Terracotta House / Modo Designs

Terracotta House / Modo Designs

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Text description provided by the architects. This home for a family of four is part of a gated community on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. The family previously had their weekend home on this land where they have now moved their permanent residence away from the densely populated localities of the city. The idea was to connect users with the traditional elements of architecture while achieving a contemporary look.

The house is a ground floor plus structure with a basement intended for entertainment purposes. The corner towards the garden is opened by a veranda which has become the family’s favorite place to relax. The front bay has a more transparent facade connecting the spaces to the garden. The ground floor spaces are formed around a narrow central courtyard reflecting a nature similar to those of the pol houses of Ahmedabad. This courtyard remains open to the sky most of the time of the day and year and consists of an openable roof made to prevent rain and excess heat from entering the interior of the house.

The ground floor houses the living, dining and kitchen areas as well as the parents’ bedroom and the daughter’s bedroom. The upper floor includes the master bedroom, the son’s bedroom and a guest bedroom as well as a huge terrace which overlooks the garden and is used for hosting parties. The basement is separated into two areas, the TV corner and the bar which opens onto a small courtyard which brings in natural light and air from the basement.

Materials used on the exterior are exposed concrete and brick, wood paneling and patio doors, Kota stone floors creating an earthy palette. Inside, there is a play of exposed and finished surfaces. All materials were sourced locally and fused together in a way that kept the spaces connected to local roots.