Vashi Farm House / d6thD Design Studio
The rise in the era of congested cities and increasing high-rises has ignored regional context and local culture. However, the need for vernacular necessities is bringing in a new era focused on amalgamating contemporary architecture with native values and beliefs. Replacing the mundane urban boxes, Vashi Farmhouse nestled in the suburbs of Navsari, Gujarat has emerged as a paradigm of vernacular architecture with a lavish outline. Designed by Ahmedabad-based architect Himanshu Patel from d6thD design studio, the 450sq. meters farmhouse lies on an open plot of 1.25 acres.
Constructed as a humble abode for three generations of the client, it has an essence of cultural rootedness and traditions of the region. Ar. Himanshu has designed the farmhouse with a green lens, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior spaces. The program is arranged into a H-shaped plan, conceptualized around the idea of providing two distinct ‘green room’ spaces. From sloping roofs to brick-stone facades to courtyards and traditional sheesham wood furniture’s, the culturally and climatically responsive environment created in the house gives a sustainable edge and is of vital need in today’s rapid lifestyle. As one drives inside, locally available matka (earthen pots) lines the entrance wall paying homage to the water storing vessels, furthermore an artistic bronze human sculpture is in sync with the natural and man-made composition at the drop-off area.
The car drop-off area consists of a wooden pergola, leading to a lily pond and then the main entrance to the house. The site consists of two structures - one is the main house with bedrooms and living spaces and the other is a circular block built for visitors or clients. The corbelled brick wall entrance to the main block is flanked with Nandi idols representing the religious sentiments of the owners. Twisted brick columns around a stone courtyard greets the visitors at entrance and segregate the house into private and public spaces. The twisted columns not only support the roof system but also give an aesthetic and dramatic appeal to space. The ground floor consists of a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and green pockets around them. The open family living room accommodates a seating and dining area attached to the kitchen. Warli paintings beneath colour stained glasses draw attention to ancient times.
All the attached bathrooms are flooded with skylights. Exposed cement wall and kota stone flooring compliment the granite black panel clad with golden faucets in the shower area. The staircase leading to the upper floors features kadappa stone steps and wooden planks.
The upper-level bedrooms are attached to a gazebo, that creates a sense of security and a cozy atmosphere to enjoy the panoramic view of the landscaped garden. Every bedroom in the house opens up to balconies, offering a garden view and allowing residents to engage with the surrounding landscape.
“The materials and techniques employed in this house are not only time tested and reliable but clearly reflect a cultural and climate sensitivity towards the area” explains the designers. A series of sloping roofs native to the region aids in the offset of heavy rainfall. Deeply covered balconies act as a transition between the hot and humid exterior environment and the shaded interiors of the home. Communal living spaces arranged around the central courtyard evoke a sense of community and family ancestry.
The house integrates a number of construction techniques and materials. The studio states “The foundation is of random rubble stone masonry, and the 14” load-bearing exposed brick walls in Quetta bond act as thermal insulators.” The ground floor bedroom roof is fabricated of locally available clay pot filler RCC slabs, A low height Kota stone roof with steel girders tops the central courtyard, and the living room is covered by a high volume pitched roof with decorative tiles, symbolizing the traditions of the locality. Marble flooring and the reuse of old wooden doors and windows are evident throughout the house. A lot of circular surfaces in the house are a result of reusing curved window frames.
The farmhouse is a joyous experience, rejuvenating the clients with the spirit of their culture and traditions. The house is true to its context and testifies itself to the norms of vernacular architecture. With the landscape juxtaposing with the interior spaces, natural and man-made elements are in sync and create the required balance. The project not only attains sustainability but is also a manifestation of the forgotten era.
