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
For Similar Project>>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
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 […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]