Jointly developed by DA Studiio and Studio Palisa, this Surat bungalow uses sunlight, air and colours to uplift it from its densely built surroundings.
Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Photographix India; courtesy DA Studiio and Studio Palisa
The site
Located in Surat, this 10,967-sq-ft house stands on a dead corner of a housing society with abutting properties hindering the view on all four sides. The east-facing plot has a compact 12-ft entrance.
The brief
To make up for the lost vistas, the main requirement of the client was that the house brim with light and air, and have a smooth circulation. “Designed for a joint family of 10, personal spaces assumed utmost priority,” say architect Sanjay Sheladia and interior designer Mayur Salia, principals, DA Studiio and Studio Palisa.
The design intent
“Let there be light, let there be air, and let there be nature… this was always at the back of our mind,” say the principals of the two studios. “The intent was to have a comfortable modern home infused with bright colours. The main challenge was to create vistas within the house. This was done by carving the site into two sections and adding a courtyard in the middle of the house to bring in connectivity, light and ventilation.”
The spatial configuration
While the ground floor is solely devoted to parking and other ancillary areas, the living spaces are accommodated on the first and second floors. The former comprises a formal living room, a lounge, a puja room, a dining space and a kitchen, in addition to one bedroom and two suites, while the second storey houses a family living area, an indoor game section and, again, one bedroom and two suites. “The public, semi-private and private spaces aren’t sharply delineated. Rather, they ease into one another,” reveals the duo.
The material palette
Materials used in almost every room include wood and stone, energised with textures. The factory-made furniture features veneer, leather and fabric. The backdrop walls of two bedrooms are clad in WPC louvers.
The challenges
The most testing part of the assignment was to fulfill diverse aspirations of the 10-member family — in nine months. Similarly, the compact entrance with a 12-ft passageway opening presented its own set of difficulties.
Fact file
Project: Kalathiya House
Location: Surat
Area: 10,967 sq ft
Principal architect: Sanjay Sheladia
Principal designer: Mayur Salia
Design team: Jigar Vekariya and Darshan Patel
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