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Designed by Architects at Work, this abode for a multigenerational family reflects their ethos through its minimalist design
Built over three years by Shweta Pandya and Krishna Patel, principal architects and partners at Architects at Work, this residence in Ahmedabad stands out for its restrained yet impactful facade and interiors. Home to a couple, their two children, and parents, it is spread across 6,660 square feet, spanning multiple floors and a terrace. Its five bedrooms and ample lounging space feature not just a cohesive design dialogue, but a peek into the owner’s personal taste of simplicity over excess. The design team takes us behind the scenes of shaping this home to life.
Architects at Work: The clients envisioned a home that would reflect their personality—rooted in simplicity, yet rich in purpose and warmth. As a close-knit family of six, their lifestyle is guided by a thoughtful and qualitative approach, which was clearly reflected in their design preferences.
One of the key requirements was a dedicated room for table tennis, a shared passion between the father and son. Alongside this, they desired a spacious living room, a functional kitchen, a six-seater dining area, and a cosy yard. A separate puja room with a unique yet understated design was also an essential part of their brief.
From the very first discussion, it was evident that natural light, ample ventilation, and a strong connection to open spaces were central to their vision. In response, the overall planning revolved around this core philosophy, allowing the home to breathe and feel seamlessly connected to its surroundings.
AW: Some clients naturally connect with certain materials, and in this case, to maintain a sense of simplicity and honesty in the façade, we chose exposed brick and concrete. These were selected for their raw, unpretentious nature, offering a clean yet bold expression for the exterior. Concrete not only added a sense of structure but also lent a sculptural character to the overall form.
Muted tones of beige and grey were chosen as they resonated with the clients’ calm and grounded lifestyle. As the design matured, other elements such as natural wood, metal, and granite found their place.
AW: Yes, climate responsiveness is at the core of its design. From the outset, orientation played a vital role in planning. All primary living spaces are aligned towards the north to minimise harsh sunlight while maximising the intake of soft, diffused daylight. North light, known for its consistency and quality, ensures well-lit interiors throughout the day without overheating the rooms. This allows the family to use verandahs and balconies at any hour. In contrast, the south-west facade has been deliberately kept solid and minimally-perforated, with carefully placed smaller openings to allow controlled cross-ventilation. This not only prevents direct heat gain but also ensures airflow across the house.
To further enhance thermal comfort, we introduced cavity walls and specialised surface treatments to reduce heat transfer. For instance, a strategically-placed courtyard near the entrance on the west side acts as a thermal buffer between the living spaces and the hot western sun. It also channels the south-west breeze into the living room, naturally ventilating it. The primary bedroom also benefits from a cavity wall and features a thoughtfully-designed ‘jharokha’ which opens to landscaped views on both sides. We kept the service areas like toilets and the entry foyer along the south and west edges, shielding the main spaces from heat. The staircase benefits from filtered natural light through small, west-facing cut-outs and the adjoining courtyard.
AW: Asian Paints offers one of the most versatile options when it comes to wall colours, PU paints, wood finishes, and textures—suitable for both interior and exterior applications. In this project, we extensively used their wall paints, PU finishes, and exterior coatings. In some areas, we even custom-mixed shades on site to meet very specific colour requirements, demonstrating the flexibility of their products. The wide range of tones and finishes allowed us to cater to various moods and material palettes, making it easy to align the home’s aesthetics with the overall design vision.
AW: The aim was to create a façade that felt grounded and blended effortlessly into its surroundings while still telling a story. Inspired by biophilic principles, we explored forms that subtly connected nature with architecture. The sparrow-shaped cutout is designed to interact with light. It was first filled with glass, then layered with a corten steel plate, slightly offset to create depth. The result is a dynamic play of shadows and patterns that shift throughout the day.
AW: True to the clients’ quiet and grounded sensibilities, the home embraces simplicity not as a trend, but as a way of life. Their brief was clear: keep everything subtle, refined, and meaningful. This philosophy informed every design decision. Décor, flooring, furniture, and finishes were all approached with restraint—everything was developed to be minimal and honest.
Photography by Inclined Studio
Will you be living in your space during the renovation ?
DEC 2023
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Appointment Date & time
17 Oct 23, 03.00PM - 04.00PM