Imagine a place of serenity and awakening by a tranquil river. A flurry of bird sounds becomes a constant backdrop for a space of calm shadows, witnessing the playful movement of time. Amidst this lushness and rustic setting, a composition of stark greys and whites sits like a pristine object on the river’s edge. This is Kalrav- a weekend villa designed by The Crossboundaries, perched on the banks of the beautiful river Mahi.
Contemporary Elegance of Living Spaces and Old World Charm of Rustic Homes | The Crossboundaries
Visit: The Crossboundaries
The rustic design essence of the master bedroom and guest bedroom both lies in simplicity and optimizing outdoor views. Carefully selected wicker and cane furniture complement the farm-house vibe, while also being lightweight for easy changes.
The home sits on a plot of 27,000 sq.ft, and is a quick 45 minute drive away from Vadodara city. As the city grows, rustic second homes tucked away into the countryside are becoming places of rejuvenation and relaxation for many families. Intended as a weekend getaway for an older family, this home is the epitome of fuss-free, low-maintenance yet high-value luxury living, equipped with all amenities, furnished in memorable ways.
The west-facing open kitchen is bathed in natural light through automated blinds, adding life to the bright mint-green cabinet shutters.
In the orientation and planning of the ground-level residence, the architects took clues from the river’s length and natural run of the land. A generous driveway and front garden lead into the villa compound, following which the house extends sideways as a long volume, with the river visible beyond.
The building layout as essentially a thin linear strip, parallel to the river brings advantages of east-facing views and uninterrupted vistas. As a design feature, the entrance area is at an angle, slightly changing the visitor’s orientation, before arriving into the sun-filled court. The presence of a placid water-body, both at the entrance and the back porch instantly brings a riverine connection, and soothes the body and mind!
The spacious living and family area is laid out in a single bay, with private bedrooms on either side. The seamless living-dining area accommodates large family gatherings or quiet moments of solitude alike. The dining table, crafted as a hunk of polished driftwood, afloat, anchors the room together. Each livable area is designed for a complete frontal view through openable French windows, framing the garden and the river waters below.
This house by the river brings together modern sensibilities in understated ways, open to the elements of nature, wildlife and light.
A deliberately chosen muted interiors palette of white walls, grey ceilings and flooring allows for the views and vistas to come alive, and creates moments of authentic one-ness with nature. Designed for a family consisting of senior citizens as well as children, the selection of furniture and furnishings is anti-skid, clean and soft-edged. Comfortable arm chairs with footstools, along with other seating elements from IKEA and local furniture stores together bring a sense of ease and utility.
The presence of these two smaller courtyards near the bedrooms elevates the connection with the outdoors, bringing in light, wind and the chirping of birds! The guest bedroom carries forward its conversation with nature through a pair of bedside lamps in the form of birds. This allegory presents itself across the house, in the form of bird-shaped sculptures, fixed and floating lighting fixtures – constantly drawing attention to the ever-present sweet birdsounds.
The long outdoor deck, in the verandah, is designed as a space for early morning sun-gazing, or merry nights under the starlit sky. The verandah, cladded in matt black tile, is a play of a shallow linear waterbody, crisscrossed by ‘stepping stone bridges. The water body is a visual and sensorial connection to the river…like a soft line dividing the man-made and natural, the permanent and ephemeral.
Fact File
Designed by: The Crossboundaries
Client Name: Sharad Bhavsar
Project Type: Residence Architecture and Design
Project Name: Kalrav (Waterfront weekend villa)
Location: Gajana, Gujarat
Year Built: 2022
Project Size: 27000 Sq.ft
Built up: 35000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Harsh Boghani
Team Design Credits: Sanket Prajapati, Forum Jariwala, Vijay Dhabi, Rishabh Prajapati, Neel Patel & Shailesh Boghani
Text Credits: Niharka Joshi
Photograph Courtesy: Tejas Shah
Firm’s Website Link: The Crossboundaries
Firm’s Instagram Link: The Crossboundaries
Firm’s Facebook Link: The Crossboundaries
For Similar Project>>Elegance and Modernist Luxury Home in Bangalore
Given the compact footprint of the residence, designed on a 140 sq. m. plot, the idea behind this simple home interior design was to open each space into an outdoor verandah or balcony to make the space look spacious and have an ample amount of sunlight, but still want to maintain the privacy in each […]
Studio Lotus proposes a unique archetype for retail design with the new brand experience center for luxury jewelry label Sunita Shekhawat. The art of Meenakari, or enamel work, is an age-old technique renowned for its vibrant and intricate designs on metal surfaces. While enamel work originated in Persia, it has flourished in India, particularly in Rajasthan, where […]
The Silhouette House’s design philosophy revolves around creating a harmonious balance between functionality, aesthetics, and emotional connection. Inspired by the client’s diverse lifestyles—a merchant navy officer’s quest for serenity, a PR officer’s need for warmth, and the joy of nurturing young children—the home, with its sloping roof design, is designed as a sanctuary that blends […]
This exquisite villa is located amidst lush greenery in Bangalore. This house design offers a perfect blend of modern architectural design and traditional South Indian aesthetics. Thoughtfully crafted to reflect the cultural heritage of its residents, the villa features sleek contemporary lines complemented by classic South Indian furniture and decor. South Indian House Design Offers […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
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 […]
Indie Tales, a 2 story house design in Pondicherry stays true to its identity stands apart with its unparalleled charm amidst a narrow conservative neighborhood. This abode embraces a quiet reflection of modern lifestyle and traditional nuances within a limited budget for an intimate family of 5 across 3 generations. The residence evolves as an […]