search
  • This Gujarat Restaurant Is Rooted To Earth And Crafted From It | The Grid Architects

    This Gujarat Restaurant Is Rooted To Earth And Crafted From It | The Grid Architects

    “This Restaurant, Mitti Ke Rang, designed (read crafted) by The Grid Architects is a class apart. Creating rightly upto the ‘practising what you preach’ phenomenon, Mrs. Bhadri Suthar says “Awareness is a human quality, but what you do with that awareness is important.” The thought process, challenges faced and tackled and the process of execution which goes into making such spaces alive is endearing. The palette, the materials and the intricate details in this project speak volumes in terms of sustainability.” ~ Radha Hirpara (Editor)

    The evocatively named Mitti Ke Rang is a restaurant in Ahmedabad that facilitates the basic human need of socializing in an ambience that respects the earth. With the use of local organic materials — especially clay — local craft and labor, the project is an attempt on the architects’ part to acknowledge the consumerism of today’s world, and in a small way, contribute to minimizing the waste generated by prevalent urban attitudes and lifestyles.

    Visit: The Grid Architects

    By a wonderful coincidence, the respectfulness towards resources and earth-energies that are the founding principles of The Grid Architects’ practice converged with the owners’ family links to pottery, and its inextricable connections to the earth. The attempt, then, became to build up this connection, heritage, and talent in the new venture. “We told the client to let his family, who is still into this craft, use their talent, and, in turn, and we would use these various forms of the traditional vernacular material in the restaurant,” state the architects who are known to creating a design that is both, high on environment-sensitivity and aesthetics. “This way, we could subtly but emphatically illustrate the family skill.” The weaving of vernacular and technology and the collaboration and contribution of the local stakeholders in the family and the architects has resulted in spontaneity and diversity in the design. 

    The hero of the entire narrative, undoubtedly, is clay. The mouldable, green, and versatile material is explored both, as a medium of creating objects as well as surfaces. Its combination with dye extracted from the flower of the kesudo (flame of the forest) tree, turmeric, grain husk, and a natural binder created a material distinct in colour and texture, one that resonates with the theme and the spirit of the design. And thus, the name Mitti Ke Rang. The material development and research were done on-site, and the design team takes pride in the fact that no artificial pigment or additives were used in the process. 

    Both, the colour and texture of this earth-friendly plaster celebrate India’s cultural wealth. The glorious golden shade, bearing associations with joy, health, positivity, and happiness, evokes auspicious moments and festive occasions, especially in the Indian context. The texture of the surface, with its beautiful handcrafted look and wave-like designs that trace the rhythm of hand movements, recalls simpler times when our connections to nature and the environment were much stronger.

    The expression of the central material is ably supported by reclaimed wood, reclaimed jute, unfired clay vessels, and terracotta tableware. These make the spatial narrative richer and more enjoyable, and at the same time convey the commitment to build with a respect for the place we inhabit resulting in Low embodied energy. “Awareness is a human quality,” states Bhadri Suthar, who co-helms the practice with her spouse. “But what you do with that awareness is important.”

    The design takes the route of simplicity, clean-lined forms and uncluttered interiors. “An effortlessness that arises from a true and honest approach,” says Snehal Suthar, co-founder and principal at The Grid Architects. The entrance symbolises the client’s heritage, our culture and the theme of the restaurant. A potter’s wheel and different types of clay vessels  and utensils, gently illuminated by reclaimed jute-shaded lamps, extend a warm welcome. The waiting area and anteroom continues the tale of cultural legacy by showcasing objects from the client’s ancestral home — notably a hand pounder/grinder, and the white and green pots.

    The linear programme inside is designed to parallel to the glazed, road-facing windows in order to leverage views and natural light. This animating force combines with earthy colours, subtle textures and the freshness of plants to create an energised experience that speaks of the well-being of both, the body and soul. Cosy seating islands with chairs and comfortable wall seating with sofas provide private, comfortable dining spots that are at once open, yet private.

    ”This dine-in is designed to work in harmony with nature, and to trigger diverse sensations to encourage the visitor,” state the architects. “For instance, we hope that the person who experiences the space over time gets an idea about how the material will change colour naturally with time, as well as through the way it reacts with light.”Triumphing over constraints posed by budget and a short timeline of 60 days, The Grid Architects have successfully delivered a space that is rooted to the earth and crafted from it.

    Reinforcing the intent through senses and objects
    Lamps are designed and locally made from reclaimed jute
    Furniture is designed from reclaimed wood and adds warmth to the ambience
    Wall art and paintings have been done by local family artist
    The ceiling is lined in reclaimed wood and jute panels (for acoustic purposes)
    A specially customized jute screen is used to hide the AC compressor
    The natural fragrance of the paste on the wall and ceiling increase your cravings for food
    The natural illuminance is pure and real, and the colours and textures resonate with the theme and design core.
    Earthen accessories and tableware — which contain natural goodness and possess their own health benefits — reinforce the idea of responsible design.

    Materials
    Reclaimed wood (ceiling and furniture)
    Reclaimed jute (lamps and screens)
    Natural organic paste (walls and ceiling)
    Local ceramic tiles (floor)

    FACT FILE:

    Architects: The Grid Architects

    Project: Restaurant

    Name: Mitti ke Rang ( clay and colours of clay)

    Built up Area: 3250 sq ft

    Location: Ahmedabad

    Design Team: Snehal Suthar and Bhadri suthar

    Photographs: Photographix India

    Text credits: Bhadri Suthar

    Website: https://www.thegrid-arch.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrid_architects/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegridarchitects/

    The White Interiors in This 4,000 sq. ft. Home Define a New Design Style | Designtales

    Local studio Designtales designed this 4,000 sq. ft. show flat in Hyderabad, defining it through a quiet interplay of styles and bathed in white interiors. The design unfolds through a curated mix of forms, textures and tones – quietly echoing the elegance of a pearl. They have created a home that feels layered, inviting, and […]

    Read More

    This Artistic House is an Ideal Amalgamation of Innovation & Art | A&K Design Studio

    The ideal example of innovation and artistic house expression comes from Elcid – a residential project designed by A&K Design Studio. They conceived the house with the client’s remarkable art collection in mind, creating each space to maximize vibrancy and enhance the display of majestic art. This Artistic House is an Ideal Amalgamation of Innovation […]

    Read More

    This Minimal Apartment In Bangalore Defines ‘Less is More’ | RN Deesign

    Designed a 1300 sq ft 3bhk minimal apartment; this being our very first project in Bangalore, Karnataka has not only given us 1300 sq ft of space for designing, but has made us believe in ourselves more than we could have imagined as there was budget constraint leaving us with no scope for developing 3d […]

    Read More

    Pushkarni Channels cultural Continuity With Open Floor Plan | HabitArt Architecture Studio

    Rooted in Tradition, Designed for Reflection with an open floor plan design. Pushkarni is more than a home; it is a contemporary sanctum that channels stillness, reflection, and cultural continuity. Pushkarni Mane (Ma-ney in Kannada, meaning “home”) was envisioned as a spatial pause, a meditative interlude in the otherwise hurried rhythm of modern life. The […]

    Read More

    This Home Emphasises Flexibility & Luxurious House Design | Paraline Design Studio

    This home emphasises flexibility and luxurious house design with subtle charm. When Mr. Patil approached us for designing their newly constructed G+2 bungalow, the site was at a bare slab stage with only the basic RCC framework in place. The site is located in the suburbs of New Mumbai, just across the large marshlands with […]

    Read More

    This Contemporary Minimalist Interior Design Adds Refined Sophistication | Kiran Gala & Associates

    The design follows a “Contemporary Minimalist Interior Design” theme, where clean lines, simplicity, and functional spaces dominate. Key elements include a color palette, natural textures, and strategic use of accent colors in statement furniture and wall treatments to add warmth and vibrancy. This Contemporary Minimalist Interior Design Adds Refined Sophistication | Kiran Gala & Associates […]

    Read More

    With Spatial Interior Design, This Home Reimagines Urban Living | The Blue Wall Studio  

    Perched on the 34th floor of Raheja Imperia in Lower Parel, Canopy Crest is a 1,850 sq. ft. home that reimagines urban living with spatial interior design as a poetic interplay between nature, form, and feeling. Designed by Vidhi Duggad Bhagat of The Blue Wall Studio, the space is more than just a modern home–it […]

    Read More

    With Neo-Modernist Style, Studio Foliage Mirrors Cultural Sophistication | Gaurav Kharkar & Associates

    Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Marine Lines, Mumbai, Studio Foliage is far more than just an office with its neo-modernist style. It’s an evolving spatial story — a beautifully orchestrated balance between art and utility, bold expression and quiet elegance. The studio opens up as a seamless extension of the neighbourhood’s historic charm […]

    Read More

    Quiet Elegance Shapes This Three-Bedroom Home | Jash Kadakiia Design Studio

    In the heart of Mumbai’s suburban sprawl, this three-bedroom home for a mother-daughter duo blends thoughtful architecture, warm materiality, and quiet elegance to create a timeless sanctuary. Nestled within the bustling suburbs of Mumbai, this rare spacious home was designed for a dynamic pair—a doctor with a demanding schedule and her multitalented daughter, who juggles […]

    Read More

    This Ahmedabad Bungalow Unfolds Biophilic Design Interior | Studio.609

    Nestled in Ahmedabad, this modern bungalow with biophilic design interior, is crafted for a family of four, seeking a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and natural serenity. Designed by architect, the project reflects a deep commitment to biophilic design interior principles, integrating earthy tones, sustainable materials, and open layouts to create a home that resonates […]

    Read More
  • A Home Interior Replete With Colour And Materiality | Beyond Spaces Design Studio

    Buying Used Office Chairs - What are the challenges?