Dr. Mithiborwala Residence | Studio 926 | Godhra, Gujarat
This new house in Gujarat, by local practice Studio926, is a clever interplay of light and shadows, terracotta plate roofing and exposed brick surfaces as well as open and closed spaces. Located in Godhra, a high density community residential area is a short drive from central bus station, the interiors of the house was designed by architects, Studio 926, Shailesh Patel and Ronak Patel for a family of two as a space to live in and receive guests and family.
The highly visible location provides two viewable frontages to southern and northern faces, in close proximity to private houses to the north and a crematorium towards the south. The clients’ ambition for the project was to maximize the potential of the space, providing a comfortable contemporary home for their family and enjoy a lifestyle that offers space for entertaining guests. The house was to be private, maximizing the potential for daylight penetration, whilst limiting and controlling views in and out.
A screen of terracotta jali breeze blocks envelops all visible surfaces of the building roof, responding to the client’s request for privacy. The shadows cast by the sun change throughout the day, making the area dynamic and ever-changing in all seasons. A natural and less customised look is achieved by scattering many potted plants of various heights across the space. With the brown of the terracotta, the greens of the corrugated sheets, and the rough texture of the flooring, the indoor spaces are rich in textures and vistas.
Shadow is the building’s most important element. The abundance of sunlight in the local climate was a major factor in the planning process. The roof structure gracefully utilises changing light patterns throughout the day, harnessing natural light to create ‘dynamic drama.’ This both floods the spaces and serves to shape the interior’s character.
The ideology is to have separation to the rooms but still maintaining an open feel, capturing traditional details without overpowering while also keeping the house minimalistic and understated from the inside to the outside. To achieve this aesthetic, a brown & grey palette is used, accented by oak tones, textured grey patterns and bondi tiles, enabling the interiors to feel airy and connected to the outside. A unique balance of a sophisticated mix of traditional Islamic elements and contemporary design styles can be observed in the Mithiborwala Residence.
The internal spaces are rich in textures and views. To break the monotony, the hallways are lined with a pattern of veneer and glass. The internal arrangement is clear and straightforward. Sprawling and elegant, this minimal home features a timeless collection of furniture and lighting with pieces assembled from Be Komfort, Vadodara.
The whole house features a bondi patterned encaustic tiles with indigo coloured galicha carpet reflecting the culture of the client’s community. Upon entering the living area with a raw & earthy colour palette, one observes uplifted sofa with sleek legs and a textured accent wall which breaks the linearity and brings volume and textural depth to the space.
Displaying a neutral colour palette, the battened false ceiling of the dining area create a pleasing contrast with the earthy tone. A balloon pendant lamp ornate the marble table top of dining table having heavy wooden legs with rose gold finished base. The matte black cabinets stand out and make a bold statement in the modern modular kitchen adorned with the bondi tiles.
Continuing with the traditional approach, the bedrooms can be seen covered in earthy and matte tones of grey and brown to lend a sense of sophistication and warmth to the whole space. The wooden cupboards lined with rattan artwork with custom wooden handles, the four poster bed along with the wooden jharokha crafted in the existing niche adds character to the room and glorifies the traditional theme of the space.
The remaining two classy bedrooms presents an attractive colour combination of brown, white and blue & teal. Also, the veneer wood panelling on the walls and the patterned fabric of the headboard and curtains elevate the character of the room. Furthermore, the contemporary sofa assorted from Be Komfort, Vadodara and the traditional galichas (carpets) from the clients’ collection aligns with the ideology of the project.
FACT FILE
Project Name : Shadow Play | Dr. Mithiborwala Residence
Design Firm : Studio 926
Principal Architect : Ar. Shailesh Patel & Ar. Ronak Patel
Execution By : Bijal Shah (Doric Design PVT. LTD.)
Project Type : Residential Interior
Year of completion: 2021
Project Area : 2600 Sft + 2000 Sft Terrace
Project Cost appox.: Rs. 1.2 CR
Project Location : Godhra, Gujarat, India
Photography Credits : Sudhir Parmar (Vegaconcepts)
Text Credits : Yamini Shah
SEE FULL PROJECT VIDEO >> @interiorlover.in
