The contemporary style architecture house is located in the lively urban context of Thaltej, Ahmedabad nestled within a private cluster of four bungalows. Though the home enjoys the benefits of community, it also maintains a high degree of privacy and seclusion. This is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement, despite the proximity of a multi-story apartment complex at the rear of the property. The strategic use of openings and massing ensures privacy without compromising natural light or ventilation. Moreover, the layout cleverly harnesses light and air, bringing freshness and comfort to every corner of the house.
Editor’s Note: “Imagine living in a home that not only reflects your personal preferences but also fosters a strong sense of community. This stone-crete residence in Ahmedabad is grounded in fundamental architectural principles and guided by thoughtful design strategies. The overall design seamlessly integrates interior architecture as a cohesive and expressive entity.” ~ Baarat Krishna
The Stone-Crete House Is A Brutalist Ode To Contemporary Style Architecture | MPA Design Studio
The residence represents a seamless blend of modern architectural principles and traditional values. Despite its thoroughly contemporary appearance, the design pays homage to timeless materials and cultural sensibilities.
Every space has been thoughtfully aligned to ensure a harmonious and balanced flow of energy. Moreover, it adheres closely to the principles of Vaastu Shastra.
This ancient Indian science of contemporary style architecture guides the home’s spatial planning. It also ensures not just aesthetic and functional excellence but also a sense of spiritual well-being.
Stepping into this modern residence, one is immediately struck by a distinct synthesis of architectural styles. The home’s entrance articulates a careful fusion of brutalist materiality and mid-century modern warmth, unified by a contemporary design language. The result is a space that is not only highly functional but also deeply expressive and emotionally engaging.
One of the defining features of the entrance is the striking interplay of light and material. Above, an open-tread wooden staircase allows natural sunlight to cascade downwards. It creates a dance of dynamic shadows on the textured concrete wall. This constantly shifting light adds visual interest and a sense of movement to the space. Additionally, it transforms what could be a purely functional zone into a visually rich and emotionally engaging experience.
The residence layout follows an open-plan concept. This eliminates unnecessary walls and boundaries between the living room, dining area, and kitchen. This approach not only improves the flow of movement within the house but also makes the entire space feel much larger and connected.
Large glass sliding doors further this sense of openness, drawing the outdoors in and allowing sunlight to filter through uninterrupted. Views of the surrounding garden and exterior are ever-present, reinforcing a feeling of unity between interior and exterior spaces.
The architectural plan, deeply informed by Vaastu principles, is oriented to harness positive energy flows while maximizing daylight and ventilation.
The directional alignments are not arbitrary; they are chosen to enhance comfort, well-being, and connection with the natural world. In this way, ancient traditions are harmonized with modern needs and aesthetics. Moreover, it creates a home that is both spiritually grounded and forward-looking.
A key architectural highlight of the home is the staircase, which stands as both a functional element and a sculptural centerpiece. It is framed by exposed concrete walls and veneered paneling, combining the raw with the refined.
The stairs’ light, floating design adds to the sense of spatial clarity and openness. As morning light pours in through a tall vertical window, it animates the stairwell with leafy silhouettes, creating a tranquil, almost meditative atmosphere.
This interaction of light, material, and greenery gives the staircase an emotional depth, transforming a mundane daily activity into a rich sensory experience.
The natural environment plays a critical role in the planning of the home. One of the most striking examples of this is the way the layout accommodates an existing neem tree. Rather than removing the tree, the architects chose to integrate it into the design.
Windows in the master bedroom are carefully positioned to frame the tree, making it a living focal point and strengthening the home’s indoor-outdoor connection. This approach not only respects the existing ecosystem but also enriches the daily lives of the occupants by providing a direct visual link to nature.
Every element in the home—from the richly textured surfaces and thoughtful openings to the alignment of rooms and integration with nature—has been carefully chosen to enrich the lives of its inhabitants.
This is not just a house; it is a living, breathing space designed to evolve with its occupants. It stands as a model of how a contemporary style architecture can be both expressive and practical, modern and timeless, individual yet universally appealing.
Raw, natural materials play a vital role in shaping the identity of the house. Elements such as exposed concrete, natural stone, and wood have been used generously throughout the home. These materials not only provide an earthy texture and tactile warmth but also blend harmoniously with the greenery around the property, creating a tranquil urban oasis. The facade of the home is composed of clean, minimalist lines and organic textures, producing a look that is both sophisticated and grounded.
The relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces is one of seamless integration. Every room has been designed to foster a dialogue with the outdoors, whether through large openings, sightlines that frame garden views, or transitional spaces like verandahs and courtyards. This intentional blending promotes a constant sense of openness, continuity, and connection with nature.
The living room, often regarded as the heart of the home, extends into the garden via a shaded verandah, creating an almost seamless transition between the interior and the exterior. Large sliding glass doors play a dual role—visually connecting indoor and outdoor spaces while also facilitating cross-ventilation. This space becomes a zone of relaxation, social interaction, and communion with nature, a testament to the architects’ commitment to biophilic design principles.
The project draws inspiration from Brutalist architecture, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Characterized by the use of exposed concrete, crisp geometric forms, and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, the design balances rugged materiality with modern elegance. Furthermore, the fluted concrete detailing introduces a tactile sophistication, enriching the raw surfaces with a sense of refinement and visual rhythm.
Key challenges included preserving the precision of exposed concrete finishes throughout construction. Balancing minimalism with warmth through landscaping and subtle material variations also demanded close coordination between the design and execution phases.
Fact File
Designed by: MPA Design Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Stone-Crete House
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 2022-2024
Built-up Area: 9500 Sq. ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Mit Patel
Team Design Credits: Swati & Shrinil
Photograph Courtesy: Ira & PHX India
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Indian granite stone cladding / Construction Materials – Exposed concrete / Sanitaryware – Hansgrohe / Furniture – Poshway / Flooring – Italian marble from OM marbles, Rajkot / Kitchen – FnF
Consultants for the Project: Civil – Shivom / Interior Designers – Brijesh contractor & associates Landscape Architect – Biophilia Design Studio / Contractors – Shivom
Firm’s Website Link: MPA Design Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link: MPA Design Studio
For Similar Project >>A Meticulously Designed House that Caters to a Joint Family while Embracing the Principles of Vastu Shastra
In a landscape where aspiration quietly waits, Granthalay emerges as a circular building and sanctuary for learning—gathering people, knowledge, and place into a shared civic moment. Granthalay is conceived as a civic institution that extends beyond the conventional idea of a library, responding to the acute lack of educational and community infrastructure in the district […]
A dilapidated old manor house in Jaffna peninsula, with warped roof beams, warped door windows and many structural defects were presented to the architects for refurbishment- by clients- to be refurbished as a retirement home for themselves who were returning to Sri Lanka after escaping to overseas due to the 25 years old North East […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
Design, when it emerges as a living tapestry, turns the experience of living into a vibrant everyday narrative. Baldota House in Alandi, Pune by ARCHOS accommodates three generations under a single roof in the area spanning 7500 Sq. Ft. Spearheaded by the family’s desire for a generous space and a theatrical essence along with balanced […]
Few homes are celebrated for their iconic interiors, while some are celebrated for their open layouts. True to its unique context and subtleties, this home with a monochromatic palette, designed by Ar. Saumya Khanna & Ar. Sudhir Ambawata Co – founders & principle architects of SSDA Architects brings the essence of volumetric design and a […]
Adopting sustainable living today, both in design and daily life, is crucial for reducing our environmental footprint and preserving resources for future generations. In the design of this bamboo pavilion, this means using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and creating spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. In daily living, sustainability involves mindful consumption, reducing waste, conserving […]
Tucked into the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Aashiyana is a residence that balances context, climate, and craft. Designed by architect Srijit Srinivas, this bungalow is conceived as more than a tropical retreat-it is a spatial journey where bold colour, filtered light, and thoughtful materials orchestrate a distinctive atmosphere. Nestled Amidst Lush Landscape Aashiyana Balances Craft […]
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
Project 1374 is located in one of the plotted developments in the north of Bangalore, characterized by well-demarcated plots, open spaces, spacious roads, and organized infrastructure. Trees flank the wide streets, dividing the plots with dense canopies offering shaded avenues. Abutting the plot stood a cluster of trees- a quiet presence. We borrowed these trees […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]