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/

    This Home Evokes Comfort by Embedding Warm Tone Colors | Bonita Casa

    It’s a calming haven with warm tone colors amidst the hustle and bustle of the city of Faridabad. The couple envisioned a calm, warm, and serene space for themselves, and the designers brought that vision to life in this beautiful 3500 sq. ft. home. As soon as you enter this home, you step directly into […]

    Read More

    This Boutique Baking Studio is Influenced by Bauhaus interiors | Cubet Design Studio

    We used eclectic design style with an influence of Bauhaus interiors. Pear and Walnut is a boutique baking brand founded by a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef with a passion for elevated, artistic baking. As the brand continues to grow, a new studio space was conceived, designed not just as a workplace, but as a deeply […]

    Read More

    The Design Embraces Cozy Interiors with Soothing Color Palette | Grayscale Designs

    Our project, “Humble Abode”, is a creation where individual tastes intersect with cozy interiors & timeless beauty, reflecting the owner’s lifestyle and taste. The design blends art with functionality, giving justice to each corner. The main goal was to create a home that feels warm, spacious and personal. We followed a contemporary design approach. Clean […]

    Read More

    This Residence Unfolds Crafted Spatial Experience | 42mm Architecture

    This residence unfolds as a seamless spatial experience orchestrated by minimalism, materiality, and meaning. Crafted around a central design ambition: to create a home that feels like a continuous, unified expanse, while preserving the distinct functionality of each space. This interplay of openness and separation became the guiding principle of the design. This Residence Unfolds […]

    Read More

    This Apartment Accentuates Warmth With Earthy Tones Palette | Royal Home Spaces

    “Earthy Escape,” designed by Royal Home Spaces, is the epitome of modern sophistication with earthy tones palette, tailored functionality, and personal charm. Every space within this 3-bedroom apartment in Mumbai is crafted to reflect the distinct personalities of its residents while maximizing comfort and style. In the heart of Bandra, this elegantly crafted home by […]

    Read More

    This Contemporary House Interiors are Guided by Simplicity | Crafting Spaces

    The design philosophy behind Bayit, a contemporary house interiors, is rooted in the belief that a home should be both a sanctuary and a true reflection of its inhabitants. Guided by principles of simplicity, functionality, and emotional resonance, the design steers away from excess and focuses on creating a sense of calm through clarity and […]

    Read More

    This Government Office Renovation Reflects Timelessness | Studio Hatch

    This Government Office Renovation Reflects Timelessness. Every workspace holds a story, not just of its walls and materials, but of the people, purpose, and intent behind its making. The Chamber began not as a blank slate, but as a quiet evolution, a renovation of an existing government office intended to reflect the values of simplicity, […]

    Read More

    This Serene 3000 sq ft Home Unwind Calm & Minimal Aesthetics | Studio Nilasha

    A quiet 3000 sq ft home in Hyderabad, designed by Nilasha, founder and principal architect at Studio Nilasha, unfolds in soft whites and beiges, where texture tells the story. Designed for a young couple, the home embraces a muted palette not as a backdrop but as a deliberate focus. Inviting the eye to focus on […]

    Read More

    This Kolkata Home Embraces Outside Views With Window Seating Design | Rupande Shah & Associates

    This home embraces an indoor-outdoor connection with window seating design in each room. A small family dreams of a home high above the city, nestled in the tallest skyscraper of Kolkata, The 42, on the 45th floor. They seek a space filled with warmth and vibrant hues, where every bedroom opens up to sweeping views […]

    Read More

    This Simple Home Interior Design Blends Aesthetics & Functionality | ANS Design House

    Step into a beautifully designed home “The Springtime Abode”, embracing simple home interior design where aesthetic charm seamlessly blends with purposeful design. Crafting an entrance that is both a   statement and a sanctuary. This stunning hallway has lovely beautiful wallpaper. The floral pattern on the wall creates a lively atmosphere, making it the perfect entrance to […]

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

    Buying Used Office Chairs - What are the challenges?