Residential Architecture
Year : 2022
Location : Ahmedabad
Project Name : Kalrav Villa
Area : 5627 Sq.ft
Principal Architects : Ronak Patel, Jinal Patel & Naiya Patel
Structural Engineers : AMU Consultants
Developers : SMI Infrastructure
Photography Credits : Inclined Studio
Firm’s Website Link : VPA Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link : VPA Architects
Firm’s Facebook Link : VPA Architects
Source : Archdaily
For Similar Project >> BRICK SCREEN HOUSE: AN ABODE OF SUBTLE INDIAN AND EARTHY AESTHETICS
Located close to the historically-rich South Indian city of Mysuru, Solum embodies the endeavour towards living simply and close to nature. The client hails from a business background and yet harbours a fondness for the modesty and simplicity of an agrarian lifestyle. The young entrepreneur had always dreamt of developing a full-fledged farm self-sufficient in […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
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 […]
Living Room with Curtain is more of a functional requirement nowadays rather than a decorative element. Living Rooms are usually the center of the house. As much as they should feel welcoming, coziness and privacy are also required. One easy way to achieve this is by integrating the living room with curtain ideas. Curtains not […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
This simple farmhouse design is a humble residence that responds to the climate and site. It is a fun fact that the house is both an inward and outward looking house at the same time. One of the USPs of the simple farmhouse design project would be that it connects well with the most playful […]