SARTHAK ARCHITECT PART PORTFOLIO E BOOK by Steven Canara

SELECTED PROJECTS PORTFOLIO

ABOUT THE FIRM: Sarthak as the name suggest is synonymous to success. Headed by architect Solomon Canara, this rm has dealt with a wide spectrum of architectural and interior projects since the past 27 years. That includes numerous residences, apartments, housing schemes and few recreational, religious and educational institutions also. Through the years, the rm has shaped itself in accordance to the changing contemporary trends yet it is deeply enrooted in its design principles and its approach towards architecture.

OUR PHILOSOPHY: We believe in tackling each project by approaching it in a holistic way. Every individual project brief is analysed and thereby translated in to a rationalized design solution through innovation and meticulous detailing creating a meaningful visual vocabulary which echoes its purpose. But at the same time we strive to create spaces that strike an intimate dialogue with the users which go beyond its function. We try and create built spaces which encourage individuality as well as exibility, abstract as well as relative, dynamism and grandeur as well as simplicity. Our projects are cohesive, conducive and communicative by taking into cognizance the climate, culture and context of the people, place and space.

SOLOMON CANARA

OUR ACCOLADES: Sarthak has been awarded with many accolades throughout the time span of its existence. Here are a few of them.

A golden shield and plate awarded by Jagdish Amin and C.K. Shah for excellent architectural and interior works.

‘Art imates life’ - Kohler Pecha Kucha, 2015 We got the prestigious opportunity to present in the Ahmedabad chapter event by Kohler.

‘Wanderlust’ - Kohler Pecha Kucha, 2018 Kohler invited us once more in 2018 to present alongside 4 other local architects.

In the June 2017 issue, our rms work was published in the Surfaces magazine. This issue covered the works of 50 inspiring rms of India and our rm was one of them.

Page no.

CONTENTS: 1. Palladian Corporate ofce, Vadodara

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2. Shopping arcade, Ahmedabad

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3. Sterling corporate ofce, Vadodara

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4. Aditya villa, Vadodara

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5. Sterling health mall, Vadodara

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6. S.B.C. house, Ahmedabad

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Boss lounge, Vadodara

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East gardens society

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Bungalow in Gandhinagar

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10. T.A.M. Media centre,Vadodara

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11. Ahmedabad eye, Ahmedabad

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12. Café Americano

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13. Bungalow in Kensville, Ahmedabad

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14. Bungalow in Vadodara

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15. Narayan power-tech,Vadodara

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16. V.T.M.S., Surat

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17. HDFC Bank,Vadodara

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18. Mr. Nagesh’s bungalow,Vadodara

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19. Hypermarket, Lusaka

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20. Tatva heights apartments,Vadodara

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21. Alliance church, Ahmedabad

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22. Wings women’s hospital,Vadodara

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23. A bungalow in Ahmedabad

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24. HDFC House, Ahmedabad

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25. Indish lounge,Vadodara

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26. Narayan jewellers showroom , Vadodara

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27. Twin bungalows, Ahmedabad

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28. St. George school proposal, Ahmedabad

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29. Sardar Sarovar resort proposal, Kevadiya

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30. Athashri housing, Vadodara

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31. Mr. Yogesh’s bungalow, Vadodara

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101

32. Mr. Divyesh’s bungalow, Vadodara

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105

'THE ORIENTAL CHARM ' Palladian Corporate ofce Location: Vadodara Project type: Commercial Client: Mr. Nitin Sandesra Year of completion: 1998 Built up area: 7600 sq. ft. This building adorns a contemporary outlook and also has a oriental feel to it. This is felt from the very rst glance due to the kind of treatment of the front facade. The symmetry further accentuates on to this concept.

'A LANDMARK' Shopping arcade Location: Swastik cross-roads, Ahmedabad Project type: Commercial Client: Sourabh Patel Year of completion: 2002 Built up area: sq. ft. Sitting on a corner junction of one of the busiest cross roads, this building stands out amidst the other horizontally spread out commercial complexes. The main intention behind the creation of this building was to create a landmark. Due to its pentagonal form, it not only is in afnity with the curvature of the cross-road, but also can be easily related to other three junctions. The exposed brick facade makes it stand out from the other buildings. Even the scale of the building becomes more humane due to the exposed brick facade. At the same time, different functions are allocated on each oor, yet the due to the form of the building, the shops seem bigger than they actually are.

'AN ABSOLUTE ASSEMBLAGE' Sterling corporate ofce Location: Vadodara Project type: Corporate Client: Mr. Nitin Sandesra Year of completion: 2002 Built up area: 60,000 sq. ft. This ofce is an ensemble of different departments Pharma, machinery, Bio technology, S.E.Z. and software park. The Oriental outlook to the building is complimented by a naturally sound planning. This is achieved by incorporating screen walls and a central courtyard which lets in ample breeze and light. The ground, rst and the second oor have different interlinked activities. Hence, due to the presence of a central courtyard, all the departments get visually connected. The circulation happens only in the periphery of the central courtyard, from where all the individual ofces can be accessed. The courtyard is covered by a polycarbonate dome and through that, all the natural light pervades up to the ground oor. It also acts as a breathing space for the entire building. The screen wall prevents the internal walls from getting heated directly and the slits at their ends act as wind catchers. The interiors adorn a grand oriental outlook achieved by peculiar articulation of the different architectural elements and their nishes.

N DOME\ TO LVL\ +\ 16.9

TOP\ SLA LVL\ +\ 14.7

THIRD\ FLOOR\ SL LVL\ +\ 11.8

SECOND\ FLOOR\ SL LVL\ +\ 8.2

FIRST\ FLOOR\ SL LVL\ +\ 4.5

GROUND\ FLOOR\ SL LVL\ +\ 0.9

COURTYARD

GROUND\ LEVE >s>цϬϬD

'A HUMANE HABITAT ' Aditya villa Location: Vadodara Project type: Housing Client: Mr. Divyesh Year of completion: 2007 Built up area, per unit: 1400 sq. ft. A Large plot of 4 Acres was developed in the close proximity of IPCL, GSFC like company to accommodate the employees of MIG. The plot was divided by a TP road. The individual plots of 1500 to 2000 sq. ft. were developed with small 2 & 3 Bed room houses designed for small families. A small club house designed at the entrance. The individual units contain drawing dining, kitchen and one bed room at the ground oor, while rst oor is having one bed room with a small study room with a provision of future expansion. The houses in this gated community, are designed so as to propagate a humane living environment. The colour scheme, also brings about a sense of harmony in the society. Although the individual units are compact, yet due to their layout, they become cosy comfortable spaces. Such a layout was imagined so that optimum space was utilized and every room got equal emphasis, in terms of its area and quality of space.

'A REJUVINATION HUB' Sterling health mall: Gym & spa Location: Vadodara Project type: Recreational Client: Nitin Sandesra Year of completion: 2007 Plot area: 13,500 sq. ft. Located in the heart of Vadodara is this dynamic hub. The very concept of a health mall was an innovative and promising one. Hence, even the design needed to be refreshing and eye catching. Every space in this building fulls this intention in a unique way. Right from the staggered double height entrance, the wall murals and the conuence of the different materials create a vibrant atmosphere. This diversity is even reected in each and every space inside the building also, breaking the notion of being trapped within four walls. In the gym, the spaces correspond to the different mechanical equipment. The spinning bikes are situated in a space which is conducive for audio visual experience whereas the treadmills are in a well-lit, colourful double height space. The spa and the salon in the basement oor also sit very well in this mixed-use building. 11

'OUR OFFICE S.B.C. HOUSE Project type: Commercial Eurokids pre primary school & ofce Location: Ahmedabad Year of completion: 2008 One’s own ofce is a very special project and hence in this building, we strived to achieve the extravagant. The major part of the building, i.e. the basement, ground, rst and second oors are dedicated to our pre primary school and the upper oor is for the ofce. The form of the building feels lighter on the upper oor as compared to the oors beneath, due to the openness and double height spaces. In turn the school has more secured rooms and is more inward looking.

'A GROOVY SPACE' Boss lounge & disco theque Location: Sindhrot, Vadodara Project type: Recreational Client: Nitin Sandesra Year of completion: 2009 Amidst the rocky terrains of Sindhrot, Vadodara lies this disco-theque; tucked away from the main road, becoming a perfect hangout spot. The existing contours on the site were the immediate inspiration behind this curvilinear form of the building. Since it was a gradual slope, the building also steps down gradually. The curvilinear steps are juxtaposed amidst the rocky landscapes with recurrent greenery. The entry is further accentuated by providing a semi-open curved passage leading a person towards the dance oor. The plinth of the entire building is also sloped which makes it merge with the surrounding landscape. The interior lighting, colours and the artefacts, all add up to create a groovy ambience. At the same time, the outdoor space becomes a multipurpose area for an eat-out or parties. 17

'A ROYAL RETREAT' East Gardens gated community Location: Vadodara Project type: Residential Client: Divyesh bhai Year of completion: 2009 Built up area (B type bungalow): 2310 sq. ft. Imagined as an alternate home for NRI's in the outskirts of Vadodara, this gated community consists of 60 villas. Hence, these houses are intentionally designed to be low maintenance compact buildings. Even the colonial touch in the external facade and the articulation of the street heeds to the taste of the occupants. The entire society is laid out in a grid iron pattern and is broken into various smaller feeder lanes for better safety and feasibility. The club house is also in afnity with the language of the houses and houses a swimming pool and other miscellaneous indoor activities. Even in such a compact space, each house gets three bedrooms, a living room, a lounge, kitchen and a dining space. The movement inside the house is optimized upon by spreading the house laterally.

'AN EXCLUSIVE ESCAPADE' Bungalow Location: Gandhinagar Project type: Residential Client: Mr. Atul Barot Year of completion: 2010 Built up area: 7800 sq. ft. Engulfed by lush greenery, lies this expansive house tucked away from the hustle and bustle outside the premises. By positioning the house on a corner, there is more space for farming and also there is a seamless view from two faces of the house. There are multiple access routes from where one can enter the building. They correspond to their respective function yet complement each other; becoming a unied ensemble altogether. The entire building invites you inside. The interior spaces are spread out laterally, with the grand quarter turn staircase as its nucleus. In each & every space, there is a direct and/or an indirect relationship with the outside by provision of large openings. This gives the entire house its own unique charm while asserting the idea of a getaway abode. 25

'A DEFINITIVE WORKSPACE' Corporate ofces Location: Vadodara Project type: Corporate Client: T.A.M. media research Year of completion: 2010 Built up area: 31,000 sq. ft. One is greeted with open arms while entering this building. The generously wide steps make the entrance more grand. At the same time, the stepped plantations make the experience humane. The larger portion of the complex is occupied by the T.A.M. media research centre along side other smaller ofces of belonging to different companies. Although there is a co-existence of many different ofces, yet due there is a harmony in terms of the outlook of the building. There is variety in the articulation of the materials and their expressions in the facade which make the experience of the users dynamic. Due to such a pertinent unison and variety, the image which one takes back from this building is of a denitive workspace. The interior spaces of each different ofce space corresponds to their specic requirements. They are meticulously articulated to suit specic requirements. The shared spaces have been capitalized upon by making them dynamic so as to break free from the work environment. 29

1st FLOOR PLAN

2nd FLOOR PLAN

'LEVITATED' Tethered Helium balloon project Location: Kankaria lake, Maninagar, Ahmedabad Project type: Recreational Client: Gul Thwani Year of completion: 2010 Plot area: 50,000 sq. ft. The Tethered Helium Balloon project in Kankaria was the rst of its kind in India. The projects is a P.P.P. venture and it is a part of the leisure development of the lakefront. Located within the premises of one of the prime recreational hotspotKankaria lakefront, this project is an eye catcher for one and all. The layout of the site was imagined in such a way, that the balloon was centric to all the other spaces, such as the cafeteria and the services. The entire experience of levitation is exaggerated by the two sloped access paths for reaching the balloon. The positioning of the winch pit for the gondola and the balloon were meticulously designed. Also the fact, that the spaces would be seen from above, they were designed in a dynamic fashion. The tethered Helium balloon is visible from quite far off distances elevating the entire ground plane in to the sky.

MODERN DINER’

Café Americano Café and restaurant Location: Ahmedabad Client: Mr. Gul Year of completion: 2011 A new concept needs to be addressed in a different manner altogether. In the design of the café, each and every had to be handpicked so as to match with the American theme. The café is a reection of a typical modern American diner/ café. Due to the sleek, light weight and soft coloured furniture, the long and narrow linear café feels expansive and big. Whereas the wallpapers and the paintings serve as a contrast to that, as they are boldly coloured and dynamic.

'A MINIMALIST EXPRESSION' A second home Location: Kensville golf living, Ahmedabad Project type: Residential Client: Gul Thawani Year of completion: 2011 Built up area: 7500 sq. ft. Amidst the expansive lush green golf dunes, this house pronounces itself due to its authoritative language and minimal nature. At the same time, it also complements the landscape by giving it a subtle contrast. The heavy massing seen on the front, completely breaks down when seen from behind. This transition, in fact becomes the surprise element of the house as there is a stark change in the architectural language from solid walls to French doors and a colonnade. This is done intentionally so as to open the house towards the golf course while inviting the greens inside the house. The pitch roof and the symmetry on both the facades gives the peculiar character to the house. Almost every space on the ground and the rst oor opens outside on the North-East side, letting in ample natural light and breeze. 37

'AMUSING ENCOUNTERS' Residence Location: Vadodara Project type: Residential Client: Mr. Chirag Shah Year of completion: 2011 Built up area: 6700 sq. ft. This house has a simplistic design with some extravagant tinges. Its layout was designed so as to make it unique as well as a humane living environment. The built form has been posed in the centre of the site emphasizing it in a huge site and it is engulfed by diverse forms of plantations. Each of these plantations correspond to their adjacent built spaces. This being a joint family house, the people staying in this house get their own private spaces with a healthy co-existence of shared spaces. These spaces are articulated in such a way that they encourage informal conversations and become spots for amusing encounters. The formal approach towards the entrance of the house through the porch changes drastically as one moves ahead by intermittent pause points. These pause points are choreographed by intriguing vistas and staggered lateral movement. Intimacy and expansiveness are taken equal care of; since all the spaces open outside with enchanting views. This aspect gives the house a multifaceted outlook, a seamless feel while letting in natural breeze and light. 41

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

3 2

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

18 12

3 9

10 10

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GROUND FLOOR PLAN LOWER GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1

REAR ELEVATION

SWIMMING POOL

L.H. SIDE ELEVATION

PRECISE WORKSPACE'

Narayan Power-tech Corporate ofce Location: Baroda Project type: corporate Client: Narayan power-tech. ltd. Year of completion: 2012 Built up area: 5660 sq. ft.

Crisp lines which dene the exterior image of this building, are experienced in the interior spaces too, by emphasizing the corners and the junctions. The sharp angular outlook of the building on the exterior is carried forward inside the building and is articulated differently in each of the individual spaces. Every corner of the building receives ample amount of natural light, especially the working area due to large openings and the glazing. The layout of the building was designed in such a way that minimum area is allocated for circulation and there is optimum space utilization. 45

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

'DYNAMIC EMERGENCE’ V.T.M.S. (2012) Location: Hazira, Surat Project type: Corporate Client: Mr. Bhujwala The very nature of this project was unique. It was to design an ship trafc control centre at the edge of the land abutting the sea. Hence the shape of this building also envisaged keeping in mind the character of the surrounding context. The shape emerged from the sail of a boat. Also, to get maximum visibility, continuous ns are interspersed in between the glass curtain walls and they are also the structural walls. The materials and the nishes chosen for the same were also dynamic.

COMMERCIAL ENCAVE' HDFC Bank Location: Baroda Project type: Commercial Client: HDFC Year of completion: 2013 This building stands apart from its adjacent context due to the articulation of the form and the materials. The glazed curtain wall and the monochrome colour palette give the building a contemporary outlook. The white coloured bands in between the glass walls, act as sun breakers and give the building its peculiar identity. The very rst impression of this building is an overwhelming due to the variation on in the articulation of every oor in the front facade. Also, due to this prominent diversity, there is no monotony, making the building more dynamic. 51

'EXQUISITE VIBES' Mr. Nagesh’s bungalow Location: Vadodara Project type: Residential Client: Mr. Nagesh Year of completion: 2013 Built up area, per unit: 5820 sq. ft. Every client aspires for their homes to be extraordinary and unconventional. In this house, it was no exception. The entrance of this bungalow is marked by a water body and a Buddha statue in front of it. This element helps create a tranquil atmosphere throughout the adjacent living area and the dining areas. All the different spaces are interconnected visually through the central double height space with the focus on the central water body and the tree of life mural. All the individual rooms although thematically diverse, yet uphold that exquisite feel as they are dynamic and bold in terms of the colours and the furnishings. 53

DYNAMIC EMERGENCE'

Cheers hypermarket Location: Lusaka, South Africa Project type: Commercial Client: Mr. Nitesh Chawla Year of completion: 2014 Plot area: 15,450 sq. ft. Gleaming amidst the clear blue sky, this bold angular building pronounces itself in Lusaka city of South Africa. This developing city has immense potential for new architecture which is constantly shaping its image. Hence, the main intention behind creating the form of this hypermarket was to infuse a sense of energy amidst the people coming there daily to buy house-old products. The challenge here was to create an iconic building within a tight budget and with constraints such as usage of minimum material and lack of skilled labour. The entire space for the hypermarket on the ground oor has minimal use of columns so as to help the people in viewing all the various sections together and assert a sense of homogeneity amidst the varying heights.This building stands as a energizing emblem for the people and has become a hotspot for community interaction and a space for recreation. 57

'HIGH LIVING' Tatva heights apartments Location: Chhani, Vadodara Project type: Housing Year of completion: 2014

This tower, situated in the Chhani area of Vadodara is occupied predominantly by the people working in the big industries and corporate rms in the vicinity. Hence this becomes an easy commute to their workspace. The very layout of the building shows maximum optimization of the space. Within a small space, 5 apartments are comfortably sitting on each oor. The central lobby becomes an interaction space. The movement in four of the houses is linear whereas the house facing the staircase is spread out laterally. One of the reasons behind this kind of a layout is to ensure that each room gets a view outside, while managing to t in ve similar units in the limited space. Also, two adjacent apartments can be combined together and treated as a single larger apartment. 59

TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN

N INDIVIDUAL UNIT PLAN

'A BEACON OF HOPE' Alliance church Location: Maninagar, Ahmedabad Project type: Religious Client: Alliance trust Year of completion: 2014 Built up area: 12,650 sq. ft. The concept for this church is to portray the upward journey from darkness to light; from a downtrodden state on earth to a throne in heaven. The challenge was to translate this emotion into a physical form. Although the church is located at a corner and on a cross road, yet the design of the church takes advantage of this aspect. Due to the placement of the Bell tower at the corner, it is visible from all the various adjacent streets and it enhances the sense of place (i.e. a Christian locality). Although the core idea of the plan lies in the shape of a cross, yet due to the mezzanine level and the double height spaces the church becomes unique.

The murals are juxtaposed in the church so as to amalgamate the past and the present notions. The acoustic treatment is also minimally done and an artistic approach is taken towards its appearance, so as fuse with the church interior as a whole. Due to the glazing and the intermediate openings natural light and breeze are available in ample amount to all the oors. The light penetrating through the coloured glazing on the East side creates enigmatic patterns in the interiors.

'T RENDY OUTLOOK' Wings women’s hospital Location: Ahmedabad Project type: Institutional Client: Dr. Jayesh Year of completion: 2014 The brief given in this project was to add an entire new oor on top of the existing hospital building, to accommodate more beds. Also, the client wanted to refurbish all the oors completely. The furniture and the organization of the room are chice and trendy due to the minimal, yet effective approach adopted. Also, due to such a minimal approach, the corridors and the transition spaces along with the rooms are easy to clean and look elegant and neat. All the amenities in the special rooms for the patients are appropriately positioned and are easily accessible so that the patient does not suffer any inconvenience. Also, all the surfaces are nished in such a way, that they are easy to clean. 67

'LAVISH LIVING' Bungalow Location: Gokuldham, Ahmedabad Project type: Residential Client: Mahesh Lala Year of completion: 2016 Built up area: 5010 sq. ft. In this interior project, each space is thematically different and thereby it is meticulously addressed. Such an approach not only addresses the difference in the function of each space, but also the difference in terms of its users. The living space propagates a cosy feel, whilst opening out on to the central court adjacent to the swimming pool. The polished travertine marble ooring helps retain the continuity in movement amidst the different spaces and also complements the off white colour scheme. The intermediate spaces of transition are embellished with exquisite artifacts and furniture. Each bedroom is different from the other, since it was crafted to suite each users personal choices. This customisation gives the melliuous character as well as brings about a zing in this house. 69

SERVICE YARD

KITCHEN

BATHROOM

BATH

DINING

COURT

LIVING

BEDROOM DN

BEDROOM

BEDROOM BEDROOM

BALCONY

VERANDAH BATHROOM

SPLASH POOL

HOME THEATRE

TERRACE E ESHAN

AGNI

S NAIRU.

VAY.

FIRST FLOOR PLAN GARDEN

E ESHAN

AGNI

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

S NAIRU.

VAY.

"C"

"B"

1'-6"

421"

121"

1'-3"

121"

421"

"A"

1'-6"

10"

821" Lvl\ -

11 21"

1'-321" Lvl\ +\

/YOò

1'-621"

1'-9"

3'-4" 6'-6"

1'-021"

2'-6"

GADI

1'-0"

1'-021"

GADI 321"

1'-4"

721" 2'-4"

8" 5"

HOME-THEATRE GRILL DETAIL

8'-9"

1'-8"

1'-0"

2'-6" 1'-3" 2'-4"

6'-0\ 1\/ 12'-1"\ \ AS\ PER\

1'-0"

Lvl\ -\

2'-1" 6'-0\ 1\/

1'-11 21"

Lvl\ -\

3'-10"

10"

221"

11 21"

821"

WOODEN CEILING

921"

6'-6"

2'-0"

5'-321"

6MM\ GROOV

BEDROOM DETAILS ELEVATION-A

12MM\ S.S.\ PAT

'SOUND INTERIORS' HDFC - HOUSE (interior design) Location: Mithakhali, Ahmedabad Project type: Corporate Client: HDFC Year of completion: 2017 Built up area: 9280 sq. ft. This corporate ofce needed a facelift since it was built in the 1990's. Hence all the interior spaces needed to be refurbished while retaining the beauty of the form. The other consideration was to create a homogenous ambience in all the different spaces. Every space has been approached differently, keeping in mind a common colour scheme, which induces a sense of harmony in the entire ofce. The light colour scheme creates a humane ambience and is not at all imposing. Even the furniture is hand picked to relate to the other spaces. The environment created in every space corresponds to its own function. The conference rooms has been approached more formally whereas the cafeteria is more informal and quirky. Due to the homogeneous interiors, the disparity of the different oors is not so prominent. 73

N GROUND FLOOR PLAN

MEZZANINE LEVEL PLAN

'A LAVISH DINE-OUT' Indish -a ne dine restaurant Location: Vadodara Project type: Retail Client: Mr. Bimal Khambhatiya Year of completion: 2017 Built up area: 4000 sq. ft. The core idea behind the variety of spaces in this restaurant is the diversity of culture and lifestyles seen in India. The common shared dining is different from the private dining spaces, yet due to their visual connectivity, they complement each other. The reason behind the wavy ceiling and the intermittent arrangement of the lights in the walls is to make those spaces livelier. The multiplicity of experiences offered across the restaurant in terms of the different themes is in afnity with the varied delicacies served to the guests. Every different dining space propagates different kind of moods. This is achieved by the unique articulation of each of the private dine rooms. Even though the dinner is divided into multiple courses and requires a longer time to eat, yet one does not lose interest due to the humane ambience. The semi-circular seating arrangements and the oating ceiling were envisaged; which not only are in harmony with each other but also make the entire experience more dynamic. The immaculate and specic attention to details has helped in achieving such a plethora of different spaces. 77

'A GRAND AFFAIR' Narayan jewellers showroom Location: Vadodara Project type: Retail Client: Jiten Choksi Year of completion: 2017 Built up area: 3500 sq. ft. This jewellery showroom in Vadodara called for an amalgamation of grandeur of the jewellery and the interiors. The articulation of every different space and spatial elements is directed towards achieving this grandeur. The showroom pronounces its grandeur in each and every aspect. Every succeeding visual frame is an ensemble of many smaller, exquisite and shimmering details which were handpicked so that they would be in harmony with each other. Each different space is addressed differently whilst focussing on the aspect of grandeur. Right from the Mother of Pearl inlay in the ooring to the stainless steel, brush nish columns to the gold leang in the ceiling; every visual frame is choreographed to appeal to the magnicence of the jewellery which is displayed. The copper lining is articulated differently on different backdrops so as to accommodate the logo of the brand. In the entrance foyer, the logo is overlaid on the mirror nish glass and on the wall adjacent to the staircase it is like an enlarged screen overlaid on the wall. The sense of pride in buying the jewellery is encapsulated in the interiors of this showroom as well. 81

'AN OPULENT DUET' Twin bungalows Location: Rajpath club road, Ahmedabad Project type: Residential Client: Jaydeep Sinh Waghela Year of completion: 2017 Built up area: 22,000 sq. ft.

These two villas, poised amidst the greenery other are shared by two brothers and their families. Adorning a Continental outlook, these contemporary houses are in similitude with each other. Both the houses resemble each other with respect to their planning and their outward appearance but the articulation of the interiors make them different. The generously spacious interiors are adorned with lavish furniture and artifacts which complement the spaces. Ambient natural light penetrates from all the sides and makes the interior lively. The recessed, shaded verandahs and the balconies reduce the intensity of the harsh sun rays. They in turn become the dynamic spaces which bring the outside in to the houses. Even though minimal in expression, yet these houses their grandeur is pronounced in each every spatial element. 85

'ELEGANT

SIMPLICITY’

St. George school proposal (2017) Location: Ahmedabad Project type: Institutional Client: Mr. Varheese The concept for this school was to create each classroom as a module which would be exible enough to be combined with the other and act as a larger space to accommodate a different function. 1ST OPTION: Each section would have three class rooms forming a triangular module. This module of three would encourage collaborative spaces & the residual spaces becomes green spaces. Two pairs of three classes, arranged hexagonally become one module. Thereby, this module gets rotated and replicated across the site. ND

2 OPTION: The other proposal was also modular in nature, but it was a combination of interlocking and alternating class room blocks. This gave space to natural light, air and spaces for terraces where the class could extend outside. 89

'T H E

MAJESTIC

GETAWAY’ Sardar Sarovar reosrt Resort proposal (2018) Project type: Hospitality Location: Kevadiya From the very beginning the site has been oriented in such a manner with an intention to realize the potential of the growth of the site. The categorization of the different buildings is done in the following manner FUNCTIONAL ZONE- Existing rooms, parking, Banquet hall R E C R E AT I O N A L Z O N E – Reception block, Restaurant + swimming pool, amphitheatre, gym, spa, villa and gardens This categorization has eventually shaped the layout and the form of every individual built space. The most crucial step in designing this campus was screening off the old rooms by a wide metal screen extending from the reception block. 93

'A PEACEFUL RETREAT' Athashri- Post retirement housing Location: Vadodara Project type: Housing (apartments) Client: Paranjape developers Year of completion: 2018 This being the very rst, venture by Paranjape developers in Gujarat, the location of the site, the design of each housing blocks alongside the landscaping and the connecting bridges, were meticulously crafted keeping in mind the lifestyle and needs of the people which would inhabit this space. The main design concept was to create a humane living environment for the elderly with ample open space, an individual oasis as well as emphasis on common gathering spaces and easy access to all the different amenities.

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'LAVISH LIVING ' Mr. Yogesh’s bungalow Location: Vadodara Project type: Residential Client: Mr. Yogesh Year of completion: 2019 Built up area, per unit: 4620 sq. ft. Poised in a narrow street, is this massive, linear building, standing out from the clutter. The refurbishment of this house was a challenge, as the house was not to be demolished completely. At the same time it was an opportunity to create something interesting and unconventional. After a gruesome process of modications and iterations, this glimmering house became a reality. Without looking at what was before, one can never fathom what it has become today. All the conventional, unappealing aspects in the house were tweaked, transformed and even transgured in some places. Each and every element pronounces royalty and all of them are articulated and composed very meticulously. All the rooms are different from each other thematically, but due to the earthy colours and their minimal nature, they all t perfectly together like pieces of a puzzle. The attention to detailing, being the primary concern, furniture was hand picked and many were custom made and imported from renowned brands, making the house a lavish ensemble. 101

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CONTEMPORARY

OUTLOOK' Bungalow in Vadodara Location: Vadodara Project type: Residential Client: Mr. Divyesh Shah Year of completion: 2019 Built up area: 5100 sq. ft. Juxtaposed in an exclusive gated community with elaborate oriental theme houses, this house also may look similar to its adjacent ones from the outside, yet the interior spaces tell a different tale altogether. The client wanted contemporary interiors, which would be a contrast to the outward appearance of the building. Hence, right from the colour scheme to the furniture in each and every space is chosen accordingly, so as to adorn a contemporary outlook. A dark colour scheme is chosen for the living room which is seen through the mat nish grey walls, the glistening black furniture and the navy-blue carpet. The colour scheme changes considerably as one moves on to the dining and kitchen areas. Both the sides of the dining table overlook on the courtyards outside hence the entire spaces becomes ethereal.

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On the upper levels, each room has been thematically customized so as to suit its users. The intermediate transition spaces such as the staircase, the study and the home theatre are the ones which add that extravagant edge to the house. All the spaces amount to a cosy and elegant living environment.

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