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)
The designers envision Asterix Café as a flagship destination that challenges café design conventions. While coffee culture often associates with warm, pastel tones, Asterix dares to be different by embracing darkness as its defining aesthetic. Designed by UrbanNest Design Studio, the bespoke cafe is a bold experiment in creating a multi-functional, community centric space where […]
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 […]
Situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Anandvan residence beautifully embodies biophilic design, fostering a deep connection with nature through its thoughtful integration of outdoor and indoor spaces through open courtyards. Open Courtyards And A Biophilic Design Connect The Outdoors With The Indoors | R+R Architects Location The location and surroundings played a significant role in determining the […]
Located in the breathtaking Sahyadri mountains of Igatpuri, Nashik, the sloping roof home is a masterclass in harmonizing architecture with nature. We’ve preserved the natural contours, shaping them into steps that enhance the landscape’s visual appeal. This Sloping Roof Home in The Sahyadri’s Sits Harmoniously With Nature | Unbound Studio Design Elements The design guides […]
The residence 36 is a double storey residence with 4 bedrooms, drawing room, double height living area, kitchen with dining area, home theatre and gym. The elevation is a synthesis of the verticality and spiritual symbolism of Gothic elements in the architecture with the proportional harmony and symmetry of Classical design. Gothic Elements And Classical […]
In a calm and serene residential area of Mysore, a 10,000 sq. ft. site with mature mango and coconut trees set the stage for Eden Kindergarten school. One half of the land was already occupied by an existing block, while the other half was shaded by the canopy of old trees. Instead of altering this […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]