Sweet Shop Design With Playful Facade | Saransh Architects
Sweet shop evoking a nostalgic sense of heritage in an urban fabric.
KBM Sweet Shop is the primary retail outlet of a prominent traditional sweets and savouries manufacturer, based in Ahmedabad. The project involved the renovation of their pre-existing building’s facade and interior.
Visit: Saransh Architects
The KBM brand being 174 years old, originated in the old city of Ahmedabad and a look at the historic and articulate brickwork throughout the old city, channeled the specific material and techniques for the facade. One of the inspirations for the facade design was the texture of Indian sweets which is created by the multiplication of a single unit ingredient. Bricks become the ‘ingredient’ here to create the texture.
The site is situated in the center of the city on a wide road opposite one of the city’s stadiums, giving the building ample visibility. The undulating brick facade design aims to make it a landmark. The developed form softens all the edges of the building and creates a playful facade, resulting in a red textured layer, enabling it to stand out amongst an otherwise white and grey neighborhood.
Though the facade is heavily guided by the existing building, a Ferro-cement skin was erected to envelop it in a fluid form, reinforcing the building, while also acting as an insulation. On the ground, the walls extend beyond the building like a fort wall, and host an arched gateway, further relating to the sense of entry typical to the old city.
From the inside, the shop is envisaged as a ‘gallery’ for sweets. The interior intends to act as a neutral backdrop to an inventory so vibrant and colorful, effectively disappearing in the visual plane, allowing the products to stand out.
Display counters for the sweets were specifically customized in solid-acrylic, bearing in mind the size, quantity, and texture of the sweets, allowing each product equal importance and visibility. The display includes only samples of each, while all the bulk packaging remains in the service areas, behind the ‘gallery’, provided to the customers upon an order of the same.
The finely grained terrazzo flooring, the relief plaster on the wall, and the curved edges of the niches, all relate to a palette of the past, carried forward from the origins of the brand, while still holding the relatively modern solid-acrylic display counters, showcasing the sweets as ‘artifacts’.
This deliberately intended contrast between the raw exterior and the finished interior occurring at the threshold greatly accentuates the difference of watching the visual harmony of the bricks from the outside and being a part of a carefully curated ‘sweet gallery’ on the inside.
Fact File:
Firm: Saransh Architects
Client: Kandoi Bhogilal Mulchand
Typology: Retail
Program: Sweet Shop
Location: Ahmedabad
Status: Completed 2019
Built-Up Area: 3350 sq.ft
Design Lead: Neel Jain
Design Team: kaveesha Shah, Manish Doshi, Malay Doshi, Arihant Bajaj, Swaroop Suthar
Photography: PHX India| Ira Gosalia
About Firm:
Saransh is an architectural partnership studio based in Ahmedabad, India, operating in the fields of architecture, planning, and interior design. The studio was founded in 1994 by Manish and Malini Doshi – architects, and alumni of CEPT University. Saransh currently employs a full-time staff of 16 architects and interior designers, in addition to longstanding collaborative relationships with a number of consultants and agencies from allied fields; together, these teams help us achieve a precise execution of the assignment at hand.
With the addition of Kaveesha Shah, Malay Doshi, Neel Jain, and Purvi Tank we are now stepping into the next phase of our practice – expanding, diversifying and streamlining in tune with the sensibilities and requirements of a rapidly expanding clientele. Saransh –under the ambit of its Architecture, Design, Foundation, Labs and Urbanism domains – is addressing the larger concerns of urban impact and environmental sustainability through the newer additions to its extensive portfolio.
Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) blurs the boundaries between structure and nature with the conceptualization and design of the elemental villas at Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli ranges, the design of the resort draws inspiration from the vastness of its surroundings and natural elements. Each villa type, including Earth, Lagoon, […]
The design of Habitat 0 begins with the central concept of a vacation home community organized around a circular form. This layout places individual spaces radially around a central circular courtyard, creating a communal space where every area has access to expansive views of the surrounding greenery. The circular design is essential in fostering a […]
Nestled in the tranquil village of Thenipalam, Malappuram, Aman is a 2,800 sq. ft. residence, manifesting its Urdu namesake, meaning peace, sanctuary, and security. Designed by Vaktra Architects, this traditional Kerala home is a testament to simplicity, blending Kerala’s tropical ethos with contemporary elegance. This Traditional Kerala Home is Rooted in Simplicity and Modern Elegance […]
Pranjali – The Doctor’s Bungalow is a peaceful and practical modern bungalow design located in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The name Pranjali, meaning “a graceful offering” or “a gesture of respect,” reflects the spirit of this residence—a calm, humble, and thoughtful space created for a doctor couple seeking balance in their busy lives. The design goal […]
The contemporary style architecture house is located in the lively urban context of Thaltej, Ahmedabad nestled within a private cluster of four bungalows. Though the home enjoys the benefits of community, it also maintains a high degree of privacy and seclusion. This is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement, despite the proximity of a […]
Screenwriter and director Megha Ramaswamy approached Fractal Chaos to design an organic home as a weekend retreat in Pasli Gaon, Velhe—a village about 150 km from Pune. The site is located between the Deccan Plateau and the Western Ghats, which gives it a unique ecology with 4 seasons. Drawn to the land by a bordering […]
Situated in the bustling residential neighbourhood of Koorkenchery, Thrissur, Dr. Lakshmi’s residence stands as a refined architectural response to a narrow 15.53 cent plot. The 4214.07 sq ft home is a seamless blend of modern traditional kerala house, with an Indonesian inspired grey white exterior that exudes sophistication. The design strategically employs linear planning, integrating […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
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 […]