search

The Terra Cotta Facade Frames Light and Connection at Prakashalay | Associated Architects (i) Pvt. Ltd.

Situated in a dense neighborhood of Surat, Prakashalay is a residence shaped by light, circulation, and spatial relationships, with a striking terra cotta facade. Designed by Associated Architects (I) Pvt. Ltd., an Ahmedabad-based design studio, the original residence was built in 2003 for a family of doctors on a 300 sq. yard site.

Editor’s Note: “This is a home reimagined, twice designed, once remembered, and lived in forever. Terracotta gently shapes its form while light streams through setbacks and voids. In each material, there is meaning, and its volumes, bridges between generations. Prakashalay is a legacy that not just shelters but speaks and grows over time.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

The Terra cotta Facade Frames Light and Connection at Prakashalay | Associated Architects (i) Pvt. Ltd.

terra cotta facade

Scaling Up While Staying Grounded

Over the last two decades, their growing family and evolving needs demanded for an expansion and the client decided to double their existing plot to 600 sq. yards. Prakashalay is a 14,000 sq. ft. residence, on a narrow plot with 1:3 ratio, explores openness and transparency in a vertically stacked home, yet stays rooted in the Indian way of living.

terra cotta facade

The residence is structured with a concrete framework and traditional brick masonry. A terracotta-hued exterior defines the built form, with each floor stepping back to create setbacks, framing levels as the building rises.

This rhythmic layering not only shapes the façade but also allows light and ventilation to flow through the spaces. At the entrance, a brass door introduces a sense of warmth, contrasting with the otherwise muted material palette.

terra cotta facade

Inside, the flooring choice makes a striking impact. Leather finish black granite runs through the house, an unconventional selection in Indian households where lighter tones are often preferred due to maintenance and cleaning being an important factor.

However, given the sheer amount of natural light streaming in, the dark floors ground the space without making it feel heavy. The surfaces react to changing light conditions throughout the day, adding another dimension to the interiors.

terra cotta facade

The lower ground floor features riverwash kota stone flooring in the parking, utility areas and verandahs. The flooring transitions into polished kota stone in the interior spaces of the lower ground floor.

terra cotta facade

Art plays a very important role in this house and can also be perceived as a material for the dimensionality, texture and warmth that it adds to the space. The entrance features a wall art over the console, backed by wooden posts and a cane mesh that functions as a screen.

terra cotta facade

At AAPL, the design team decided to challenge the site constraints and ensure maximum visual and physical connections between each space.

terra cotta facade

At the center of it all is a staggered double-height volume flowing through the family room and the reading lounge. As a result, it carves out a sense of openness while maintaining a hierarchy of privacy.

This core allows for uninterrupted sightlines between floors, reinforcing a sense of togetherness within the multi-generational household.

The double-height reading lounge is a key spatial moment, defined by an 18-foot-tall red artwork that anchors the space. Across the house, colors flow with intention—some bring calm, others spark energy. Together, they ultimately shape the feeling of being at home.

Few families offer the rare opportunity to design a project twice—two decades apart, on the same land, for the same people.

Having understood how the family lived in their previous home, the architects were able to respond to both past and present. Consequently, the architects crafted this new iteration to support how the family would live in the future.

The result is a house that is deeply personal and rooted in identity. Yet, it remains adaptable, embracing change while staying connected to its origins.

Fact File

Designed by: Associated Architects (i) Pvt. Ltd.

Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design

Project Name: Prakashalay

Location: Surat, India

Year Built: 2025

Built Area: 14,000 Sq. ft

Principal Architects: Ar. Bhavik Nandi

Photograph Courtesy: Murtaza Gandhi

Interior Stylist: saniya.tadha

Senior Architect: Trupti Modi

Senior Interior Designer: Hiral Shah

Associate Interior Designer: Riddish Kataria

Architect/ PR Head: Hitarth Nandi

Firm’s Instagram Link: Associated Architects (i) Pvt. Ltd.

Firm’s Facebook Link: Associated Architects (i) Pvt. Ltd.

For Similar Projects>>>3BHK Gandhinagar Home Designed With Simplicity And Harmony

A Modern Bali House With Timeless Tropical Charm | Biombo Architects

Located in the coastal village of Pererenan, Bali, House Terra is a contemporary response to tropical living, designed by Biombo Architects as a family retreat. The project balances built space and landscape, creating a strong connection between architecture and nature while offering shelter from the island’s monsoon climate. Editor’s Note: “House Terra, more than a […]

Read More

Minimal Home Interior Design That Honors Heritage in a 15′ Wide Plot | Dinterplay Architects

Located on a 15′ x 95′ ancestral plot in a pal village, Surat, India, this residence is designed for a multi-generational family of seven. This minimal home interior design solves light and space challenges within a narrow plot. The family wanted to stay connected with their community and preserve their cultural roots. The site has […]

Read More

This Bungalow Is A Poetic Take On Modern Exterior House Design | Sparc Design

“The sky’s ever-changing canvas, painted with hues of blues at dawn and greys and blacks at dusk, seamlessly weaves itself into the very fabric of this home’s architecture and interior.” Located in a comparatively narrow lane of bungalow plots, this modern exterior house design borrows its modern straight-line form and color from the sky. A […]

Read More

15 Courtyards in Houses: Designing Tranquil Spaces That Elevate Homes

Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]

Read More

The Residence Features An Exposed Brick Design That Enhances Its Street Presence | R+R Architects

The residence is sensitively designed and compatible with the neighborhood. Distinct from neighboring structures, the building creates a strong relationship to the streets by virtue of its large windows in facades. While there are dramatic and larger scale elements that define the building, it is also broken down into comprehensible human scale blocks with an […]

Read More

This Simple Contemporary House Design Harmonizes Craftsmanship and Nature | Karaagre Designs

This contemporary residence, covering 7500 square feet, combines modern design with timeless elegance to create a peaceful and luxurious retreat within a busy urban environment. The home is built around large frames that open up to nature, blending the interior with its surroundings. The design focuses on craftsmanship and harmony, making the simple contemporary house […]

Read More

Neuroarchitecture: Designing for the Human Mind

Imagine walking into a sunlit room with high ceilings, warm wooden floors, and a view of a leafy courtyard. How do you feel? Calm? Inspired? At ease? That’s not just your mood—it’s your brain responding to the space around you. Neuroarchitecture is an evolving domain that merges the understanding of neuroscience, psychology, and architecture to […]

Read More

Postmodernism Architecture: History, Elements & Famous Buildings

Architecture is more than just the construction of buildings, it is a reflection of our values, art, culture, and society. It is a movement towards new, promising, and philosophical design strategies. One such movement that significantly influenced the architectural landscape is Postmodernism architecture. In this research article, readers will find a comprehensive guide for Postmodernism […]

Read More

Mango Tree House is a Reflection of Traditional Modern Home Design | Offbeat Studio

Mango Tree House is an artfully designed personal residence that seamlessly integrates traditional architectural elements with the comforts of modern living, embodying the essence of traditional modern home design. Some houses are more than just structures; they hold stories, memories, and a deep connection to the land. Mango Tree House is one such space—one that […]

Read More

Modern Architecture Homes: 15 Trending Styles To Explore

What if the home of the future didn’t have walls? Modern architecture homes aren’t just about aesthetics – it’s a rebellion. A conscious break from tradition. In a world obsessed with innovation, our homes are becoming laboratories of design, sustainability, and radical thought. Modern architecture homes are sharp-edged, glass-wrapped, tech-infused sanctuaries that defy the standard. […]

Read More
  • This Heritage House Tells A Story of Family, Rock, and Resilience | Lalith and Jyothi Architects

    Restaurant Furniture: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Pieces