The clients envisioned a residence with concrete wall forms where individual spaces communicate seamlessly, allowing family members to remain connected even when in their areas. Previously residing in an old city house with shared walls, they yearned for the true openness of a family home that exudes airiness and is bathed in natural light. Their aesthetic preference leaned towards form-finished concrete, desiring a minimalist, modern home that is unique and dynamic.
Editor’s Note: “The rugged concrete texture and the captivating interplay of mass and voids in this abode evoke a sense of curiosity and comfort. Expansive windows and angled terraces flood the interiors with natural light. Embracing a neutral color palette and minimalist design, the indoors radiate a comforting aura.” ~Simran Khare
The Spaces in the Residence with Concrete Wall Forms Communicate Seamlessly | ESSTEAM
The squarish plot, approximately 440 square yards with a setback on all sides, posed spatial challenges, necessitating vertical stacking of the living spaces across four levels.
Leveraging the advantages of the corner plot with roads on the west and north sides, the house is designed to orient most spaces towards the north.
This orientation allows for large, full-sized windows that bring soft, diffused northern light throughout the day.
Strategically placing the vertical circulation and bathing areas on the southern side insulates the primary living spaces—such as the living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas—enhancing their comfort and functionality.
The design ensures that the majority of liveable spaces have three exterior walls. Thereby promoting cross-ventilation, ample daylight, and outdoor views.
The volumetric composition of the house introduces dynamism, with spaces stacked and the master bedroom cantilevered approximately 4.2 meters (13′-9″ feet) over the first-floor garden. This creates a double-height volume. Thus allowing visual connectivity from the top floor to the ground level, from extreme east to west.
Achieving this sense of openness within a confined plot boundary is a remarkable feat of design. Here, individual volumes assert their presence while collectively embodying the family’s values of unity and individuality.
Inspired by one of our previous projects featuring form-finished concrete, the client was resolute in engaging us. They wanted us to design their new home with a minimalist material palette that exudes modernity.
Using form-finished concrete as the primary shell, we integrated wood, white marble stones, and a few metals to set a warm and sophisticated tone.
Modernist detailing in the interiors ensures that the house remains inviting and visually comforting. Careful restraint in the interior design and customised artworks with a pinch of colour in the spaces enhance the elegance of simplicity.
Technologically advanced, the house features smart controls that enhance the lifestyle of the client’s family, offering unparalleled comfort and ease.
‘Speaking Volumes’ stands as a testament to our design philosophy. It is achieving more with less, creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically compelling.
Fact File
Designed by: ESSTEAM
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Speaking Volumes
Location : Surat, Gujarat
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 9805 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Snehal Shah
Team Design Credits: Nishith Jariwala, Dhruv Chaliawala, Sarthak Dixit, Umang Kapadia, Payal Shah, Mansi Jariwala, Ketna Morker, Hiral Sanghani, Harish Chotaliya, Alish Narola, Abhay Vaghela & Bhikhu Rathod
Photograph Courtesy: Noaidwin Sttudio
Name of Client: Mr. Ajay Lakhwala
Products / Materials / Vendors: Construction – Materials Ultratech, TATA / Construction Chemicals – Roff Stone & Tiles – Dineshbhai, Stone World, Simpolo / Plumbing Materials – Astral, Viega, Huliot / Lighting Fixtures – Delta, Ligman, Alurays / HVAC Equipments – Diakin / Doors – Onsite / Partitions – JG Glass – Waltz / Sanitaryware – Hans Grohe, Toto / Windows & Glazing – Vitrum / Furniture – Molteni, Bonaldo, Cattelan Itlaia / Elevator – Kone / Kitchen – Modunova / Paint – ICA / Artworks – Oblique / Hardware – Ideal / Hardware – Hafele, Blum, Dorma
Firm’s Website Link: ESSTEAM
The Firm’s Instagram Link: ESSTEAM
Firm’s Facebook Link: ESSTEAM
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