A spiritual journey is an inquiry into one’s own existence, or rather an inquiry into existence and non-existence and the relation between the two, culminating in the realization of pure existence beyond inquiry. Founder and Creative Director of Ahmedabad-based multi-disciplinary design studio Design Ni Dukaan Veeram Shah’s latest architectural masterpiece “Enclosure”, a courtyard house – spread across 2,137 square meters — has been no different, and perhaps the most important learning has been one of self-negation.
Veeram Shah’s Latest Architectural Masterpiece “Enclosure”, A Courtyard House | Design Ni Dukaan
Visit : Design Ni Dukaan
How does one design a formless house? This was the primary inquiry from which the conceptual foundation for the project was generated. This led to the designer questioning the very basis of built forms.
This caused a shift in the designer’s perception that resulted in an inside-out approach to the design, wherein the experience of space from within took precedence over the external form and a second skin wrapped around the structure, holding the separate parts together and defining a series of courtyards that are intrinsic to the experience of the house.
And so, it became a house without elevations, an inward-looking “Enclosure” located in India’s Western state Gujarat’s quaint town Himmatnagar, the administrative headquarters of Sabarkantha district.
The materiality of the enclosure was the product of a parallel inquiry into the logistics of construction in the remote, rural location.
The client, who himself had gone from being a farmer to a successful businessman now returning to his roots, insisted on employing local labor so as an experiment a village contractor was asked to build a sample wall in concrete, and the outcome: an unpredictable but beautiful texture caused by the shifting and warping of unbolted wooden formwork; was fascinating.
These “anticipated imperfections” were embraced as part of the construction process, even extending this choice to the use of other materials.
The muted material palette of concrete discolored Kota stone, white and wood is occasionally punctuated by a warm terracotta tone: at the main entrance (where it forms the backdrop to a brass Bindu, signifying the point of origin), in the swimming pool, on seats around seasonally flowering trees, and sculptural objects scattered throughout the house and garden.
The only other use of color is found in the most private spaces of the house, the bathrooms, with each being rendered in a different pastel shade and dramatically illuminated by turret-like skylights.
The footprint planning attempts to separate public, semi-private, and private zones of the house while maintaining a continuity of flow around a central open space.
All parts of the house open onto a courtyard, via a covered corridor, as well as onto smaller, private courts, ensuring that they get adequate light and ventilation while being protected from the harsh tropical sun and hot winds.
In many ways this project directed the trajectory of the studio (Design Ni Dukaan) during its formative years. Disrupted by several delays during Covid-19, it took them almost nine years to finish the project.
The span of time, in fact, gave them the opportunity to repeatedly reassess their ideas of what architecture is, of what a design practice should be, and to delve deeper into these questions while still being able to detach from and discard concepts when required.
As the project progressed, everything from to interiors to the landscape architecture was addressed to develop a comprehensive design language, and all elements down to the smallest, including furniture and hardware and light fittings, were rigorously detailed and custom-made by their craftsmen.
The project was truly a celebration of the act of creation, which has become for us the essence of our design practice.
Fact File
Designed by : Design Ni Dukaan
Project Type : Residential Architecture Design
Year : 2021
Location : Himmatnagar
Project Name : Enclosure House
Area : 23002 Sq.ft
Principal Architect : Veeram Shah
Photography Credits : The Fishy Project
Firm’s Website Link : Design Ni Dukaan
Firm’s Instagram Link : Design Ni Dukaan
Firm’s Facebook Link : Design Ni Dukaan
Source : Archdaily
For Similar Project >> CHUZHI HOUSE IS A 2BHK RESIDENCE DESIGNED WITH AN OPEN LAYOUT AND MINIMALIST INTERIOR DESIGN
Gurgaon’s architecture reflects the rapid transformation of a once-sleepy suburb into one of India’s most dynamic urban centers. Characterized by its striking skyline of glass-clad towers, corporate parks, and luxury residences, the city embodies a blend of modernism and global urban aspirations. Contemporary architecture in Gurgaon emphasizes verticality, smart technology, and sustainable design, with green-certified […]
Architecture in Goa is an ever-evolving dialogue between tropical modernism and cultural heritage. Known for its scenic coastline, Portuguese influences, and laid-back charm, Goa carries an architectural identity that seamlessly merges history with contemporary living. In recent years, architects in Goa have been redefining the state’s built environment by blending vernacular wisdom with innovative, sustainable […]
Nestled in the vibrant urban setting of Balaji Nagar, Sangli, The Red Abode with a terracotta facade redefines contemporary living with its seamless integration of modern design and nature. Designed for an IT professional seeking tranquility and inspiration, this project exemplifies how architecture can foster harmony between the built environment and the natural world. A […]
This bungalow in Udaipur, Rajasthan, designed for the Gandhi family, exemplifies a refined blend of modern contemporary architecture with subtle regional sensitivity. The zoning and design is grounded in clean lines, bold geometric volumes, and a sophisticated interplay of materials. The façade combines natural travertine, matte black cladding, and warm wood for contrast and harmony. […]
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Swarnabhoomi, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Ivory Courtyard is more than just a residence—it is an architectural statement that harmoniously blends Indian traditional values with modern contemporary living. With its pristine ivory colour exterior symbolising purity and sophistication, this home stands as a beacon of elegance and comfort for the two families […]
“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 […]
Nestled in what was once a coconut orchard, Sanctum serves as a sanctuary for a retired couple. Their daughter & a feline companion join them to offer a tranquil environment for everyday goings-on. The site is a 60’ x 90’ portion of land with six coconut trees. Two teak wood & silver oak trees, each […]
Tucked into the calm, tree-lined lanes of Nagarbhavi in Bangalore, Avani Residence rises as a poetic response to the chaos of the city, a vertical sanctuary where light dances, materials breathe, and space unfolds in gentle rhythms. Designed by Archemist Architects for a family of four, the residence is a nuanced interplay between constraint and […]
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 […]
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 […]