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
This rustic farmhouse for a family aims at re-defining tradition to blend in modern thought. Make it contemporary but traditional, was a brief given to the Architect by the client to redesign and build a century-old farmhouse sprawling across 3500 square feet on a 3-acre site in Morbe, Panvel. Editor’s Note: The redesigning of this […]
This high ceiling house in a quiet, leafy corner of Sushant Lok, Gurgaon, was built to respond to the presence of a beautiful Alstonia tree. The home’s form steps back from the ground upwards to create decks and terraces that overlook the garden and tree on every level. Editor’s Note: “This home, with Alstonia trees […]
Tiny house designs are very exciting and intimidating in themselves. Moreover, they come with their benefits and challenges as well. To know and understand tiny house designs, one must have enough knowledge about the challenges one can face. It can be individual or separate entities and also can be shared living spaces. The following are […]
This luxury residential farmhouse, designed in a contemporary farmhouse style, has a total covered slab area of 14000 square feet and a plot area of 24000 square feet, is located in the Sultanpur Patti region, about 39.8 kilometers from Corbett National Park. It has been designed to add a sense of the local environment in […]
Aquant, with nearly two decades of experience, leads India’s premium bathroom solutions market, offering a wide range of stylish bath fittings, faucets, and spa concepts in multiple PVD finishes. Collaborating with global OEM partners and top Indian designers, Aquant ensures innovation, quality, and luxury across 52 cities with 300+ dealers. In this exclusive interview at […]
The project involves the design and construction of a modern residential villa that emphasizes functionality, comfort, and contemporary aesthetics. Contextualized in the suburbs of Ahmedabad city, the house balances open and semi-private spaces organized through thoughtful volumes and a grid system. The central open space serves as the heart of the design, connecting transitional spaces […]
In the heart of every home, the Angan stands as a sacred court. It is a personal yet public space that witnesses the playful childhoods, festive celebrations, gatherings, and even tranquility for one. This project makes an honest attempt to reintroduce the idea of a court in the design, amalgamating it with modern needs, embodying […]
This five-floor residential building in KUKATPALLY showcases thoughtful planning and modern functionality. This vertical house is tailored to meet the evolving needs of a multigenerational family. Designed for a client with two sons, the home seamlessly blends shared spaces, private retreats, and clever spatial planning. This Vertical House Offers the Perfect Balance of Privacy and […]
Mr. Rajesh Vadgama reached out to Ar. Jay Thakkar through a mutual acquaintance after purchasing a residential plot. Following an initial meeting and several site visits, a concept for a compact yet luxurious Luxury House was developed. The final design featured an expansive, well-planned layout with a spacious living room, a double-height dining area that […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]