House of Generations in Ahmedabad embodies elegance and sophistication

This Blocher Partners India-designed private residence paints a portrait of architectural adroitness with its spatial play, connection with nature, and judicious use of materials.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Umang Shah; courtesy Blocher Partners India

The story of House of Generations begins with the clients, a well-travelled family, who desired to expand their property. They acquired the neighbouring plot, which once housed their old villa, and with an artistic vision in mind, they embarked on the journey of creating their dream abode with the design team at Blocher Partners India, helmed by architect Hartmut Wurster.

Wurster’s primary concern was to craft a dwelling that offered both privacy and an unbreakable bond with the lush green surroundings. The solution, ingeniously devised, lay in the form of a custom-designed flexible facade. Akin to a work of art, this facade could be retracted and folded, granting the family complete control over their privacy without compromising on the connection to nature. The defining element of the facade was the intricately designed louvres, inspired by the traditional jaalis of the region’s vernacular architecture. These louvres not only uphold the desired privacy levels but also regulate the micro-climate within the villa, offering a respite from Ahmedabad’s scorching summers.

As the day unfolds into night, the villa’s appearance transforms like a chameleon. The deep balconies and adjustable screens allow for versatile experiences, from savouring the rain with a cup of tea to embracing the winter breeze with open screens. Each season brings a new dimension to the villa, ensuring a harmonious blend between the indoors and the surrounding environment. The pursuit of minimalism resonates throughout the architecture, mirroring the family’s taste in simplistic aesthetics. “As a practice we create minimal, humble, and simple designs,” says Wurster. “Our goal is to let the building speak of its time while respecting the heritage of the place. It is backed by research of the place and understanding the clients, in which we use our expertise of new materials that combine all of these together.”

With a seamless continuity, the villa boasts only a select few materials. The floors gracefully host a single expanse of marble, while the walls exude the warmth of lime plaster in varying shades. The facade showcases the timeless elegance of stone, and the flexible screens come to life through the enchanting allure of wood.

Spaces within the villa unfold as a symphony of experiences. Upon entering, one is greeted by a captivating 90-degree entrance, engaging the senses and hinting at the enchantment that lays within. The double-height lobby, embraced by skylights, invokes a sense of drama and grandeur. Light fixtures, thoughtfully selected, add a touch of artistic brilliance to this space, further enhancing its appeal. The design seamlessly integrates with nature, inviting it into every corner of the villa. These subtleties serve to invigorate and animate the space while also revealing the villa’s harmonious relationship with the surrounding nature along every axis. Moreover, the double-height expanse is adorned with exquisite designer lighting fixtures that imbue it with refined taste and aesthetic allure. The artful planning of the house introduces a captivating sense of layering. A deftly placed glass element demarcates the interior from the semi-open and open spaces, allowing a gradual transition into the built environment.

Moving towards the right wing, the ground floor embraces the grandparent’s bedroom, while the first floor houses the parents’ private abode. On the other side, the boys’ rooms exude youthful charm and vibrancy, a testament to the villa’s versatility in catering to various needs. Cantilevers and opening screens facilitate cross ventilation and provide efficient glare and heat control apart from solving the privacy concerns. The use of lime plaster not only adds a natural variation in tone but also an eco-friendly touch, embodying sustainability and responsible design. Various spaces are populated by minimal, clean-lined furniture, underscoring the overall design philosophy. Beyond the villa’s walls, a stunning landscape unfolds: a courtyard dotted with lush greens and graceful trees, whose positivity is amplified by the gentle murmur of falling water.

Crafted with passion and vision, House of Generations stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of minimalistic aesthetics in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.

Fact file

Project: House of Generations
Location: Ahmedabad
Built-up area: 2,100 sq m
Principal Architect: Hartmut Wurster
Design team: Nilambari Renuse, Felix Lupatsch, Celia Fernandez, Shirin Bagora and Bhavin Mistry