A palatial bungalow in Vadodara, designed by K.N.Associates finds its muse in natural materials and finishes by creating an abode that is earthy and amicable. Principal architects Narendra Joshi and Pritesh Patel have incorporated their firm’s signature style by assimilating exposed brick walls, jaalis and the traditional jharokha.
Supplementing the facade of the bungalow, a low brick and RCC wall attributes the periphery of the corner plot. Wooden columns, arches, and brackets salvaged from old structures have been used strategically, on the porch to create a jharokha with extravagant detailing. “In India, such columns can be sourced from Gujarat, Rajasthan, or even the south. We were careful to choose the ones from Gujarat, to root the home to its location,” says Joshi.
Sprawling across an 8,000 sq ft area, this three level bungalow belongs to a pious family that sacredly bows down to the Gods while entering as well as leaving the premises. To be used by three generations, this ingrained, age-old ritual was factored in by the architects while working on the Vastu compliant blueprint of the house.
The entrance packs a punch with wide floating steps leading towards the wooden main door. Impressive diamond shaped detailing on the doors with an oversized handle of the same shape greets the visitors.
Surrounded by water bodies on three sides, the worship area is a sight to behold. With an unrestricted view of the garden outside, an antique swing and a jharokha add local flavour to the living room. A noteworthy aspect of the bungalow is the use of polished green Kota teamed with its yellow cousin in a leather finish sweep over the floors, imitating a carpet.
“The climate in Vadodara is not suitable for carpets, so we brought in the visual appeal without the impracticality. We were particularly careful about the joints where a brick wall meets one in RCC. The edge of the brick was chamfered so that you see only one continuous material when you view the wall,” reveals Joshi.
However, the crowning glory of the R-House is a large round cut-out in the wall that connects all the floors. Divulging more about the pièce de résistance, Joshi elaborates, “I have to thank Deepak Ambekar our structural engineer, for the technically demanding staircase which slants upwards in front of the fixed glass window, without any support from the wall. Suspended from cables, it has a weightless appearance.”
Moving a level up, the first floor hosts three bedrooms and the common space is furnished in reclaimed wood. The double height space enjoys a large window and is protected from the sun by motorised blinds sandwiched between glass.
A gym, guest bedroom and home theatre constitute the second floor. The home theatre is a cinephile’s paradise with exposed brick wall interiors and wooden ceiling and flooring. “Although acoustics had been considered, there is no fabric panelling or high-tech sound proofing, since there was no requirement for replicating sound studio specs,” discloses Joshi.
This house brings together the best of design elements with an earthy material palette complemented by copious amounts of sculptures and installations. K.N. Associates have managed to offer a consciously curated lifestyle in line with rituals and traditions, creating a brilliant space.
Scroll down for more images of the R-House—
If this traditional house inspires you, make sure you check out this lavish abode by Azure Interiors!
