search

This Village Farm House Design Connects the Inhabitants With Their Roots | ROOMOOR

Balkash is a small rural village of approximately 200 families located in the northern city limits of Surat. The village settlement originates around a lake, with two linear streets lined by rows of traditional pitched-roof tropical houses leading to the surrounding farmlands. Proximity to the sea and a high groundwater table allow for the cultivation of crops such as sugarcane, paddy, and coconut plantations. The people here lead an austere life with simplistic ideals and an affinity to nature. The farm house design in this village connects inhabitants with their roots and supports agricultural activities simultaneously.

Editor’s Note: Taking inspiration from the traditional construction of the surrounding area, this country farmhouse sets out to take its dwellers through the nostalgia of rural life and values with its design. Built with local materials and minimal design, this context-centric farmhouse perfectly blends modernity and slow country living. ~ Rajvi Dedakiya

This Village Farm House Design Connects the Inhabitants With Their Roots | ROOMOOR

village farm house design

Our patron, who owns a textile mill at Surat, has employed many people from Balkash over the last decades. A long-standing bond based on trust and community ties encouraged him to acquire farmland in the village.

village farm house design

A Sense of Nostalgia

During our initial meeting, he fondly recalled his childhood in his native village home before migrating from the Saurashtra region in western Gujarat to Surat.

village farm house design

The farmhouse serves a dual purpose: it supports agricultural activities. Additionally, it aims to connect his grandchildren with their roots and the nostalgia of rural life and values.

village farm house design

Site Context

The site lies at the junction between the village settlement and the farmlands. Our studies of the pitched roofs and cross-ventilation strategies of the village’s vernacular architecture informed a design incorporating shaded semi-covered verandahs on both sides of the enclosed band of rooms.

village farm house design

village farm house design

Central Courtyard

A central courtyard with a tree symbolizes the beginning of the house. Moreover, a circum-ambulatory pathway connects the surrounding rooms. Additionally, it reflects the climatic responsiveness and cultural traditions passed down through generations. 

village farm house design

An archetypical courtyard home consists of multiple layered spatial compositions that enhance privacy toward the center.

village farm house design

Central Area

The central area represents a microcosm of the outside world, bridging the Earth and the sky. In search of a space to gather children, their instinctive curiosity and dynamic movement shaped our design ideas.

village farm house design

village farm house design

Purpose

The dual purpose of the farmhouse now faces the challenge of balancing static and dynamic elements. All enclosed rooms feature two doors. Thus, allowing for multiple entry and exit points, which fosters openness and exploration.

The addition of courtyards at the edges encourages free movement and a flowing spatial character. Moreover, this layout fosters unexpected encounters at each turn. Thus, liberating the traditional typology from its symmetrically structured layout.

The concentric orbits stemming from the square-shaped courtyard extend into the landscape. An elevated water tank tower reflects the skyward expanse. Additionally it shades the courtyard from maximum southwestern solar radiation.

Natural Light

The lightly lifted horizontal roof provides shade for all spaces. Meanwhile, the rooms are illuminated by soothing diffused light from top-light windows, reminiscent of the old village houses.

Paved Forecourt

The paved forecourt acts as a grain-drying yard during the two harvest seasons. The plinth features a river-polished red Mandana stone floor. However, it is supported by galvanized box-section columns that hold up the terracotta tile roof on metal rafters.

The lightweight structure rests on 120 cm deep pile foundations and has the potential to adapt to future changes. The doors, windows, and other pieces of furniture are crafted from reclaimed teak wood sourced from nearby regions. Moreover, it is designed in repetitive-sized modules to allow for future repurposing.

The village community uses two-thirds of the land for farming. Fruit plantations attract various species of birds, inspiring curiosity for nature in young minds. The journey of the home at Balkash comes full circle, connecting childhood nostalgia and strengthening family ties of the future.

In the evenings as one sits on the verandah the distant sound of religious hymns from the village temple creates a serene atmosphere as the sun sets over the vast fields.

Fact File

Designed byROOMOOR

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Farmhouse at Balkash

Location: Balkash, Surat

Year Built: 2024

Project Size: 5651.05 Sq.ft

Principal Architect: Dhruv Gusain

Project Team: Dhruv Gusain, Dhaval Modi, Pratik Pachchigar

Photograph Courtesy: Jainee Gusain

Principal Partners: Mahendra Gusain

Landscape Architect: Aishvarya Dubey

Color Contractor: Anirudh Shahi

Furnishing: VD Furnishing

Manufacturers: Daikin, Kohler, Lafit Lighting

Carpentry Contractor: Bajrang bhai

Lighting: Sunshine Enterprise

Landscape Contractor: Ramsevak

Source: Archdaily

Firm’s Instagram Link: ROOMOOR

For Similar Projects >> A Climate Responsive Courtyard House In Kerala With An Earthy Palette And Natural Materials

Modular Houses: The Modern Way Of Construction

Modular houses are prefabricated structures built in modules manufactured and assembled on-site. They are built under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials, and designed to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities but in about half the time. As a result, this reduces the construction cost to 30% to 50% less than […]

Read More

The Timeless Appeal of Brick: 20 Exemplary Brick Houses

Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]

Read More

The Design Story Of Monkey Forest Villa By Architect Hiren Patel | Elev8 2025

Architecture is not just a profession, it is an evolving journey of discovery, adaptation, and growth. At Elev8 2025, Architect Hiren Patel takes us on a journey into the design philosophy of Monkey Forest Villa. He explores the architectural elements that contribute to the home’s artistry. He also offers insight into the story of his design […]

Read More

This Modern Architecture Home Redefines Comfort And Cultural Inspiration | POD Studio

Nestled in the serene embrace of a quiet residential colony, Charcoal Charm stands as a testament to modern architecture home innovation, seamlessly blending with its surroundings. Designed for a prominent businessman’s family, this 4BHK residence not only caters to the family’s need for privacy and comfort but also provides a rejuvenating retreat from the bustling […]

Read More

20 Types of Plants for Home Garden to Transform Your Space

Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]

Read More

This Contemporary Residence Design Stands Out With Its Striking Visual Impact | Aslam Sham Architects

The initial impression of this contemporary residence design is one of striking visual interplay, where bold architectural gestures redefine conventional aesthetics. A diagonally laid brick veil, its textured surface meticulously arranged to capture the shifting light throughout the day, becomes a dynamic façade element, casting ever-changing shadows that animate the exterior. Editor’s Note: “The yellow […]

Read More

This East-Facing Home Embraces Natural Light And Spatial Fluidity | Wright Inspires

Namana is an east-facing home situated on a compact 60’x50’ plot beside a serene vineyard. Designed for a family of three, the single-story residence emphasizes spatial fluidity, natural illumination, and a tactile material palette that evokes warmth and simplicity. Editor’s Note: “Namana, a quiet dialogue between light, material, and space, is a home that listens […]

Read More

Prairie Style Homes Inspire This Modern Oasis For A Family In The City | The Architecture Company (TAC)

“We want a modern oasis to retire to with our little boys on the weekends” was a brief given to us by our clients who are busy medical professionals with a very hectic life in the city. Inspired by the essence of prairie-style homes, the couple wished to cherish and recreate their favourite moments from […]

Read More

Ihita Redefines Traditional Indian House Design with a Modern Architectural Statement | Bare Wall Studio

Nestled between the bustling residential and industrial edges of Bengaluru, Ihita stands as a bold architectural statement, embodying a harmonious blend of traditional Indian house design and modernity. The home challenges conventional urban residential design by prioritizing openness, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Through the strategic use of large […]

Read More

25 Stunning False Ceiling Designs for Your Living Room

When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]

Read More
  • This Traditional Home Design Blends the Culture With Tradition | i2a Architects Studio

    How Exterior Cleaning Preserves Your Property's Structural Elegance