This 2 lakh sqft farmland on the edge of the Mahi river in Vadodara embodies a melodic blend of functionality and aesthetics. A couple with a keen interest in farming owns the riverbank house. The property features an extensive array of plantations, including guava, teak, castor oil, and dragon fruit.
Editor’s Note: “Blending functionality with aesthetics, this farmhouse in Gujarat is embraced by a lush tapestry of plantations. The serene, unobstructed views of the river, coupled with ample space for farming, add to the farmhouse’s captivating allure. Drawing inspiration from the river’s form, the design evokes a sense of fluidity and grace. The open-plan layout, featuring a central courtyard, seamlessly merges the indoors with the natural beauty outside, creating a harmonious sanctuary.” ~Simran Khare
The Goal of this Riverbank House is to Harmonize with their Surroundings | Studio DesignSeed
Is architecture a part of the landscape or vice versa? How can design enhance the sense of place? In this case, the foremost impression is that it contributes to the overall identity and character of the site. Contextual architecture seeks to create buildings that feel like a natural extension of their surroundings. Thus, it enhances the aesthetic and functional value of a place. It is an approach to design that considers the surrounding environment, culture, and historical context of a building’s location. The goal of this riverbank house is to harmonize with their surroundings and complement the existing landscape and built environment.
Perched on a hill and surrounded by plantations, the farmhouse overlooks the riverbank, where neem trees line the view, providing natural shade and scenic vistas. Every view immerses you in greenery and the serene seclusion of nature.
The initial plan was to construct a conventional space for farming activities and stay. However, over time, the design ideation evolved into a comprehensive two-bedroom riverbank house with a pool. Despite this evolution, the attempt to not occupy an overpowering architectural area is significantly visible. Thus emphasizing the importance of maintaining a natural and open environment.
Apeksha Ray, the principal architect of Studio DesignSeed, based in Vadodara, says it’s a courtyard with a house and not the other way around. It is said in a literal as well as metaphorical manner. It is a design choice that prioritizes outdoor spaces, making them the primary focus of the property.
The courtyard serves multiple purposes: it provides natural light, ventilation, and space for relaxation and contemplation. The brick-lined circular form on the wall sort of becomes a focal point. The glimpses of brick are evident in quite some elements that tie the whole theme of the material palette together.
The architectural form aligns with the river, creating a sense of axiality and directionality. The overall aesthetic is raw and organic, highlighting the natural elements of the site. Reusing site materials, such as incorporating river pebbles from the bank, demonstrates the architect’s dedication to sustainable design. These pebbles are creatively repurposed for key features, including the shower wall adjacent to the pool and the courtyard flooring.
Studio DesignSeed places a strong emphasis on hand sketching as a crucial part of the process, while digital software serves as a facilitator in achieving the final outcome. This enables the creation of a spatial experience with each stroke while traversing through each corner of the space.
The entrance to the house features an open layout with seating facing the courtyard. The courtyard divides the house into two sections: the right side includes public areas such as the living room, dining space, and kitchen pantry, while the left side houses the private areas with bedrooms and bathrooms. Large bay windows in the living room extend into a semi-outdoor passage that overlooks the neem trees and river. This design choice allows residents to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding nature.
The living room features Kota stone flooring, providing a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors while also highlighting the surrounding views. The volume and scale of the built form create a sense of being outside, reinforcing the architect’s goal of achieving a “grounded” feeling for the farmhouse rather than a typical leisure weekend house.
The arched ceiling lined with brickwork adds character to the interior, while fabricated roofing in the outdoor spaces blends with the green landscape.
The walls of the courtyard are finished with a mix of plaster and rice husk, highlighting the studio’s innovative ways with natural materials, resulting in a textured surface that complements the earthy color palette. This combination is used throughout the property.
From the courtyard, the infinity-edge pool offers an uninterrupted view of the lush green neem trees, enhancing the overall visual experience of the house. The master bathroom space is directed away and toward the river view, yet again incorporating green mosaics and terracotta colors to create a cohesive aesthetic.
The custom-designed furniture and lamps, as well as the use of commissioned artworks, further emphasize the architect’s dedication to showcasing the craftsmanship. In summary, the architectural design of the farmhouse is enveloped by nature, which results in an inviting retreat that celebrates the beauty of its natural surroundings and sustainability. The design choices prioritize outdoor spaces and the surrounding environment, creating a living space that is both practical and serene.
This design project prioritizes harmony with the natural environment and historical context of a site. By integrating the building with its surroundings, the architect aims to preserve the landscape’s ecological integrity and beauty.
This approach also emphasizes the significance of anything ‘local’. The materials, and design aesthetics, celebrates and safeguardes the natural heritage of the area. Contextual design not only creates spaces that resonate with the people who use them but also enriches the identity and legacy of a place.
Fact FileDesigned by: Studio DesignSeed
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Courtyard House by the Water
Location: Vadodara
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 2720 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Apeksha Ray
Photograph Courtesy: The Space Tracing Company
Contractors: Ray Construction Company
Project Managers: Ray Construction Company
Landscape Architects: Studio DesignSeed
Electrical Consultants: Oriental Electricals
Manufacturers: Jaquar, Mianzi
Source: ArchDaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio DesignSeed
For Similar Project >>> A Striking Brick House with Hints of Traditional Design and Essence of Reformed Living
The Liquescent house, located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, is a testament to organic architecture, a dialogue between the built and unbuilt, and the careful integration of natural elements. The architect’s inclination towards the design language is imbued with a natural fluidity, shaped by a childhood immersed in clay. This formative experience—working with a material […]
The rural residence is thoughtfully situated on a 9,000 square foot plot in Pappanadu, a village renowned for its rich communal life and cultural heritage in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Designed to accommodate a couple and their mother, the objective was to create a distinctive home that not only stands out aesthetically but also remains accessible […]
The design philosophy of Bhide’s Farmhouse in Pune, deeply rooted in organic living, embraces modern minimalism while incorporating elements of rustic charm. The emphasis is on creating a harmonious relationship with the natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes of Maharashtra. The design prioritizes simplicity, authenticity, and sustainability. Editor’s Note: By beautifully incorporating rustic […]
This modern house by the lake is inspired by traditional Wada architecture while incorporating contemporary aesthetics and functionality. Embracing nature, the architectural design reflects cultural heritage, technological advancements, and natural surroundings. With its exposed brick exterior, central courtyard, landscaping, a swimming pool by the lake, and a narrow alley entrance reminiscent of old Wadas, this residence […]
If you were to step into this Hyderabad house, you would sense harmony in paradox as it harmonizes two distinct units. With both units seamlessly woven together with open-to-sky transitional spaces. Moving around, you get the impression of belongingness, thriving in complete balance with a respect for individuality. This Hyderabad House Harmonizes Two Distinct Units […]
Reflecting grandeur, this Delhi house, also called as Nievus Villa reinterprets classical architecture through a contemporary lens, resulting in a sophisticated, and inviting home. FAB Studio undertook the challenge of creating a residence that seamlessly integrates into Delhi’s architectural landscape, while blending timeless elegance with modern comfort. Editor’s Note: “By merging classical elements with contemporary […]
The sentiment of togetherness is conceptualised the best way by Shreesh Design Studio LLP in this luxe house and has executed it with brimming affection. ‘The Luxe Wave,’ as so appropriately named, is a residential haven located in the warm arms of a homely neighborhood in Rajkot, Gujarat. The coming together of familial bonding and […]
A building that is constructed and designed to be environmentally responsible and resource-efficient design is called a green building. Green buildings are designed to maintain or improve the quality of the environment around them. Deep under its stylish mien, with Nature running through the veins of this house of 3732 square feet, is a green […]
Coloured glass is incorporated into the east facing elevation of the house with a plan designed to interact beautifully with morning sunlight. As the sun rises, light filters through the coloured glass, casting vibrant, colourful rays throughout the interior and creating a dynamic, uplifting atmosphere. Each piece transforms into a radiant, gem-like feature when struck […]
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 […]