Keshav Lakshmi House by Hiteshmistry & Associates

This site sits in very dense and developed area of Ahmedabad in a plot size of about 1580 sft. The plot is North facing and square in shape. this was clients old house used by past two generations of family. He wanted to keep some elements of the ground floor as a memory and convert the existing built up house into private office with guest house, so we decided not to change the foundation and build two additional floors giving the whole built form four new elevations. The placement of spaces lead us to plan a house that opens up to outside view of north and west. 

The client's profession as charter accountant he required main cabin adjoining to a small meeting /presentation space as a part of it. reception-waiting area with separate accounts staff easily accessible near his cabin. needed a separate space for his two son and the staff of ten. the conference area as the must.

There are two separate entry- one for the guest house which is from the society lane whereas office entry and parking is from the main road. the rotating louvers and staircase screen on the front facade helps to bring north light into the building though out the day. These elements featured on north helps in the defining elevation that is - casted bricks made out of clay and louvers made of corten steel with minimal cut-outs. As you enter the guest house door, you are welcomed into the drawing room and dining area, divided by a diagonal wall. 

One of the most interesting and unique feather of the house is the use of natural light. the light from west direction is indirect and soft with the help of diagonal architectural  fins.