This Vadodara home makes a statement in concrete

KN Associates use monolithic concrete elements and unique patterns on exposed RCC to great effect.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Tejas Shah; courtesy KN Associates

Setting a new benchmark in concrete structures is Madhuvilla – the Concrete House, a 20,040-sq-ft home located in Vadodara, Gujarat. Huge glass openings connect the front elevation to the front garden and backside areas to the corresponding garden to create a transcendental continuous green expanse. Subtle landscape adds nuance to the interior design.

“Creating a simple, practical space was our approach,” reveal architects Narendra Joshi and Pritesh Patel of KN Associates. “By using material palettes that are both innovative and aesthetically pleasing, we have been able to deliver a space that exceeds our client’s expectations while meeting the needs of their operations.” The client’s main requirement was a spatially grand residence keeping in mind the brutalist and raw designs.

The project reflects a tasteful fusion of old and new aesthetic elements. The villa’s innate characteristics are brought to life by opening up its large floor plan — high ceilings; exposed RCC walls, patterned RCC walls, and landscaped gardens. Located in a flood-prone zone, this private villa is constructed on a raised plinth, which also helps in maintaining the privacy of the villa. A large glass fenestration allows light to filter through the layout, drawing attention to unfinished surfaces. The zoning and layout are orchestrated such that every corner affords a view of the green surroundings.

The ground floor of the building is a massive parking lot. A post tension structure is used to avoid columns up to 50 feet width. A pergola set in open grid design offers a dreamy entrance pathway to the villa. The staircase is the main element of the house, both structurally and aesthetically. It’s a single RCC flight structure without any external support. The circular staircase of exposed RCC is one of the first things you will notice when you enter this house. The passage with green kota flooring and multi-colour kota pattern enhances the beauty of this space. It creates a sense of privacy, while still allowing for an open-air feel. A gorgeous centralized skylight chandelier by Kaanch – Hemanshi Patwa Shah is an arresting sight.

The formal living room is a visual connection with the courtyard and staircase as it unfolds itself in muted shades of grey, white, and wood. An exquisite sculpture by Avinash Gondaliya adorns the courtyard area. The architects’ use of green kota, wooden ceiling, and subtle shades of grey gives this space a feeling of elegance and warmth.

The kitchen features gorgeous countertops, agate grey cabinetry, matt marble finish backsplash, a functional island, and an extending breakfast table off the island. The matt black stone dining table and white chairs match the green and yellow kota stone flooring beautifully. The pendant light drops definitively from the wooden ceiling, contrasting with simple accessories. The bedrooms are personalised and cosy retreats connected physically and visually to lush green pockets.