Nestled along the banks of the river Machchundari near the Dron village in Kathiawar region of Gujarat, this homestay is a sandstone house that embodies a seamless blend of tradition and topography, responding sensitively to the landscape’s contours while maintaining the essence of a traditional kathiyawadi house configuration.

Editor’s Note: Set along the peaceful twists of the Machchundari river, this homestay is a sort of quiet poetry: each bend or threshold offers stories of living deep. It is like a memory, intimate in its unfolding, inviting guests to imagine again: nature, nostalgia, and warmth living together in soulful harmony. ~Isha Bora

This Sandstone House is a Celebration of Context and Craft | d6thD design studio

Designed by Himanshu Patel, principal architect of d6thD, the site presents a dramatic spatial narrative, beginning with a narrow unassuming and unpredictable entrance that gradually surprises us, revealing the expansive interaction between the house and the hidden beauty of the river.

The contours of the terrain are reflected in how spaces are arranged inside the home. The journey through the space unfolds in layers—what is concealed at first gradually reveals itself, heightening the visitor’s experience.

Topographical Drama and Circulation

The site’s primary challenge lies in its two distinct levels, separated by an 8-foot difference in height. The approach to the homestay is designed to be intimate, with an inviting entrance that obscures direct views of the river, maintaining an element of surprise.

Upon entering, the spatial arrangement unfolds much like a home—rooted in the vernacular typology of kathiyawadi dwellings which has a central courtyard around which the spaces are placed.

Homestay as a Home: Vernacular Principles in a Tourism Context

Although designed as a hospitality project, the homestay adopts the architectural and programmatic qualities of a house. It follows the traditional layout of a delo, placing an entrance courtyard as the first threshold, which then opens into a larger central aangnu (courtyard) that organizes the private spaces around it.

This courtyard is not only a climatic device but also a social hub, reminiscent of the Rushitoya in traditional Kathiyawadi homes, where gatherings and performances take place.

The upper level remains private, housing bedrooms, while the lower, sunken areas accommodate public functions such as the living, dining, and kitchen.

Unlike conventional hospitality designs that place private rooms directly along the river, this homestay adopts a more layered approach. While it orients all spaces towards the river, it maintains a discreet distance between them. The design intentionally conceals the river view upon arrival and gradually reveals it as one moves through the spaces.

Entry into the homestay begins at the ground floor, leading directly into the main courtyard, which acts as the central dispersal point for the rooms.

The courtyard extends seamlessly into a bridge that leads to semi-covered and covered living areas that subtly frame views of the river without immediate exposure.

The bridge also connects to a staircase that descends to the lower level. At this level, the aangnu transitions into the dining area. This interplay of levels—where the sunken courtyard is cooler than the upper semi covered spaces—creates a natural microclimate.

Architectural Elements and Materiality

The building derives its strength from load-bearing construction, avoiding the use of RCC. Instead, it relies on a combination of brick and local sandstone.

The project extensively uses recycled local materials, particularly old teakwood doors and windows. Sourced and repurposed with care, these elements help maintain authenticity as well as economy.

Surface patterns, incorporating niches, and adding details contribute a celebratory character to the space. These elements make it dynamic and responsive to the traditions it seeks to uphold.

Ultimately, the homestay is a symphony of levels, materials, and cultural narratives. By treating the homestay as a house first, the design ensures that it remains intimate and experiential. It stays deeply connected to its roots—celebrating and conserving vernacular techniques by building new and not just restoring old.

Fact File

Designed by: d6thD design studio

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Rushitoya

Location: Dron Village, Una, Gujarat

Year Built: 2024

Duration of the project: 2023-2024

Project Size: 7500 Sq.ft

Principal Architect: Ar. Himanshu Patel

Team Design Credits: Sunil, Swaroop, Ayushi, Jaydeep & Jainil

Photograph Courtesy: d6thD design studio

Interior Styling: Ashok Gajjar

Products / Materials / Vendors:  Construction Materials – Sand Stone/ Bela / Lighting – Anchor / Doors and Partitions – Reclaimed / Sanitaryware – Jaquar / Facade Systems – Sand Stone / Flooring – Kota Stone / Kitchen – Local / Paint – Burger

Consultants for the Project: Civil – Structure engineers – Shri Hari Krishna / Civil – Parmar Construction Interior Designers – Gajjar Furnitures / Landscape Architects – Dudhat / Structure Engineers – sysplan associates / Contractors – Manoj Ramesh Parmar / Project Managers – Samir Kaji

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