Baroda Houzz: Geometric Designs & Play of Contrast Define This Bungalow
Textures, materials, visually connected spaces come together to create light-filled spaces in this family bungalow
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Malvika and Subhash Bhagat, with their son Arpit
Location: Baroda, Gujarat
Year built: 2015
Size: 1200 square metres (12917 square feet); 5 bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet and an attached bathroom
Architectural and interior designers: Yatin Kavaiya and Jiten Tosar, principal designers and co-founders of Usine Studio, along with their team
Photos by Tejas Shah Photography
Yatin Kavaiya and Jiten Tosar, principal designers and co-founders of Usine Studio, were tasked with creating a home where different materials, textures and shapes had to seamlessly blend, creating spaces that were flooded with natural light and connected to nature. Earthy materials and textures, low-level lighting, and a layout that allowed for multiple spaces to either open out or visually connect with the exterior garden were incorporated into the design.
Who lives here: Malvika and Subhash Bhagat, with their son Arpit
Location: Baroda, Gujarat
Year built: 2015
Size: 1200 square metres (12917 square feet); 5 bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet and an attached bathroom
Architectural and interior designers: Yatin Kavaiya and Jiten Tosar, principal designers and co-founders of Usine Studio, along with their team
Photos by Tejas Shah Photography
Yatin Kavaiya and Jiten Tosar, principal designers and co-founders of Usine Studio, were tasked with creating a home where different materials, textures and shapes had to seamlessly blend, creating spaces that were flooded with natural light and connected to nature. Earthy materials and textures, low-level lighting, and a layout that allowed for multiple spaces to either open out or visually connect with the exterior garden were incorporated into the design.
The exterior facade of the home is clad in blocks of stone, concrete and engineered wood, lending a rustic appeal and continuity with the landscape.
Working with a theme of geometric designs that can be seen scattered throughout the house, a unique circular patterned door was created using a material palette of wood and metal.
The entrance of the home features an interior water body to the left. The wood-panelled ceiling has a cutout which echoes the circular pattern of the front door and allows natural light to stream in.
Towards the right of the entrance is an office space and the living room. Straight ahead is a common passage that leads to the family and dining room. The guest bedroom is on the right and the kitchen, staircase and the master bedroom are on the left.
Towards the right of the entrance is an office space and the living room. Straight ahead is a common passage that leads to the family and dining room. The guest bedroom is on the right and the kitchen, staircase and the master bedroom are on the left.
“The interiors have been designed keeping in mind an open concept. The clients wanted a feeling of unending space. Large glass windows and big openings in key areas allow for maximum natural light and breeze to flood the rooms, as well as keeping them visually connected,” Kavaiya says. A corner of the living room is made up of large glass panels, connecting this space with the exterior garden.
Separate from the living room is the family room, which houses a bar, the dining room and an adjoining powder room. “The concept of a kitchen, dining, and family space was envisaged such that all these spaces were visually connected,” Kavaiya says. The bar area pictured here follows the concept of solid and void in architecture, where the service are are considered part of the solid boundaries or walls, and the living areas or the areas served are the void, carved out of the solid. Adding an element of geometric design is the octagonal suspended unit that houses barware and bottles and is highlighted with recessed lighting. This area also features a backlit onyx bar that bathes the leather bar chairs in a golden glow.
The dining area features a marble-topped table in muted tones with contemporary leather chairs. The focal point is the wall installation of four vertical FlexStone panels which are lit up by concealed LED strips.
“In the adjoining powder room, we used a warm colour palette,” Kavaiya says. The space is enhanced with the use of a wood-finish counter and chrome fixtures. An interesting feature here are the vintage style pendant lights that flank the mirror. The height of each can be adjusted by means of a counterweight attached via a pulley system.
The ground floor has the guest and master bedroom. Pictured here is the master bedroom where neutral-toned, textured ceramic tiles in sleek wood frames act as backdrop for the low bed and bedside tables. The patchwork carpet at the foot of the bed echoes the style of tile design on the wall. On another wall, three paintings by Haku Shah add the right amount of colour. Wood-panelled flooring and streamlined armchairs upholstered in blue leather complete the look. In every bedroom, the doors leading to the walk-in closets and attached bathrooms are kept concealed by positioning them flush with the wall and painting them with polyurethane (PU) paint.
“Returning to the common areas, the staircase is the heart of the house,” Tosar says. Open wood treads and a glass railing lend a touch of luxury to the space. The focus of attention is the central installation of metal sculptures seated on staggered, under-lit square bases that are set on a bed of pebbles.
The staircase area is further enhanced by a cutout in the adjacent wall, which overlooks a balcony and floods the space with natural light. “Adding drama are three cage-like light fixtures. The top circular metal structures radiate outwards, giving the impression of motion,” Tosar says.
“This guest bedroom on the first floor is a departure; it brings in a traditional Rajasthani feel with dull gold and deep pinks taking centre stage,” Tosar says. The golden wall features fine diagonal strokes, and forms the backdrop for textured shapes and framed mirrors.
This lounge-cum-recreation room on the first floor has been specially designed for the 23-year-old son. Emphasis is given to the material palette of burnt pinewood, cement and fire bricks with warm oranges and yellows being offset with pockets of blue. “We gave the room a very dramatic feel by creating ceiling frames in octagonal shapes. The client demanded a different view in every corner, hence one wall is covered with fire bricks, while another has the world map embossed on it,” Kavaiya says. Distressed wood panels with carved lettering line a third wall. “The furniture we choose has raw finishes, while hanging lamps and sports accessories create a sense of motion,” he says.
In the son’s bedroom, cool greys have been offset by splashes of deep red. The wall behind the bed features a light-grey finish with a metallic sheen, making the sunken red leather headboard with a geometric design the focal point of the room. The low built-in bedside tables and bed match the dark wood floor panels while a textured red carpet anchors the grey-toned seating area.
“The ensuite bathroom is kept minimal, while blending different shapes and materials,” Kavaiya says. The backlit dark Italian marble backsplash houses simple circular mirrors, sleek chrome-finish faucets and a dark counter with rectangular vessel sinks. Adding a layer of interest is the wood-finish wall behind the counters. A false ceiling holds recessed and hidden light fixtures, while separate cubicles house the shower and water closet.
The terrace that extends from the son’s bedroom features low built-in seating. Recessed floor lights throw soft ambient lighting, while well-positioned wall sconces accentuate the seating area. “Soothing greys and yellows make this area the ideal place for relaxed evenings,” Tosar says.
Read more:
Bangalore Houzz: This Architect’s Home Is a Celebration of Colour
Noida Houzz: A Bungalow Gets A Country Villa-Themed Modern Upgrade
Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.
Read more:
Bangalore Houzz: This Architect’s Home Is a Celebration of Colour
Noida Houzz: A Bungalow Gets A Country Villa-Themed Modern Upgrade
Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.