This residence in Bhusawal draws inspiration from the fond memories of ‘Doodhbaori,’ the ancestral home located near the iconic Charminar in the heart of Hyderabad. The original home held more than just bricks and mortar; it was a repository of cherished memories for the siblings involved in constructing this new house. The decision to build a twin house stemmed from a desire to recreate the magic of their ancestral home, emphasizing togetherness through shared spaces such as gardens, verandahs, and terraces.
Project Name: Nostalgia
Office Name: Humanscape
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2): 740 m2
Project Location: Bhusawal, Maharashtra, India
Program / Use / Building Function: Home
Lead Architects: Ar. Gaurav Chordia
Photo Credits: Pranit Bora. Onil Shah
Recollections of gathering in the courtyard for games, flying kites on the terraces, and witnessing morning processions on the verandah influenced the design. The home was not compartmentalized for specific activities; instead, it served as a unified space. Although visual references were unavailable, the narratives shared by the siblings provided a cohesive understanding.
The project began as a nostalgic sketch, an attempt to immortalize experiences and traditions rooted in a courtyard-centric home. The design aimed to pass down a legacy, acting as a tangible link to a past only preserved in memories. Collaborating teams acknowledged the significance of the 300-plus pairs of hands that contributed to shaping the final outcome, emphasizing the humility reflected in the current design.
Drawing inspiration from the original south-facing house, the architects utilized reclaimed natural stone from old railway quarters to withstand the scorching 47-degree Celsius summer afternoons. An introverted courtyard became a sanctuary, diffusing light and providing comfort to adjacent spaces. Salvaged wooden columns and beams from nearby structures were repurposed, showcasing sustainability by abstaining from using new wood in construction.
Limestone flooring and lime finish walls extended the narrative, creating a symphony of textures and tones that resonated with cherished memories. The design prioritized visual connections, promoting compatibility and adaptation across common areas to foster a home imbued with the warmth of familial bonds.
The verandah, with its subdued palette, offered relief from the sun, leading visitors into a double-height space where clouds in the north seemed within reach. Private spaces were designed for simplicity and individual needs, allowing plants to integrate naturally over time. A two-year photographic documentation captured the evolving space, documenting the addition of new plants and mementos from family travels.
Beyond the material transformation, the house underwent a lifestyle shift, breaking free from conventional boundaries, particularly evident in the open-plan kitchen. Inspired by ‘jharoka’ windows in each bedroom, the design encouraged disconnection from phones and connection with the home. The evolution of the space highlighted the importance of continuity and the freedom to adapt, seamlessly transforming memories into meaningful art.
From solitary moments to joyous celebrations and contemplative reflections, this home encapsulates the essence of life, offering comfort and inspiration at every turn. It transcends being just a house; it stands as a living testament to the enduring spirit of family and the passage of time it has witnessed.
