Keshav Lakshmi House / Hiteshmistry & Associates
+21
- region :
3350 square feet
year :
2022
Manufacturers: HonduranAnd the Mitsubishi ElectricAnd the Asian paintsAnd the FAPGLIES WINDOWS SOLUTIONSAnd the Ghana teakAnd the ICAAnd the Indian natural graniteAnd the Piccolo And the RotulamAnd the steel case
Text description provided by the architects. This site is located in a very dense and developed area of Ahmedabad with an area of about 1,580 square feet. The plot is north facing and square in shape. This was the customer’s old home that the last two generations of the family had used. He wanted to keep some elements of the ground floor as a memory and convert the existing built house into a guest house private office, so we decided not to change the foundation and build two more floors to give the entire built form four new heights. The placement of the spaces leads us to the layout of a house that opens to the outside view to the north and west.
The client’s profession as a chartered accountant requires the main booth adjacent to a small meeting/presentation space as part of it. The reception waiting area with separate accounts for its staff had to be easily accessible near his cabin. He needed a separate space for his sons and crew of ten, and a conference area was essential.
There are two separate entrances – one for the guest house which is from the community driveway while the official entrance and car park are from the main road. Swivel openings and stair screen on the front facade help bring northern light into the building throughout the day. These Nordic elements help define the elevation which is – mud bricks and corten steel vents with minimal cutouts. 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 features of the house is the use of natural light. The light from the west is indirect and soft with the help of diagonal architectural fins.
Interiors play a very important role in getting a place together and making it a home. Furniture designed and manufactured in specialized workshops with practical requirements that compensate for modern interiors. The minimalist POP ceiling, with the use of exposed concrete panels as decoration works perfectly with the modern approach. Locally purchased Kotah stone in the flooring goes well with the home’s gray and neutral color story. The addition of hardwood in wall panels, furniture, and ceilings when appropriate balances the use of gray.
Decorative lights follow the same material palette made of concrete and wood. It was customized specifically for this project, by a light designer. Bespoke and carefully purchased pieces of art are located in various corners of the house, enriching the interiors. The upholstery and curtain fabrics are designed by a textile designer, to meet the client’s specific requirements while keeping the modern interior language intact. Adding subtle hues and balancing neutral colors makes a texture palette. All these factors are combined in a simple interior design.
