Set in a typical gated community with a dense urban fabric, this house with concrete walls is a response to this rather unusual brief. While we were attuned to building homes and weekend houses, designing a place that feels like a weekend house required us to rethink the very concept of a house. Striving to constantly be in dialogue with the outside, the house creates an experience of living amidst the serenity of nature.

Editor’s Note: “Reimagining the essence of living, this weekend home in Vadodara offers an experience that melds the serenity of the outdoors with modern comforts. The concrete linear structure transcends traditional design, seamlessly merging interior and exterior spaces. With thoughtful spatial planning and a curated selection of materials, the home embraces a unique living experience, capturing the true spirit of a holiday retreat.” ~Simran Khare

This House with Concrete Walls Rethink the Very Concept of a House | Traanspace

Design concept

We began by reimagining the idea of living by moving away from the conventional house format. While creating spaces that forge a seamless connection between the inside and the outside was pivotal, it was important to anchor them together.

This led to the concept of two exposed concrete walls, which are placed orthogonally with each other. Asserting their strong presence, the walls also guide the spatial layout of the house. The rippling effect created on the surface gives them a soft character to an otherwise solid appearance.

Sitting there boldly, the house is conceived as a linear structure with a recessed upper level generously opening to the garden in front. To accentuate the connection with the outside and create a sense of warmth in the interior spaces, the house is punctuated with large openings and skylights, all rendering a play of light and shadow in the interiors. 

Spatial Organization

The deep setback on the north-facing side acts as the main garden and parking space, with an almost ceremonial flight of steps flanked by concrete walls on either side that guide the user inside the house. The large glass opening adjoining the main door and the skylight above flood the entrance foyer with daylight.

While on one side of the entrance is the formal living room opening to a small garden deck, the family living room on the other side opens to the main garden and a spacious deck. With its floor-to-ceiling height glazed enclosures, it perfectly frames the view of the garden. Also the circular cut-out in the ceiling that accommodates a Champa tree. Tucked away in the southwest corner of the house are the guest and parents’ bedrooms. Both enjoying an outdoor spill-out space lined with planters.

The central passage that allows for movement around the house leads the user to the double-height courtyard space. It is illuminated by light flooding in from the big circular skylight above and the glazed wall. The cast concrete coffee bar counter that sits in the center of the courtyard was custom-designed for the client, who is a coffee connoisseur.

Periodic Punctures

Standing here, one gets an unobstructed view of the living room and the garden beyond. With punctures created in the concrete wall, the courtyard, along with the dining area, the living room, the deck, and the garden, all become one continuous space.

The floating concrete staircase with a sleek handrail placed along the courtyard wall leads to the upper level. It accommodates two kids’ bedrooms with built-in beds. It also has a master bedroom, and a gym, all connected to a terrace that overlooks the garden below.

To continue the language of cut-outs to bring in the light, the master bedroom provides a long skylight along its west wall with built-in seating under it. Skylights above animate the three bathrooms with natural light pouring in throughout the day.

Light as an element

What is space without light? Only through their interaction can we truly experience architecture. Light is an important feature of the house and plays a key role in the way one experiences it.

We experimented with different ways to get the light in. May it be through the skylights, the glass enclosures, or the double-height courtyard space. It beautifully transforms the interior spaces through the day and through the seasons in a way that almost elevates the experience of the user. When light falls on the concrete walls, they beautifully start unraveling themselves in an almost poetic way.

Material palette and furniture

The neutral grey palette of the house that forms the wall, ceiling, and floor makes it emerge as one homogenous space. To let the space speak for itself, we intentionally kept the interior minimal and unadorned.

Concrete and wood enhance the interiors with warmth, featuring in the light fixtures, coffee bar counter, center table, built-in bed, and seating.

With simplicity and functionality at its core, this humble abode for a family of three generations redefines the way one experiences and enjoys the stillness of nature. It is a home that anchors you and one that you want to keep coming back to.

Fact File

Designed by: Traanspace

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: House of Concrete Walls

Location: Vadodara, Gujarat

Year Built: 2023

Built-up Area: 6800 Sq.ft

Principal Architect: Urvi Shah

Photograph Courtesy: Tejas Shah

Structure Consultants: Vyom Consultants

Electrical Consultants: MSP Consultants

HVAC Consultants: Advait Engineers

Site Coordinator: Krunal Rana

Landscape Consultant: Amruta Kulkarni

Plumbing Consultants: Krupalu Consultants

Manufacturers: Grohe, Akanksha Aluminum, American Standard, Auliso, Mitsubishi

Source: Archdaily

Firm’s Website Link: Traanspace

Firm’s Instagram Link: Traanspace

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