This 1650 sq. ft. rectilinear plot residence, surrounded by residential plots on three sides with the west front street, is situated in a small town, Jetpur in Rajkot District. Thriving for business in textiles and trade in exports, this town has more of a growing settlement, setting the architects up with a unique challenge of creating an appealing and contemporary architecture that stands out entirely.
The client’s brief simply stated the requirement of a 5bhk house in such a tight plot. The limitation of the light source from just one side triggered a desire to create an abode that flourished green with an internal courtyard and double-height volumes with striking patterns dancing on the walls throughout the day. Other than being the only light source for internal bedrooms, it also flourishes green into the house with a cozy and private tea time-space with uninterrupted privacy. This meant we had spaces private and a family together to flourish and boom under an open plan space on the ground floor. We expanded spaces to pair with open areas to amplify this sense of freedom and luxury creating diverse experiences in a tightly enclosed canvas. The ample natural light together with the generous dotting of green makes it a soothing and uplifting space. All the more it was quite challenging to integrate a double-height courtyard into the residence, as a source of natural light and air, along with it being a cohesive family space. Vastu shastra compliance being the client’s primary insistence, all the services had to be placed on the front side eventually complicating the visual and experimental connections that an architect desires to achieve.
We endeavored the volumes of the floating frame and triangular mass for creating diverse experiences and dramas within its physical form. With the idea of a minimalistic approach, architecture was purely influenced by the honesty of materiality typified by geometrical shapes, bare natural materials, playful colors and textures, and a serene experience. The entrance gate is a box entry with a metal grill giving it a contemporary timeless look. The seven feet cantilever porch in the front and the protruding triangular mass give a striking effect to the facade. The floating deck/porch stands on a metal girder equally counter supporting from the inside catches the eyes of every passerby; supported by a metal I section girder and cladded with HPL sheet. The distinct triangular mass is a tray for the planter extending the bathroom off the master bedroom, cladded with red Agra stone. The facade is surfed with semi-circle-shaped plaster treated with rustic textures. The canopy audaciously cantilevers outwards from the main building, complementing the large volume created by the notional canopy. Pergolas cast attractive shadows, the changing sciography providing interest. The contemporary design is dominated by no-fuss straight lines, the carefully premeditated juxtaposition of the different materials with their characteristic colors creating complex geometry.