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 verandah space with these prairie creatures.
Editor’s Note: “Built on an urbanizing area of Vadodara, Namasya is a single-storey house with a blend of exposed brick concrete and finished concrete. At the core of the house, a Brahmasthan courtyard invites natural ventilation and earth connection. From the Jhula on the balcony to skylights and artistic interiors in the kitchen, beauty and life engage with nature in this abode.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This House In Vadodara, Namasya, Offers a Peaceful Escape in the City | Karmavir Ghatge And Associates
Easy to spot on the road, this singular ground floor residence stands out with a fusion of exposed brickwork and form-finished concrete structure. Thus, creating a captivating blend of robust and docile.
At the intersection of the geomagnetic grid lines and the Vastu chakra stands Namasya, a 6000 sq. ft. residence. The 500 sq. ft. courtyard at the core, is the Brahmasthan. Additionally, it is the cosmic centre with an 8’0″ wide walkway encircling this sacred space.
Like a protective embrace, it links the living spaces, creating a seamless flow. The long tunnel like passages weaving through the residence allows cross ventilation with cooled air, filtered by the trees.
The foyer gracefully introduces the courtyard through a bespoke stained glass partition crafted by Artisan Jatin Patel from Vadodara. Moreover, this design element adds a touch of artistry. Furthermore, it offers a glimpse into the thoughtfully planned outdoor space.
The courtyard itself is a masterclass in understanding and respecting natural light patterns. Shade-loving plants such as ferns, philodendrons, and carnations flourish on the south side. Meanwhile, sun-loving species bloom in the sunlit areas. Some exotic plants have found a perfect home in this cultivated micro-climate. Their survival a testament to the harmonious dialogue between architecture and nature.
A beloved tradition in Gujarati households is the evening ritual of sitting on the ‘Jhula’ (swing) with a cup of tea. This home features a modern interpretation of the classic design, incorporating green marble and an inlaid yellow Jaisalmer carpet. The Jhula is placed within a space that takes full advantage of the cool, pleasant winds filtered through wind tunnels and the surrounding greenery. Thus, making it ideal for intimate gatherings and leisurely conversations.
The living room exudes a formal yet inviting aura, with a striking wooden false ceiling that envelops the space. The expansive East-facing window opens onto the garden, where a white marble sculpture serves as the focal point, creating a tranquil connection to the outdoors. Curated loose furniture from Alankaram and Tectona Grandis, alongside a floor lamp by Manish Maheshwari and a solid white marble egg-shaped center table, complete this refined yet comfortable setting.
The dining area provides a seamless transition between the central courtyard, rear verandah, and dining space. A custom-designed stained glass and plain fluted glass light fixture illuminates the dining area, adding a touch of elegance.
A skylit passage connects the dining space to the kitchen, flooding the area with natural light. The kitchen’s fresh pista green hue complements the wooden tall units, while the wooden handles feature beautifully wood-burned patterns of Saras cranes, adding a touch of whimsy.
The guest bedroom embraces a rustic charm, with a wooden bed that becomes the room’s centerpiece. The bed is paired with a form-finished RCC wall, providing a bold backdrop. A daybed from Alankaram is placed by the window, offering the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the serene courtyard views.
A stained glass screen, positioned after the study area, offers a glimpse into the serene sleeping space beyond. The master bedroom radiates warmth, with an intricately designed teak wood bed surrounded by wooden fins that create an intimate, cocoon-like atmosphere.
The wooden backdrop is complemented by handwoven wall hangings from THE RUGSTORY, adding texture and depth. The credenza in the room showcases a striking combination of rosewood, Burma wood, and Kapoor wood, further elevating the room’s richness.
The Garden bathroom, in all its dramatic elegance, is a black and white ensemble, creating a bold and calming environment that offers an intimate, immersive experience.
Designed by: Karmavir Ghatge And Associates
Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design
Project Name: Namasya
Location: Khanpur, Vadodara
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 3 Years
Project Size: 28000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Karmavir Ghatge
Team Design Credits: Ar. Rukhsar Rangwala
Photograph Courtesy: Manish Ashwin Mehta & Tejas Shah
Products / Materials / Vendors: Construction Materials – Exposed Brick work and Exposed form finished concrete / Lighting – HYBEC, TISVA, White Teak, Orange tree / Doors and Partitions – TW doors Sanitaryware – Grohe, Kohler / Windows – Aakar Enterprise, Vadodara / Furniture – Only Loose furniture, Tectona grandis, Alankaram / Flooring – Bathroom – Nexion company tiles, Kotastone / Kitchen – Modular kitchen from Walls and Floors / Paint – Asian Paints, ICI / Artefacts – Curated from commissioned artists and Harmony / Hardware – Hettich, Blum, EnoxConsultants for the Project: Civil – Mr. Dinesh Bhatt / Interior Designers – Karmavir Ghatge and Associates / Landscape Architects – Karmavir Ghatge and associates / MEP & HVAC Consultants – Airtech Engineers (HVAC), Nimesh bhai (Plumbing), Vikram bhai ( Electrical) / Structure Engineers – Mr. Aashutosh Desai / Lighting Designers – Karmavir Ghatge and Associates / Contractors – Nikunj Bhatt
Firm’s Website Link: Karmavir Ghatge And Associates
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