Located near Gandhinagar city in Gujarat, Aalloa Hills embraces rest and repose in close consonance with nature. This net-zero home residence, a bright white bridge spanning the Sabarmati Riverside terrains, stands out uniquely in the ambient wilderness. Positioned on a natural plateau with commanding views of the river and forest, it hovers above the ground, respecting the undisturbed flow of natural systems. Blurring the lines between inside and outside, it integrates with the native landscape, infusing volumes with light and shadow, transforming the space like dynamic art.
Editor’s Note: “Aalloa Hills, a net-zero house above Sabarmati’s riverside terrain echoes modern design and nature. The residence welcomes ample natural light, breeze, and landscape into the home through passive strategies such as sun-breakers and shaded verandahs. Minimalist monochrome interiors and outdoor spaces allow the vibrancy of their surroundings while showcasing a serene work of architecture.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Net Zero Home Stands Out Uniquely In The Ambient Wilderness | INI Design Studio
A simple yet elegantly composed form meanders linearly across the valley, strung together by a thread-like access ramp. Starting from the staff quarters below and leading from the entrance parking bay, the ramp connects the guest house to the main house atop the plateau.
This curated spatial journey unveils a controlled panorama of the valley, with the house hoisted off the ground on pilots like a modern Machan, offering resplendent views through deep, shady verandahs.
Geometric precision and axis planning create an interesting dialogue between the built and open, while allowing a seamless flow of spaces, light, water, breeze, vegetation and sounds of birds and trees.
Moreover, the deliberate placement of solid walls and voids achieves a delicate equilibrium between the built forms and the lush surroundings.
Furthermore, the orientation optimizes use of natural terrains and the hot semi-arid climate, with energy-efficient sun breakers on the west side contributing to the residence’s sustainable ethos.
Additionally, the east-facing veranda, a dual-function space, acts as a sunscreen during the day and transforms into an outdoor haven during mornings and evenings.
A china-mosaic-lined rooftop thwarts the harsh sunlight, and design interventions like wide, painted cavity masonry forms sun-breakers along the verandas, sunk slabs with cinder filling, and double-glazed windows team up to reduce heat absorption and allow comfortable indoor spaces without air conditioning for 9 months of the year. Additionally, breezes blowing over the pool and waterfall flanking the main block on either side cool the house significantly.
All existing vegetation on the site was retained and 400+ new trees and shrubs planted, which play host to the many birds and other creatures who visit and inhabit the environs. This conscious effort resonates with the spirit of giving back, a thankfulness for Nature’s bounty bestowed.
The bold monochrome palette features a bright white exterior on the horizontally disposed structure. Moreover, this is punctuated by black stone flooring along the balconies. Thus, setting off the natural hues of the plateau and valley in stark contrast.
The minimalist yet plush, black-and-white interiors fashion a comfortable, unobtrusive space where colors of landscape and artwork are celebrated year-round. Additionally, public and private spaces are seamlessly integrated, with a double-height living area as the focal point.
The occupants of all rooms spill onto the shaded outdoor living spaces. Moreover, the lush, undulating neighborhood greets them—like a canvas to fête the green—squarely framed by the ample fenestration. In doing so, team INI proudly doffs its hat to the modernist masters.
Fact File
Designed by: INI Design Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Aalloa Hills Residence
Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 14500 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Jayesh Hariyani & Bindu Hariyani
Photograph Courtesy: The Space Tracing Company
Structural Engineer: B. K. Shah
Civil Contractor: Ketan Thakkar
Facade Contractor: Hi-Fab, The Window Factory
Firm’s Website Link: INI Design Studio
The Firm’s Instagram Link: INI Design Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: INI Design Studio
For Similar Projects >> This Village Farm House Design Connects the Inhabitants With Their Roots
Rooted in a newer extension of the vibrant city of Ahmedabad, this abode represents a fine tune of modern design sensibility with timeless material expression and spatial volumetric connections. A home for a family of 4 which balances openness with privacy, functionality with aesthetics and luxury with warmth. The physical orientation of the east facing […]
Perched gracefully along the edge of a manicured golf course, this C-shaped weekend retreat blends the spirit of Balinese home design architecture with a clean, modern palette. Designed as a sanctuary for rest and reconnection, the home opens inward and outward simultaneously—embracing a central courtyard while framing uninterrupted views of the fairway. This Balinese Home […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Located close to the historically-rich South Indian city of Mysuru, Solum embodies the endeavour towards living simply and close to nature. The client hails from a business background and yet harbours a fondness for the modesty and simplicity of an agrarian lifestyle. The young entrepreneur had always dreamt of developing a full-fledged farm self-sufficient in […]
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]