Located in the harsh, arid landscape of Ahmedabad, The Louvered House by andblack design studio is a programmatic response to the challenges of climate and the increasing isolation of contemporary domestic life. The project, oriented along the east-west axis, reimagines the traditional relationship between the built form and the natural environment, prioritising a lifestyle that is physically and visually tethered to the outdoors.
Editor’s Note: The Louvered House, designed by andblack design studio, is a programmatic response to the challenges of climate and the increasing isolation of contemporary domestic life. It reimagines the traditional relationship between built form and the natural environment. Functional zoning creates an effective thermal buffer.
Oriented Along The East-West Axis, This House Prioritises An Outdoor Lifestyle | andblack design studio
Situated on an elongated plot oriented along the east-west axis, this residence in Ahmedabad is thoughtfully designed to respond to the region’s hot and arid climate.
The east-west linear form strategically minimises heat gain on the west facade. Evidently, the design on has walls the south facade, placing service areas such as staircases and washrooms there. This functional zoning creates an effective thermal buffer, enhancing the building’s environmental performance.
The ‘L’-shaped configuration frees the northern quadrant, and designers have developed it as a garden. This open space remains shaded for most of the day, establishing a cool microclimate that acts as the focal point for the home. All public areas, including the living and dining spaces, face this green expanse, taking advantage of the northern orientation to receive consistent, glare-free light and natural cooling..
Challenging contemporary tendencies towards compartmentalized living influenced by individualistic lifestyles and air-conditioning, this design fosters fluid spatial experiences. The design deliberately interconnects spaces, promoting a sense of openness and continuity.
The design positions balconies and terraces specifically to frame views of existing mature trees, allowing the landscape to ‘flow’ into the upper-level private sanctuaries. This integration ensures that even the most private areas of the house maintain a sensory connection to the greenery and the breeze.
The material palette is a celebration of raw, earthy textures that resonate with the local landscape. The primary structure of exposed concrete and brick provides the necessary thermal mass while lending the house a robust, authentic character. This “honesty” in materials carries into the interiors, where the structural finishes are left exposed to minimize the need for additional surface cladding.
To balance the raw exterior, the interior is softened through the strategic use of wood and stone. Full-height wooden doors and large louvered pivot doors serve as a breathable skin along the main corridors. When closed, the louvers filter light and facilitate cross-ventilation; when open, they physically merge the interior with the garden.
The flooring continues the gray tones of the concrete using Kota stone. This is contrasted by vibrant Jaisalmer stone, arranged in a parametric pattern to add a contemporary rhythmic interest to the traditional material. Touches of brass at the entrance provide a subtle elegance, complementing the ochre accents of the stone and the warmth of the brickwork.
By prioritizing natural light, ventilation, and fluid spatial connections, this project redefines contemporary living in a hot, arid climate. It challenges conventional boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces while celebrating the inherent beauty of natural materials.
Thoughtfully crafted, The Louvered House stands as an embodiment of a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature, reflecting an ethos of simplicity, openness, and authenticity.
Fact File
Designed by: andblack design studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Louvered House
Location: Ahmedabad
Year: 2025
Built Up Area: 5735 Sq.ft
Manufacturers: Daikin, Hettich, Kohler, Novella Ceramics
Principal Architects: Jwalant Mahadevwala & Kanika Agarwal
Photograph Courtesy: Ishita Sitwala
Contractor: Epic Infra Tech
MEP Consultants: Di Lavoro Estreme
HVAC Consultants: Moonair
Site Engineer And Contractor: Vinay Chauhan
Site Engineer: Epic Infra Tech
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: andblack design studio
The Firm’s Instagram Link: andblack design studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: andblack design studio
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