Private Residence Ahmedabad

Two structures of different heights with a cube at the core arrange themselves in an L-shape on the grounds. They form the angled silhouette of the modern exposed concrete and natural stone construction, which shines anew from every perspective thanks to dissonant vertical separations. Large windows provide an airy and inviting character to the unpolished, slightly rough concrete façade. Specially arranged wood elements lend friendly warmth to the exterior of the residence. Rectangular recesses in the facade and lateral strip windows give the building a lighter appearance. Natural beauty also radiates from the hand-hewn, gold-colored sandstone from Rajasthan that surrounds the front part of the house. The raw natural stone façade is formed of blocks of different widths and leads from the entrance to the interior of the house, unfolding around the functional kitchen module and leading back outside to the veranda, via the dining area.

But it is only upon climbing the stairs that one sees a little fountain peeking from behind a freestanding concrete wall. The front door opens to reveal the wide entryway and leads through a short corridor into the light-filled, six-meter-high, two-level lobby – an impressive gesture of welcome. From here the visitor can look out on the seemingly endless garden vista. The lobby leads to the private quarters via an attached corridor that is accompanied by a long, narrow reflecting pool. A direct entrance leads to the noble sections of the 28-room villa. The ground floor includes an exclusive home cinema and the private offices of the head of the family, in addition to the lobby, dining area, guest apartments and spacious living areas. The bedrooms of the two daughters are on the first floor: They feature private dressing rooms and bathrooms as well as an exquisite spa with attached workout room and outdoor yoga area. At the southernmost point of the villa is the master bedroom, under an enormous framework of concrete; it features enchanting views of the shimmering pool and the treetops in the park.

Fine details in the form of unusual objects, high-class antiques that make a statement, and extravagant works of art set stylish accents in the residence. Apart from the architecture and interior design, blocher partners is responsible for the selection of the works of art. The paintings and reliefs – by young contemporary Indian artists whom the architects know personally – art are shown off to special advantage on the elegantly simple concrete walls. They lend liveliness and comfort to the space. Unifying artistic elements are the contemporary styles and current topics, which are also rooted in Indian culture and tradition. The lighting concept also contributes to the cozy atmosphere; uplights emphasize the surface of the hand-hewn sandstone, whose golden tone contrasts with the cool marble flooring. The house gives an impression of glowing from within, but also of being an open, vibrant living space that casts a warm light outward.

The mansion is one of the first buildings in Ahmedabad to be enveloped in a multi-layered façade, whose highly efficient insulation effect helps maintain a moderate temperature on wall surfaces and in rooms, even those exposed to strong sun. In addition, there are two innovative stage coolers for the lobby and hallways that save energy during the dry, hot phases. An exposed concrete façade nearly 20 meters long faces eastward; its surface is interspersed with bands of teak, letting the mansion breathe. On the western side, verandas wrap around the private bedrooms on the ground and first floors, their teak lamella curtains protecting them from direct sun. Generous patios and terraces with sliding glass doors create an elegant transition between indoors and outdoors and radiate transparency and openness. The adjustable wood lamella shutters lend not only rhythm and structure to the house but also conjure up a fantastic play of shadow and light on the walls and floors. Sophisticated air conditioning technology includes a pool that surrounds the entire house, lending a noticeable cooling effect.