Nestled in the urban landscape, stands a private residential villa that defines modernity. The residential villa tells the story of a family who desired to expand their property by acquiring the adjacent plot. Their artistic vision to design an ideal home was converted into possibilities by Blocher Partners India.
Typology: Residence
Name of Project: House of Generations
Location: Ahmedabad
Budget Courtesy: Confidential
Principal Architect: Hartmut Wurster
Design Team: Nilambari Renuse, Felix Lupatsch, Celia Fernandez, Shirin Bagora, Bhavin Mistry
Built-Up Area (sq ft & sq m): 2100 sqm
Start Date: October 2016
Completion Date: June 2021
Photographer: Umang Shah
Ar. Wurster Hartmut, the Principal Architect of Blocher Partners India, designed this architectural marvel considering the privacy of the occupants and integration with the surroundings. This was addressed in the form of a custom-designed flexible facade. The flexible facade is retracted and folded according to the family’s needs while maintaining a strong connection with nature. A most captivating element of the facade is the louvers, inspired by the vernacular architecture of the region. These louvers ensure privacy and regulate the villa’s micro-climate while allowing a gentle breeze to flow through the gaps keeping the interiors vibrant.
The villa changes its appearance in the night depicting a new character. Its profound balconies and adaptable screens allow the occupants to experience different seasons with intimate family time. The architects included minimalist architecture in favour of the family’s tastes and vision with the judicious use of materials. The floors used marble while the walls were covered with lime plaster of varying shades. The facade epitomises timeless sophistication with the use of stone, and the flexible screens come alive with the allure of wood.
The spatial arrangement within the villa creates an immersive experience for the occupants. As one walks through, they are welcomed by a 90-degree entrance that engages the senses. The double-height lobby, embraced by skylights, evokes a dramatic and grand ambience. The carefully chosen light fixtures add an artistic touch, further elevating the space’s allure. These subtle features dictate the villa’s integration with nature resonating a symbolic relationship. Additionally, the double-height expanse is catered for designer lighting fixtures that imply a refined taste and aesthetic allure. A strategically placed glass element serves as a boundary between the interior and the semi-open and open spaces, facilitating a gradual transition into the constructed environment. This considerate design effortlessly guides occupants toward the embrace of nature, without abrupt separations.
As one moves towards the other side of the wing, the ground floor has the grandparent’s room while the first floor houses the parent’s bedroom. Moving forward, the boy’s room exudes youthful charm catering to the versatility and various needs of the occupants. The villa’s appeal is enhanced by cantilevers and adjustable screens, serving dual purposes of facilitating cross ventilation and efficiently managing glare and heat while addressing privacy concerns. Further, the use of lime plaster introduces tonal variations while implying sustainability and responsible design. Inside the villa, minimal, clean-lined furniture graced the spaces, seamlessly aligning with the overall design ethos. A courtyard adorned with luxuriant foliage and elegant trees resonated with the gently cascading water, delivering an enchanting sensory experience to the occupants.
In conclusion, this private residential villa stands as an exemplary masterpiece, encapsulating grace and refinement. Its harmonious blend of seclusion and expansiveness, its harmonious integration with the natural world, and its discerning selection of materials collectively depict a canvas of architectural excellence. Forged with fervour and foresight, it stands as a tribute to the timeless allure of minimalist design in an ever-changing urban milieu.
