This home in Porbandar by Dipen Gada and Associates is inspired by the unbound openness of the sea

Neither land nor open water, the topographical notion of a coast evades definition. It is here that Dipen Gada and Associates craft a home inspired by the vast oceans. Constructing what can only be described as an architectural loophole, the architects abolish the stark divide and embrace cues from both. Instead of constructing this Porbandar home by the seaside, the architects take a more cerebral approach, tracing the austere serenity of the historic port town. Here, the azure skies are framed by fierce lines evocative of Modernist architecture.

When asked to describe the philosophy behind the home (aptly dubbed White House), principal architect Dipen Gada chooses the Sanskrit word Sahej, loosely translating to effortlessness. It is this stark simplicity that lends the 65,000 sq ft coastal cove its cinematic appeal. 

Sailing through spaces

“The homeowner had a very simple requirement of 3 bedrooms, large openings with as much of a green connection as possible,” explains Dipen. With this framework in mind, he conjures an experience that lures you in. 

The experience of this home commences before the main door. Led into the compound through a verdant driveway, you leave the outside world at the gates. A tall wooden entrance door leads you to the foyer, to the right of which is the high-ceiling living room, which Dipen describes as “holding nothingness except needful seating arrangement”. Through the deliberate negative space, every element stands out in a gallery-esque fashion. “Art is something that is governing the design but is also the soul of the space,” muses the architect. 

The dining and family living room gives way to a covered low seating arrangement. Placed between the public and private spheres of the home, the swimming pool becomes a transition space as well as the piece de resistance of the home. The master bedroom abuts the water body and the garden. Across the passage, the two other bedrooms are located next to each other. 

Light, white, and deep blue skies 

In a composition of whites, the architects introduce an ethereal play of light with subtle textures adding depth and dimension to the monochromatic abode. This becomes a technique for highlighting prominent walls, punctuating the circulation, and ushering movement. The stark linear forms project sharp shadows on the walls while the pergolas cast dynamic patterns. Interspersed throughout the home are warm wooden accents with textured stone floors. The outside flows in the interiors of the space with the blue skies reflecting the water surrounded by fluted plaster walls. 

Anchoring life 

With the homeowner’s marine background, it is not surprising that throughout the home, there is an unbound openness. It is a case study on minimalism that is fit for habitation, where nothing can be added or subtracted — a perfect composition. However, as you occupy the home, it morphs and makes room for life, disappearing into the backdrop. A terrain of tranquillity.

Now Read: Shrouded by chickoo trees, the Nirmal Farmhouse in Bharuch by Dipen Gada effortlessly mitigates the boundary between indoors and outdoors by submitting to what nature has to offer