search
  • The Facade Of A Building Redefines Commercial Architecture In Surat | Architecture Firm

    In the bustling heart of Surat, where commercial buildings often succumb to mundane façades and utilitarian designs, “Terraw(e)ave” emerges as a bold architectural statement. Designed by Architecture Firm, this commercial building reimagines the potential of materiality, form, and aesthetics in urban design by its facade. Spanning 5,000 square feet, Terraw(e)ave derives its name and essence from the amalgamation of Terracotta, Weave, and Wave, signifying an innovative approach to façade design that is both poetic and functional.

    The Facade Of A Building Redefines Commercial Architecture In Surat | Architecture Firm

    facade of a building

    A Unified Skin of Brickwork

    The project is a renovation of an existing G+2 structure. The primary design requisite was to create a homogeneous skin, unbroken by openings, to shield the interior from the harsh western sun. This challenge was embraced as an opportunity to craft a façade as delicate as woven fabric. Here, terracotta bricks become the hero, their natural warmth and tactile quality lending themselves to an intricate masonry composition.

    Each brick course is meticulously arranged to form undulating waves, creating a seamless woven texture. By projecting every fifth brick course outward and inward, the façade gains a dynamic rhythm, producing an interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. The result is a visually engaging exterior that not only captivates passersby but also provides functional benefits, including shading and sound insulation.

    facade of a building

    The Art of Weaving Waves

    The conceptual genesis of Terraw(e)ave is rooted in the imagery of a tattered cloth with a torn flap. This metaphorical inspiration translates into the undulating masonry, which appears to flow naturally like fabric, delicately draped over the building. The façade’s fluidity is achieved through precise craftsmanship, where each layer of brick appears to cascade effortlessly over the next, creating a harmonious rhythm that softens the building’s monolithic form.

    One of the standout features is the informal niche—a dramatic recess in the façade that allows northern light to filter into the building. This niche, formed by the inward folding of the brick waves, is reminiscent of a flap of cloth bending inward. It becomes a sculptural element, offering visual relief and creating a spatial dialogue between the interior and exterior.

    facade of a building

    Breaking the Norm in Commercial Architecture

    In an era where commercial buildings are often characterized by uninviting glass or monotonous façades, Terraw(e)ave challenges the norm. It transforms a functional necessity into an architectural delight. The woven brick façade, while aesthetically compelling, is highly practical. Its design mitigates harsh sunlight, reduces heat gain, and dampens external noise.

    The cavity between the exterior masonry skin and the interior wall enhances thermal and acoustic performance, while vent pipes integrated within the brickwork prevent air pressure buildup, ensuring structural integrity over time. Additionally, the bricks have been treated with a protective coating to withstand Surat’s climatic conditions, ensuring durability and weather resistance.

    Engineering Precision Meets Craftsmanship

    The execution of Terraw(e)ave demanded a synthesis of engineering precision and artisanal skill. The one-brick-thick masonry is structurally supported by steel bars, welded at three-foot intervals, and anchored to the building’s columns and slabs. This integration of steel reinforcement ensures the stability of the flowing brickwork while maintaining its delicate aesthetic.

    Creating the fluid waves required precise placement of bevelled bricks, with each layer carefully aligned to maintain uniformity and achieve the intended soft, cursive form. This meticulous craftsmanship results in a façade that is as much a work of art as it is an architectural achievement.

     facade of a building

    An Ever-Changing Theatre of Light and Shadow

    Terraw(e)ave’s design thrives on its ability to engage with light. As the sun moves across the sky, the projected brick courses cast dynamic shadows, bringing the façade to life. This interplay creates an ever-changing visual experience, ensuring that the building never appears static.

    The façade’s visual appeal is complemented by its ability to inspire moments of pause and reflection. Amid the chaos of the commercial street, the building stands as a serene landmark, inviting onlookers to appreciate its sculptural beauty and innovative design.

    A Celebration of Materiality and Form

    At its core, Terraw(e)ave is a celebration of the timeless qualities of brick—a material that embodies both tradition and modernity. The project pushes the boundaries of what brick can achieve. Thus, transforming it into a medium for artistic expression and architectural innovation.

    The façade’s woven waves redefine the building’s identity. Additionally, it sets a precedent for using materiality to create a strong architectural language. It is a design that respects its urban context while elevating it. Moreover, it offers a sense of place and purpose in a region often dominated by uniform commercial structures.

    An Architectural Legacy

    Terraw(e)ave is more than a building; it redefines how commercial spaces can interact with their surroundings. Moreover, the project challenges preconceived notions of façade design. Furthermore, it establishes a new benchmark for commercial architecture in Surat.

    This remarkable structure has flowing brickwork and harmonious composition. Additionally, it embodies the vision of its creators: to design spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring. Terraw(e)ave proves the transformative power of thoughtful architecture. Thus, weaving beauty and meaning into every brick, even in the busiest urban environments.

    Fact File

    Designed by: Architecture Firm

    Project Type: Commercial Building

    Project Name: TERRAW(E)AVE

    Location: Surat

    Year Built: Jan 2023

    Duration of the project: 10 Months

    Plot Area: 2100 Sq.ft

    Built-up Area: 5000 Sq.ft

    Project Cost: 1.1 Crore

    Principal Architect: Ar. Ashish Patel

    Team Design Credits: Ar. Jay Patel, Ar. Drashti Patel, Ar. Kajal Rana

    Photograph Courtesy: The Space Tracing Company

    Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – RED BRICK / Construction Materials – RED BRICK, SIPOREX BLOCK, GREY CEMENT, MS BOX PIPE, C CHANNEL. / Facade Systems – MOTORIZED ROLLING SHUTTER/ ALUMINUM COMPOSITE PANEL / Windows – ALUMINIUM SECTION 27X65 MM / Flooring – CERA GREY GRANITE/ PAVER BLOCK / Paint – DULUX PAINT

    Consultants for the Project: Civil – Ruddra Construction (Neel Patel) / HVAC Consultants – Unicool Engineers (Roshan Patel) / Structure Engineers – Sixth Layer Design (Mr Nilesh Vithani) / Contractors –  Harsad Parmar (Brick Contractor)

    Firm’s Instagram Link: Architecture Firm

    Firm’s Facebook Link: Architecture Firm

    For Similar Projects >> The Parametric Facade Redefines The Landscape Of Urban Commercial Architecture 






    This Contemporary Courtyard House Creates a Serene Urban Oasis | Ace Associates

    This contemporary courtyard house is designed within constraints that often give rise to the most creative solutions. This residence, nestled in a landlocked plot flanked by development on three sides, represents a unique architectural intervention that turns limitation into opportunity. The client’s vision was both unusual and ambitious: to create a twin house under one […]

    Read More

    This Multi Generational Home Blends Aesthetics & Functionality | Design Consortium

    This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]

    Read More

    Modern Luxury & Sophistication Shapes This Anand Home | Hiren Patel Architect Design

    In this modern luxury home, courtyards spill into living spaces, and the lines between inside and outside dissolve into a seamless whole. This 17,800 sq. ft. bungalow in Anand, by Hiren Patel Architects, blurs the boundaries between landscape, architecture, and interiors, creating a home where nature isn’t just the backdrop but an integral part of […]

    Read More

    This Monolithic Home in the Himalayas Evokes a Singular Silhouette | Portal 92

    Nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range, the Himalayas is our latest project, Ekasham — a private residence refurbishment and redevelopment project, spread across an area of 2177 sqm. The monolithic home, through its volumes, composed of old and new structures, merges into a singular silhouette evoking the presence of a monolith from which […]

    Read More

    Ishaar, a Holiday Villa is Rooted in Brutalist Tactility and Calm | Addy’s studio

    Ishaar is rooted in the belief that architecture should not just be seen, but deeply felt. Drawing from brutalist principles and natural tactility, the holiday villa is designed as a sensory retreat, where material, sound, light, and temperature shape the guest’s experience. Set amidst rural farmland, the villa dissolves into its landscape through a choreography […]

    Read More

    Vishram Vaadi Nu Ghar is a Countryside House Design Immersed in Greens | Ikshhana Design Studio

    “Vishram Vaadi Nu Ghar” means a serene retreat amidst mango and chikoo farms, crafted to reflect the client’s vision in their mother tongue Gujarati. Vishram is a serene ground-touch structure offering breathtaking views of the Purna River and is a thoughtful example of countryside house design. Nestled amidst lush Amba and Chikoo Vaadi, the design […]

    Read More

    This Ezhupunna Home is Rooted in Eco-friendly Design | Judson Associates Architects & Interiors

    This single-story sustainable home in Ezhupunna blends traditional Kerala architecture with tropical, eco-friendly design. Inspired by the “kullakadavu” concept, a central pond encourages family interaction while enhancing the landscape. This Ezhupunna Home is Rooted in Eco-friendly Design | Judson Associates Architects & Interiors Despite being near lakes and beaches, adding a pond improves year-round moisture […]

    Read More

    Modest Houses in New Anjar Reflect Clarity and Intergenerational Harmony | Sulemans Design Studio

    In the heart of New Anjar, a small town tucked into the arid landscape of Kachchh, Gujarat, sits one of those modest houses designed with a quiet sense of clarity. Built for a Muslim family spanning three generations, the home isn’t trying to make a bold statement from its street-facing façade. Instead, it leans into […]

    Read More

    This Urban Residence Pairs Clean Lines with a Minimalist House Design Interior | Studio Rudrang

    The house showcases a modern three-story residence exemplifying contemporary architectural design through its clean lines, geometric volumes, and a balanced interplay of materials. The facade skillfully combines textured tile cladding, smooth plaster, and contrasting color blocks in neutral shades of gray, black, and earthy rust, adding visual depth and dynamism. Expansive glass panels framed in […]

    Read More

    House of Silhouettes Reflects Contemporary Modern Architecture | Shaunak Singh and Associates

    House of Silhouettes is located in Navratan, Udaipur. The plot is a corner one facing north and west 60’x40′ with a built-up area of 6500 sq.ft., designed in contemporary modern architecture as an independent house at three levels, including terrace. House of Silhouettes Reflects Contemporary Modern Architecture | Shaunak Singh and Associates This contemporary residence […]

    Read More
  • 20 Inspiring Dining Ceiling Designs For Your Home

    Stucco Wall Texture Enhances the Serenity of a Contemporary Home in Ahmedabad | Circle. Design Studio