Tranquil Haven

Tranquil Haven

Name of the Firm: Shreesh Design Studio LLP and Avastha Studio
Principal Designers: Haresh and Dishit Parsana, Harsh Parmar, Achal Prajapati and Sheon John
Project: Farmhouse
Location: Vadodara, Gujarat
Photography by: Smit Mehta
Words by: Nishal Sevak

A home away from home: this farmhouse excludes from the city and lets you
dwell among nature!

Farmhouses are synonyms for relaxation, much-needed unwind
ng, and enjoyment. They are a means to escape from the mundane and indulge in the luxurious charm of privacy and spaciousness. While physically this structure is pinpointed in the outskirts of Vadodara, Gujarat, the feel and mood tell a different story – one that is center with lush greenery, an inorganic and natural living. “The plot is situated among a sea of dense green. It stays true to its purpose by detaching from any disturbance and intends to hide among patches of grassland and cultivation lands,” explains the design team.

The plot is a hidden haven of serenity, with no other built form in its stretched vicinity. The plot is approached through a “pukka” road lined with shrubs and trees, like a mysterious pathway that is deemed to offer a good time to the inhabitants. There is a fine balance between hardscaping and softscaping, allowing one to stroll around the premises and take in the beauty of the foliage! The planning of the spaces institutes a natural flow that connects the areas. The blueprint is such that the spaces are constantly conversing with the surroundings. A central horizontal axis marks the passageway, connecting the private chambers to the common areas, with the main entrance of the house facing the rising sun on the east. The cobblestone walkway wraps the farmhouse on the periphery, accessing various green pockets that form an amazing outdoor environment. The strips of green run parallel to the built volume, maintaining a gentle touch while being a part of the structure at the same time.

The material spread on the outer layer is a testament to the context. Exposed brick texture and concrete make up for an earthy combination that is perfect for the nature-seeped residence. The structural framework has concrete buttresses that outline the volume strategically. The clusters are topped with parapets, projected to inculcate the spotlights. The framing of these clusters forms a language, illuminating the textures of the finishes. The grandiosity of the main entrance lies in its scale, facing the rising sun on the east. Spanning from the floor to the ceiling, the glass-studied main door induces layered transparency. The ceiling of the entrance cuts from the rest of the building and rests a level up further accentuating the state of grandness. The threshold doubles up on either side to form a spacious front yard, spacious enough to assume the role of seating when needed. Upon stepping in, the view of the open pool takes one by the stand. The central patch of the house resides in the entrance and the pool along with the central corridor. Double in height, the ceiling is finished in an exposed concrete opening with skylights on both ends to let in mellow light. The proportion of height and length of this corridor defines the minimally effective elements the design considers. It further enhances the visual connectivity of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Heading towards the front end of the building, the corridor leads to the suits. The former bedroom faces the main entrance to the premises. The L-shaped opening bridges the two environments. The other bedroom beside it opens up to the swimming pool on one side and gets a lush view of the greenery on the other. Adjoining the bedroom lies an indoor games zone that interacts with the pool thoroughly. On the other side of the floor lies the areas of candid conversations and familial activities. Unfurling in an open layout, the living room, dining area, and kitchen are in a harmonious sync. “The idea for these spaces was to create minimal design interventions and let the sense of openness dictate the ambiance,” explains the team. The walls are smeared in pure white, complementing the unfinished concrete ceiling. The skylight scores its presence, waiting for soft and subtle light over the spaces below. The three common areas are doused in warm tones through the medium of wooden veneers. The living room couch is crafted in rustic orange- coupling the custom-made dining chairs.

The kitchen greets with an island counter laced delicately with a light pendant that gives off a contemporary rustic vibe. The large openings sustain a deeper meaning to the design. It ensures a clean and seamless ventilation of wind right from one end to another. This captures maximum natural light to fill up the interiors, cutting on the use of artificial light. The placement of the swimming pool in between the two zones acts as a cooling mechanism on the wind path. The deck at the back of the pool is stepped up to host barbeques and refreshing beverages that can be cherished by the poolside under the summer sun. The third bedroom is accessed through a staircase from the pool area.

Tranquil Haven has links of sensitivity attached within all its divisions. It narrates a story reminiscent of the good old days when the built and the inbuilt were intricately stitched together. Filled with nostalgia and deep gratitude towards its surroundings, the design tapestry of this farmhouse is humbling, co-existing in harmony.