The architect designed the house with a vault roof specifically for an artist. The design of the house is based on two factors: site context and the client’s background. The original structure was a humble 2-bedroom GF residence. It was built 20+ years ago on the outskirts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad). The client sought to expand the vault roof house without demolishing the existing structure. The site is located in a hot and dry climate zone within a relatively densely populated area. 

Editor’s Note: “The vaulted roof of this Aurangabad residence rises as a striking testament to architectural elegance. The captivating interplay of brick and concrete harmoniously converges, crafting a minimalist and serene ambiance. Thoughtful planning and exquisite attention to detail weave the interiors seamlessly with the outdoors, offering utmost privacy while embracing an open, natural spirit.” ~Simran Khare

This House With A Vault Roof is Specifically For An Artist | Vrushaket Pawar + Architects (VP+A)

The requirement of 4 BHK with a vault roof is spread across the three floors (GF, FF, and SF). Here, the living room, kitchen, dining room, master bedroom, and guest bedroom are located on the ground floor. The sons’ bedrooms are located on the first floor. Whereas, the den for the client himself is placed on the second floor. 

Spatial Planning

The first floor’s exposed concrete cantilevered slab on the main stairs is a low-height space enveloped by prefabricated perforated panels on the roadside and an exposed brick wall on the terrace side. Thus, creating a perfect balance between privacy and openness.

However, allowing occupants to enjoy the view of large tree canopy in front of the house at the same time obscuring the view inside the house, from the road.  

This also helped create a strong upward wind draft, removing the hot air from the kitchen, dining room, and master bedroom, especially in the summer.

In winter, you can enjoy sunlight in the centre of the ground floor without being exposed to chilly winds. 

The dining room is strategically placed at the centre of the house, where we punctured the old slab to create a three-floor-high stepped courtyard. This design brings sunlight to the centre of the house throughout the year. 

Vaulted Ceiling

One bedroom is located on the NW corner, facing a large tree, and an apartment is across the road. We designed it with a high, vaulted ceiling to reduce heat gain in the summer and bring winter sun into the room from the south.

This also helps to maintain the privacy of the room, as vaults are cantilevered on the northern side only. 

The designers designed the staircase in three different parts on different levels due to the old stairs being located in the northeast corner of the building. 

This spatial planning approach towards the stairs transcended into a multi-level terraced design across three floors. This created an outdoor space for each room, each with its own unique identity.

Central Courtyard

The second staircase surrounds the central courtyard, which we built as a load-bearing structure using simple materials such as kota stone and first-quality brick. It overlooks the dining below while connecting to the artist’s “Den.”

The bedroom placed on the SW corner has fewer openings due to the hot, dry climate. However, we designed the toilets in both bedrooms with a skylight to maximise light and ventilation. Meanwhile, they are also creating space for planters to add interest to otherwise mundane daily tasks. 

The Den is a special room where the client spends his time doing creative work like painting, thinking, and feeding fish! The room has glass on three sides and a lotus pond overhanging the courtyard. A free-standing brick jaali wall envelops the space, providing privacy and allowing for light ventilation. The room also has a partly high ceiling with one vault for the very same reason: passive cooling.

The den is placed in such a way that it has access to two different terraces with completely different views, from hills in the distance to large tree canopies with landscapes around, respectively. This room also has an indoor standing balcony overlooking the dining below, creating a visual and vocal connection between multiple levels.

Material Palette

We kept the material palette minimal, using humble materials such as Kota stone slabs, tiles, exposed brick, and concrete work, reflecting the client’s humble beginnings. We sourced the wood used in the project locally, reclaiming it from a very old wada. The stepped terraces, stairs, large vaults, and materials, in a way, unfold the artist’s life. Resilient, fluid, yet firm like his spirit.

Fact File

Designed by: Vrushaket Pawar + Architects (VP+A)

Project Type: Residential Architecture

Project Name: The Vaulted House

Location: AURANGABAD, INDIA

Year Built: 2024

Project Size: 3153.83 sq.ft

Source: ArchDaily

Principal Architect: Vrushaket Pawar

Photographs: PHX India, Jacob A Nedumchira, Sebastian Zachariah

Structural Engineer: Anil Datar

Contractor: Mr. Gulab

Carpenter: Janak Prajapati

Electrical Contractor: Rahul Jadhav

Plumbing Contractor: Vinod Bhosale

Wall Finishes Contractor: Manoj Giri

Firm’s Instagram Link: Vrushaket Pawar + Architects (VP+A)

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