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 contemporary courtyard house is designed within constraints that often give rise to the most creative solutions. This residence, nestled in a landlocked plot flanked by development on three sides, represents a unique architectural intervention that turns limitation into opportunity. The client’s vision was both unusual and ambitious: to create a twin house under one […]
This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]
In this modern luxury home, courtyards spill into living spaces, and the lines between inside and outside dissolve into a seamless whole. This 17,800 sq. ft. bungalow in Anand, by Hiren Patel Architects, blurs the boundaries between landscape, architecture, and interiors, creating a home where nature isn’t just the backdrop but an integral part of […]
Nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range, the Himalayas is our latest project, Ekasham — a private residence refurbishment and redevelopment project, spread across an area of 2177 sqm. The monolithic home, through its volumes, composed of old and new structures, merges into a singular silhouette evoking the presence of a monolith from which […]
Ishaar is rooted in the belief that architecture should not just be seen, but deeply felt. Drawing from brutalist principles and natural tactility, the holiday villa is designed as a sensory retreat, where material, sound, light, and temperature shape the guest’s experience. Set amidst rural farmland, the villa dissolves into its landscape through a choreography […]
“Vishram Vaadi Nu Ghar” means a serene retreat amidst mango and chikoo farms, crafted to reflect the client’s vision in their mother tongue Gujarati. Vishram is a serene ground-touch structure offering breathtaking views of the Purna River and is a thoughtful example of countryside house design. Nestled amidst lush Amba and Chikoo Vaadi, the design […]
This single-story sustainable home in Ezhupunna blends traditional Kerala architecture with tropical, eco-friendly design. Inspired by the “kullakadavu” concept, a central pond encourages family interaction while enhancing the landscape. This Ezhupunna Home is Rooted in Eco-friendly Design | Judson Associates Architects & Interiors Despite being near lakes and beaches, adding a pond improves year-round moisture […]
In the heart of New Anjar, a small town tucked into the arid landscape of Kachchh, Gujarat, sits one of those modest houses designed with a quiet sense of clarity. Built for a Muslim family spanning three generations, the home isn’t trying to make a bold statement from its street-facing façade. Instead, it leans into […]
The house showcases a modern three-story residence exemplifying contemporary architectural design through its clean lines, geometric volumes, and a balanced interplay of materials. The facade skillfully combines textured tile cladding, smooth plaster, and contrasting color blocks in neutral shades of gray, black, and earthy rust, adding visual depth and dynamism. Expansive glass panels framed in […]
House of Silhouettes is located in Navratan, Udaipur. The plot is a corner one facing north and west 60’x40′ with a built-up area of 6500 sq.ft., designed in contemporary modern architecture as an independent house at three levels, including terrace. House of Silhouettes Reflects Contemporary Modern Architecture | Shaunak Singh and Associates This contemporary residence […]