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.

Entrance

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.

Spatial Planning

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.

Key Features

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.

Exterior

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.

Inspiration

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.

Challenges

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

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