This project was driven by contrasts and contrarian requirements, a strive towards minimising the shortcomings, using them to create positives. A programme that would be introverted and inclusive at once. In fact, the architects harboured an upbeat, buoyant attitude towards the assignment right from the outset.
PROJECT :RED BOX HOUSE architecture and Interior
Location: Ahmedabad – India
Area : Plot area – 3616.15 sq ft
Total Built up area – 4259.54 sq ft.
Design Firm : tHE gRID Architects
Photo Credits: Photographix India
The context was a densely populated area, a hodge-podge of built-forms that are typical of so many middle-class Indian communities. The plot itself was small, a mere 3600 sq ft approximately. The intent then became to create a visual statement that would hold its own ground amongst the urban fabric. But this statement had to be a bold presence and not a chest-thumping proclamation. Moreover, while the space had to enjoy appreciable connections to the outside, privacy could not be sacrificed.
The responses to these contrarian requirements was formalised as a simple, clean-lined structure, with a solid red textured facade, tempered with expanses of sandstone. The protrusion of the facades from the wall plane is an important detail that reveals the functional feature of the elements, their tectonic difference and relationship to each other. The structure was encircled by a compound wall, largely low — but whose height increased proportionately with the demands for privacy. Since the compact plot size did not permit an extensive landscape with sit-outs, etc, the leisure spaces were positioned on the top terrace, and the mandatory setbacks were tastefully greened. The verdant encirclement also includes existing mature trees which were taken into account while planning and construction. Within this belt, the architects also positioned three sit-outs, sheltering under horizontal brise soleil. These semi-open pergola spaces create the dramatic play of shadow and light that is so vital to a dynamic spatial experience, besides providing the occupants with a refuge from the afternoon sun. These partial coverings also achieve the balance between privacy and openness by granting moderate visual accessibility to the users while keeping the living space from being too exposed.
The internal programme of the small house treats the experience of airiness and the ‘feel of space’ as sacrosanct. The planning reduced passages, and favoured a more open-plan typology. Elements such as walls, window frames, pergolas, balconies and openings at corners of dense concrete walls and large tree pots have been choreographed into a layered sequence of diverse yet hierarchal spaces that offer varying levels of privacy. The connections to the outside are constant, in the form of small and large openings, semi-open decks and sheltered balconies. The ground floor is the social volume that accommodates the living/dining room and a semi-integrated kitchens, in addition to a bedroom. The first level is devoted to two master bedrooms (one for the couple and the other for their children), while the last one (the terrace) houses the leisure areas — a gym, a home theatre, and a lounging space beneath a pergola.
The Red Box House, as the project is called, is designed to satisfy an urban lifestyle that regards nature as a precious, inextricable part of living. It triumphs over limitations of site and context to deliver a habitat that reminds us of the power of new advances to change our built environment.
The Grid Architects
tHE gRID is an architecture firm based in the bustling city of Ahmedabad Gujarat India and was established about 15 years back. Snehal has done his maters in sustainability and Bhadri is an Interior designer.
tHE gRID Architects is a multidisciplinary design firm which incorporates an array of design combinations and experiences, qualification and skills and deeply committed to excellence.
Snehal Suthar and Bhadri Suthar, have set a mandate for contextual design, something that is timeless. Therefore, their designs are founded in simplicity and clarity, and create structures that are closely connected to the earth. While they strive towards compelling and dynamic spaces, they do so by combining clarity with quiet and thoughtful innovation; they endeavour to achieve the delicate balance of order and invention followed by integrity in work.
Their architecture and interiors are mindful of international standards of designs, including those for the physically challenged, known as Barrier free spaces and Green and sustainable buildings and spaces.
As part of their contribution towards their profession they are visiting faculty and members of jury panel at NID and NIFT and various architectural institutes.
Their endeavor has always been to satisfy the environmental and meaningful aesthetic needs simultaneously. They are very versatile in their portfolio from architecture to landscape to interior to specialized furniture design, all incorporated by sustainable and environmentally friendly designs. For them DESIGNING IS A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.
The firm’s endeavour for compelling and dynamic spaces has been validated by the recognition garnered by their work.
- GIHED Best residential building award
- Gujarat’s first residential Green building platinum award and gold and silver building award.
- Trends Architecture excellence awards 2017
- CWAB best interior designer west zone INDIA 2018
- CWAB winner for villa design 2018.
- Glitz design honour winner in 4 categories in 2019.
- IIID excellence award in 2 categories 2019.
- CWAB winner for hospitality 2019.
- Wade Asia winner 2019 in 2 categories – residential and commercial and nominated for 7 categories.
- Our project has been published on buildofy U tube along with our interview.
- The Duo was listed in the HOT 100 architects of India 2018 in Architects and Interiors India and FAB 50 2018 in architectural builder’s mag.
- We have been nominated in the dezeen long list on 12th July 2019.
- Our work has been published in Forbes, AD, Trends, Better Interiors, IFJ journal etc.
- Our work has been published on ARCHDAILY and several Nationally acclaimed magazines and coffee table books.