In Harmony with Nature

The client’s brief was to have a house where he could take a pause from the daily routine, energize and get back to routine. Inspired by the Greek philosopher Epicurus, the client believed in good living and enjoying life with his people. Thus, this became the purpose of building this weekend home. The client wanted the 3BHK with a library hall, a home theatre and bar area included with common functions like living room and kitchen areas.

The plan of the house is simply distributed on two fl oors without disturbing each activity. The ground fl oor of the house consists of the living room, kitchen and dining areas, bedrooms and library (study) areas. The fi rst fl oor is provided with the indoor game area, lounge area, home theatre and bar. The outdoors of each fl oor has good spaces where they can sit and enjoy nature.

As the home is intended to be a gathering and celebratory space, it is designed in an inclusive nature, which strengthens the bond between the client and his guests. The gathering areas are mainly divided in three loops called indoor gathering, deck gathering and outdoor gathering. The indoors and outdoors are intricately harmonized with each other with a deck area on the ground fl oor. When the site

Project: The Epicurus, Ahmedabad; Architects: Vihar Fadia Architects, Ahmedabad The weekend home by Vihar Fadia Architects is designed to celebrate life and entertain guests.

The rectangular house is placed on a square plinth longitudinally placed in the east-west direction. To the north, an exposed concrete frame on the first floor clearly directs towards the entrance porch of the house. The floating steps beneath the frame lead towards the pivoted entrance of the house.

was handed over, there were many existing trees and vegetation which were kept untouched and the functions were placed accordingly.

The rectangular house is placed on a square plinth longitudinally placed in the east-west direction. To the north, an exposed concrete frame on the first floor clearly directs towards the entrance porch of the house. The floating steps beneath the frame lead towards the pivoted entrance of the house. As soon as one enters from the doors, a large living room visually connects to the deck area to the south. The fenestrations and doors are placed in a manner, which clearly gets the views outside.

Walking towards the south, there are bedrooms placed on the west face while you will have a glimpse of kitchen and library covering the east face. While walking more towards the south, there is a sliding opening connecting the swimming pool located in the south-west. An infinity-edged pool not only enhances the aesthetics, but also serves climatically. Recreational activities are planned to the east of the deck. A concrete staircase projected from the pool leads to the upper floor.

On stepping up the stairs, a small terrace welcomes one on the first floor. The upper floor is provided with the home theatre, a bar space and a poker game area. The door opens into the large lounge area that emphasizes the casual gathering. The lounge area is

8

4

1. FOYER 2. LIVING ROOM 3. DINING 4. BEDROOM 5. BATHROOM 6. LIBRARY 7. KITCHEN 8. SITOUT 9. STORAGE 10. SERVICE AREA 11. SWIMMING POOL 12. POOL DECK

5 5

4

11

N

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

1

6

2

3

12 5 7

5 9

10

9

4

9

1. DECK 2. OPEN TERRACE 3. SITOUT 4. LIVING ROOM 5. PLAY AREA 6. BATHROOM 7. STORAGE 8. BAR AREA 9. HOME THEATRE

8 4

2

1 6

6 7

5

3

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

The exposed look of the materials is inspired by the brief of the client, which focuses on the bonds and quality. The exposed exterior of the building intricately emerges from the surrounded landscape. To enhance the experience of the exposed materials, the designing of the interior elements is also kept in their raw look.

The bright-coloured furniture, art pieces and floorings help to break the raw look of the interiors and exudes modernity. Although two different styles are selected to design the house, it does not break or overrule the characteristics of each other but simply harmonize with each style.

SECTIONS

decorated with modern bright-coloured furniture that breaks the raw look of the interior. The full height glass façade to the home theatre is given so that it does not break the outside views. The contrasting flooring became the odd-out, yet harmonized element for the poker game area. All with the raw looks, bright, modern interior, the openings and direct views to the outside help to create and maintain the inclusivity. Coming back to the terrace, the glass deck extinction above the pool gives the feeling of walking over the water.

The entire hose is built with exposed materials. The exposed look of the materials is inspired by the brief of the client, which focuses on the bonds and quality. The exposed exterior of the building intricately emerges from the surrounded landscape. To enhance the experience of the exposed materials, the designing of the interior elements is also kept in their raw look. The exposed surfaces and open ceilings reflect the architectural era of the industrial revolution. The bright-coloured furniture, art pieces and floorings help to break the raw look of the interiors and exudes modernity. Although two different styles are selected to design the house, it does not break or overrule the characteristics of each other but simply harmonize with each style. With this inclusive nature, the building serves the purpose for what it was built– the gatherings.

Photo credit: Inclined Studio

FACTFILE

Lead Architects: Vidhi Shah, Visu Jain, Ravi Prajapati, Rocchi Ladani, Viral Desai, Amit Gavde Gross Built Area: 7000sq ft Year of Completion: 2021