‘The Annex,’ nestled in the serene surroundings of Anand city in Gujarat, embodies the delicate balance between contemporary living and timeless Indian cultural values. Serving as an extension to a multi-generational family home, it caters to evolving needs while honoring tradition. With a footprint of 4500 square feet, ‘The Annex’ showcases minimalist design, radiating understated elegance.
Project Name: The Annexe at Anand
Architecture Firm: INI Design Studio
Project Location: Anand, Gujarat, India
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2): 4500 ft2
Completion Year: 2020
Architects Credit:
Project Mentor / Director – Jayesh Hariyani
Project Director & Senior Designer – Nikul Shah
Project Architects – Bhavna Prabhakaran, Sanand Telang
Senior Project Manager – Gaurang Joshi
Project Director (MEPF) – Amit Mehta
Senior Execution Engineer – Uday Modi
Lead Interior Designer – Nikul Shah
Photographer Credits: Karan Gajjar / The Space Tracing Company
Drawing inspiration from traditional Indian architecture, the house features a sleek, elevated structure harmonizing with travertine stone, concrete, metal, and wood accents. Its layout revolves around a semi-covered courtyard, reminiscent of ancestral homes, serving as the nucleus of family life. The upper floor, with its blend of glass, wood, and floating concrete canopies, hosts private quarters offering views of the courtyard and pool. Expansive windows blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, fostering a seamless connection.
In line with sustainable principles, ‘The Annex’ integrates traditional techniques with modern innovations. Passive cooling elements like courtyards and verandas ensure comfort, while thoughtful placement of windows and shading devices enhances energy efficiency. Smart home features, including LED lighting and motion sensors, reduce energy consumption. Real-time energy monitoring and Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) further optimize sustainability without compromising aesthetics.
Local, eco-friendly materials such as bamboo and reclaimed wood minimize carbon footprint, while water-saving technologies and waste management practices promote resource conservation. Biophilic design elements enhance indoor air quality, while energy storage solutions and IoT sensors streamline efficiency and promote sustainable living.
In essence, ‘The Annex’ encapsulates a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, providing a sanctuary where family bonds flourish amid sustainable living practices.
