search
  • Rooted in Simplicity and Minimalism : The Floating Courtyard House | Traanspace

    Set in a mundane neighborhood in the city of Vadodara surrounded by residential and commercial plots, the Floating Courtyard House is a response to the client’s brief of wanting a unique and functional home. Rooted in simplicity and minimalism, it stands there strikingly and completely in harmony with its surroundings to provide the user with a house that they can call their home. Day by day everyone’s house is becoming bigger and bigger. At such times, one has to think beyond usual when a client approaches with a requirement of a five-bedroom courtyard house on an extremely compact site of 1770 sq. ft. The site, upon excluding the mandatory setbacks, elicits just the bare minimum floor space for the house.

    Rooted in Simplicity and Minimalism : The Floating Courtyard House | Traanspace

    Visit: Traanspace

    And thus started our journey of planning this house with a search for a core space that binds all the spaces at all levels together. A common open space, for the family to come together and interact. From this evolved the concept of a courtyard on the first floor. An interesting idea of a double-height courtyard, where all the interior spaces can overlook, which can help us create a holistic experience for the end-users. Developed along the principles of Vastu, the common areas of the house unfold as an open plan with open living, dining, and kitchen areas. 

    The generous openings on the north and east-facing walls have resulted in the space being flooded with daylight besides capturing the lush green planters outside. The parent’s bedroom on the rear side extends onto the marginal space creating a cozy nook for the room while also providing light and ventilation. The minimalistic staircase in exposed concrete with wooden treads beautifully wraps around the floating courtyard leading one to the upper level while providing a view of the courtyard.

    The large window seat in the bedroom overlooking the staircase frames a magnificent view of the courtyard with the pergolas. The bedroom culminates on the other side with a linear balcony lined with planters which bring in light throughout the day and also act as a break-out space. The guest bedroom is flanked by balconies on both sides with one overlooking the courtyard space and the other to the street. Tucked in a tight space of four feet, a folded metal plate staircase acts as an element of surprise connecting the second floor to the terrace level.

    On the first floor, the family living room opens onto the courtyard on one side giving it a direct visual and physical connection. To avoid the seclusion of the master bedroom on the other side, a visual axis is created between the bedroom, staircase, and the courtyard. The planter bed on the rear side gives the bedroom a dynamic and pleasant character. A similar approach is employed for the son’s bedroom positioned directly above the master bedroom on the second-floor level. 

    These interior spaces which are thoughtfully designed and connected provide the user with a very distinct and holistic experience otherwise difficult to achieve on such a tight plot. Light plays an important role in the design of this house. It adds a different dimension to the interior spaces with its dramatic visuals throughout the day. With a common wall on the west and adjoining bungalows on the east and south side, taking in natural light became paramount. The north light enters the house through the courtyard keeping the house flooded with natural light and the pergola on top of the court casts interesting sciography throughout the day. Despite the tightness of the building envelope, the design addresses the movement of light and air in ways that extrude an experiential journey through the house.

    The massing, in sync with the planning, has evolved around the floating courtyard. The courtyard’s void in the façade is balanced by a brick jaali solid mass which casts dramatic shadows in various spaces. Unlike modern times, the house is built with the pure brick construction method. The thick brick walls provide for a reasonable thermal comfort inside the house making it climatically responsive. Some concrete elements are added in the form of overhangs and weather sheds to complete the design. The ceilings are in exposed concrete and the flooring is done in grey kota stone. The furniture in wood completes the natural design palette. Together, the massing, the planning of the house, the way the courtyard is introduced in it, the natural construction methods, materials used, and the way each space draws light and ventilation as well as the way they connect with the court, present a breath-taking experience which is difficult to imagine on such a small plot.

    Fact File

    Designed by: Traanspace

    Project Name: The Floating Courtyard House

    Project Type: Residence Architecture & Design

    Project Size: 1770 Sq.ft

    Year Built: 2021

    Location: Vadodara, Gujarat

    Principal Architect: Urvi Shah

    Team Design Credits: Supriya Karkare, Divya & Mansi

    Photograph Courtesy: Vinay Panjwani

    Consultants of the Project

    Site Executor: Rahi Construction

    Structure Consultant: Akash Shah & Associates

    Source: Archdaily

    Products& Materials: American Standard, Grohe, Akar Aluminium, Baba Marbles, Exposed concrete rendering, Shreenath Bricks

    Firm’s Website Link: Traanspace

    Firm’s Instagram Link: Traanspace

    Firm’s Instagram Link: Traanspace

    For Similar Project>>>Retail Store Design Synchronously Allows Simplicity And Playfulness

    Simple Living Amidst A Modest And Simple Home Is The Highlight Of This House | Thomas Parambil Architects

    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 […]

    Read More

    This Home With An Earthen Design Opens Out To Lush Farms Outside And Cosy Interiors Inside | Bhutha Earthen Architecture Studio

    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 […]

    Read More

    15 Courtyards in Houses: Designing Tranquil Spaces That Elevate Homes

    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 […]

    Read More

    15 Architecture Fonts Every Architect Should Know

    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 […]

    Read More

    Farmhouse Designs in India: 15 Inspiring Styles To Know

    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 […]

    Read More

    This Tropical Home Design Features A Striking Sloped Terracotta Roof In Kerala | Vriksha Architects

    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 […]

    Read More

    25 Captivating Living Room With Curtain Ideas

    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 […]

    Read More

    50 Indian Door Design For Main Door To Enhance the Curb Appeal

    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 […]

    Read More

    50 Best Pillar Design Ideas And Inspirations For Indian Spaces

    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 […]

    Read More

    This Simple Farmhouse Design Responds To The Climate And Site | Dipen Gada & Associates

    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 […]

    Read More
  • Weekend Home using Joyful Palette & Contemporary Design Aesthetics | Bobby Suthar Designs Pvt Ltd.

    What are the best home designs in 2022?