Perched on the edge of town, along a buffer of potato farmlands, is an eco-friendly home, a residence, Shoonya (meaning zero), designed for a young family. The brief was to design a house that would naturally withstand the harsh climate conditions of northern Gujarat and create various scales of openness within it. In response to these aspirations, the project balances experimental design methods with traditions of the neighbourhood and locally available construction skills, materials, and knowledge.
Editor’s Note: “Embracing the vast potato farmlands, ‘Shoonya’ locates itself as a timeless piece of tradition and invention. Wrapped in lime, brick, and steel, it emerges organically from the farmlands like a sculpture, playing with light and air. This home is a shelter and a story, along with earthy tones, sunlit openings, solar power, and local wisdom.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Eco-Friendly Home Naturally Withstands Harsh Climates in Gujarat | BandukSmith Studio
The protective house uses thick walls, insulated slab strategies, and smartly controlled openings to shield its inhabitants from the hot summer sun. The plan faces the entrance on the southern side, with potato farmlands stretching along the northern end.
The design is revealed through solar strategies of closed mass on the south and open terraces for transparency on the northern side, strategic cutouts where light and shadow can play, and walls of different materials and porosities.
The house is constructed through a combined structural system; with load bearing external walls and an internal frame structure.
Lime plastered walls, exposed brick jaali (screen) facades, steel frame fenestrations, and flowing terrazzo flooring come together to bring coolness into the space and form a sense of familiarity.
In the earthy tones of the built house, the furniture and fabricated staircase add a pop of color and eccentricity. Shoonya is powered through solar panels, installed on the terrace.
Fact File
Designed by: BandukSmith Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Shoonya House
Location: Deesa, Gujarat
Year Built: 2021
Built Up Area: 3659.73 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Sachin Bandukwala & Melissa Smith
Design Team: Nabajyoti Dutta Choudhury, Hiral Kandoi, Mudit Tikmani
Photograph Courtesy: Vinay Panjwani
Manufacturers: KG Tiles, Philips, Sanjari Glass Enterprise, Ziky Plaster- Lakhan Rathod
Structural Consultant: StrucArt Design Consultants
Carpenter: Mukesh Mevada
Client: Deepak Vardey
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: BandukSmith Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link: BandukSmith Studio
For Similar Project>> This Aesthetic Courtyard House With Lush Landscape Design Offers A Calm Aura To The Users
In the burgeoning area of Vadodara, this house, Namasya, is nestled amongst the upcoming high-rise residential buildings enclosed with the beautifully crafted landscape around it. As the sun rises on the horizon, the day of Nehulji (client) begins with the Munias and parakeets chirping, awaiting their breakfast. During his daily morning routine, he shares the […]
How often are irregularly shaped plots dismissed when buying land? In many towns, the land is subdivided into perfect rectangles for construction, leaving plots with unconventional shapes—sharp angles and awkward dimensions—undesirable and in low demand. However, the architecture studio Tropical Tones, has set an example by tackling this challenge. This Tropical Modern residence house design […]
Given the compact footprint of the residence, designed on a 140 sq. m. plot, the idea behind this simple home interior design was to open each space into an outdoor verandah or balcony to make the space look spacious and have an ample amount of sunlight, but still want to maintain the privacy in each […]
This exquisite villa is located amidst lush greenery in Bangalore. This house design offers a perfect blend of modern architectural design and traditional South Indian aesthetics. Thoughtfully crafted to reflect the cultural heritage of its residents, the villa features sleek contemporary lines complemented by classic South Indian furniture and decor. South Indian House Design Offers […]
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 […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
SASWATHA, the residential architecture project by GVQ Design Studio, is located in Thrissur, Kerala. This thoughtfully designed home caters to a joint family consisting of two brothers, their families, and their parents. Spanning approximately 2,700 sq. ft on a 15-cent plot, the residential architecture is meticulously crafted to meet the diverse needs of a multi-generational […]
This simple farmhouse design is a humble residence that responds to the climate and site. It is a fun fact that the house is both an inward and outward looking house at the same time. One of the USPs of the simple farmhouse design project would be that it connects well with the most playful […]
Indie Tales, a 2 story house design in Pondicherry stays true to its identity stands apart with its unparalleled charm amidst a narrow conservative neighborhood. This abode embraces a quiet reflection of modern lifestyle and traditional nuances within a limited budget for an intimate family of 5 across 3 generations. The residence evolves as an […]
The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]