Succinct And Simple Bungalow Design Of Vadodara | Studio Yamini
The project involved creating a home for a family of three, on a corner plot within a society of private villas in Vadodara. Being a corner plot, resulted in a little extra space that had to be used differently. The brief was succinct and simple: a large living room, dining, kitchen, guest bedroom and a common bathroom on the ground floor and two master bedrooms with ensuites on the first floor. The compact plot — it measured a tight 1,650 square feet — yielded the architects a footprint of 875 square foot (built-up).
The important aspect of this project, therefore, was space management — and much of the design deliberation revolved around strategies of leveraging the footprint of the ground floor without making it seem cramped. The most challenging aspect of working on this project, state the architects, was to accommodate the maximum in minimum. Their thoughts, naturally, turned to an open-plan articulation.
The living and dining areas were orchestrated as an ‘L’, with the long arm being the living room and the adjacent dining area arranged perpendicular to it. The furniture configuration — meticulously planned beforehand — used minimal pieces to achieve the ‘open and larger’ sense of space.
Additionally, most of the furniture was kept as loose pieces to create a lighter feel. All the public areas were kept open, whereas the private areas like bedroom were concealed within four walls. Large windows were provided to get more natural light — which again helped in making space look bigger and facilitated cross ventilation.
A minimal material and colour palette also aided in effecting a spacious feel: plain white walls, Kota flooring, and teak wood furniture. The white walls helped in reflecting light and giving the home a visually buoyant feel; Kota stone brought in an earthy look and teakwood (mostly recycled) made it warmer, cozier and more homely. Among the materials, Kota plays a strong role in interior treatment.
The architects have tried to use the natural stone — often disregarded decor-wise and relegated to high-traffic areas — in a different way by leveraging its natural variations. The architects had the Kota cut into planks and fixed these in a herringbone pattern. The overall lighting has been kept soft to further enhance the ambiance. Direct as well as indirect lights have been provided in the design to achieve both the moods.
While the clients found the design philosophy of ‘keep it simple’ difficult to digest initially, they grew to like it after a few sampling exercises were undertaken and as the project progressed. Today, visitors find it hard to believe that so much has been done in such a small area. The simplicity and ‘plainness’ which were concerns earlier have become points of appreciation.
Fact file
Location: Bungalow at Vadodara.
Area: 1,970 square feet (total built-up G+1)
Design firm: Studioyamini
Design team: Mitul Shah, Mehul Shah, and Kajal Shah
Photograph credits: Photographix | Sebastian + Ira
Artists: Backdrop in children’s bedroom by Ashish Chakraborty
Materials
Brown Kota (floor), white paint (walls); teakwood (paneling and woodwork) and gypsum (ceiling)
This edition, TAD Architecture Magazine celebrates the powerful women of India. “Breaking the Boundaries”—a phrase often used to celebrate women’s achievements in their respective fields. But were there ever boundaries to break? The answer is Yes. The most commonly spoken one remains gender inequality—an issue addressed year after year, yet still far from being fully […]
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 […]
The trend of weekend or second homes has grown in the post-pandemic era, reflecting a shift in lifestyle and aspirations. People have become more conscious of their surroundings, seeking opportunities to pause, reconnect with themselves, and immerse in nature. Pushpam Farm embodies this perspective, offering a serene retreat in an organic modern style while contrasting […]
In the burgeoning area of Vadodara, this house, Namasya, is nestled amongst the upcoming high-rise residential buildings enclosed with the beautifully crafted landscape around it. As the sun rises on the horizon, the day of Nehulji (client) begins with the Munias and parakeets chirping, awaiting their breakfast. During his daily morning routine, he shares the […]
How often are irregularly shaped plots dismissed when buying land? In many towns, the land is subdivided into perfect rectangles for construction, leaving plots with unconventional shapes—sharp angles and awkward dimensions—undesirable and in low demand. However, the architecture studio Tropical Tones, has set an example by tackling this challenge. This Tropical Modern residence house design […]
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 […]
SASWATHA, the residential architecture project by GVQ Design Studio, is located in Thrissur, Kerala. This thoughtfully designed home caters to a joint family consisting of two brothers, their families, and their parents. Spanning approximately 2,700 sq. ft on a 15-cent plot, the residential architecture is meticulously crafted to meet the diverse needs of a multi-generational […]
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 […]