Houzz Tours
Ahmedabad Houzz: A Jali Brick Veil Envelops to Light & Ventilate
Natural light, plentiful breeze and duets of light and shadow are mainstays in this house by Studionine Architects
Who lives here: A couple
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Year built: 2020
Size: 275 square metres (2960 square feet); 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
Principal architect: Tapan Shah of Studionine Architects
Photos by Inclined Studio
“The clients, an elderly couple with children living abroad, wanted a simple, efficient and low-maintenance home, with ample natural light and breeze. The overall form and interlocking volumes were designed to exude a meditative, calm and secure environment,” says Tapan Shah, founder and principal architect of Studionine Architects.
It was Ahmedabad’s hot and dry climate which inspired the architect to introduce the jali as passive cooling device, as a brick veil around the home, in a bid to illuminate and ventilate the interior naturally. Over a climate-oriented clay brick and concrete structure, the perforated terracotta was arranged to deliver an interplay of light and shadow across the house. Jaisalmer yellow stone strips were used for the exterior elevation, while wood, metal, back-painted glass, Italian marble and Duco colour were applied as interior finishes.
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Year built: 2020
Size: 275 square metres (2960 square feet); 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
Principal architect: Tapan Shah of Studionine Architects
Photos by Inclined Studio
“The clients, an elderly couple with children living abroad, wanted a simple, efficient and low-maintenance home, with ample natural light and breeze. The overall form and interlocking volumes were designed to exude a meditative, calm and secure environment,” says Tapan Shah, founder and principal architect of Studionine Architects.
It was Ahmedabad’s hot and dry climate which inspired the architect to introduce the jali as passive cooling device, as a brick veil around the home, in a bid to illuminate and ventilate the interior naturally. Over a climate-oriented clay brick and concrete structure, the perforated terracotta was arranged to deliver an interplay of light and shadow across the house. Jaisalmer yellow stone strips were used for the exterior elevation, while wood, metal, back-painted glass, Italian marble and Duco colour were applied as interior finishes.
A patterned wooden door welcomes visitors into the residence.
Add oodles of style and kerb appeal to your front entry with our bagful of unique ideas
Add oodles of style and kerb appeal to your front entry with our bagful of unique ideas
Inside, an entrance passage divides the ground floor into two halves. To the left is a grey panelled TV unit, behind which is a bedroom; straight ahead is the dining area; to the right, an open living area, defined by a terracotta jali screen. The U-shaped seating area is composed of locally sourced grey sofas and beige armchairs in wood.
Here are 6 reasons to bring jalis into your home
Here are 6 reasons to bring jalis into your home
“The living room is a space equally tailored for relaxing and entertaining. The pendants that suspend from the veneered ceiling lend a dramatic ambience during the day and night,” says Shah.
Sofas: Comforto Furniture
Sofas: Comforto Furniture
The dining area is an extension of the open kitchen. The circular teakwood dining table is compact and lightweight, and serves as the centrepiece of the room. A floating console highlights the wall to the side, while complementing the table scheme.
The kitchen is situated behind the dining area. Contemporary yellow and grey cabinetry adds pops of subdued colour to the design scheme.
Dining table and chairs: Comforto Furniture
The kitchen is situated behind the dining area. Contemporary yellow and grey cabinetry adds pops of subdued colour to the design scheme.
Dining table and chairs: Comforto Furniture
A switchback staircase backdrops the living room, forming the central circulation axis of the house. A bright yellow wall highlights the staircase wall, patterned by the shadows filtering in through the jali screen.
Not only are staircases functional, they are capable of incredible beauty. Here is our pick of those worth ascending
Not only are staircases functional, they are capable of incredible beauty. Here is our pick of those worth ascending
The staircase connects the lower level to the first floor, which consists of a master bedroom and a guest bedroom.
Situated on the south-west corner of the first floor, the master bedroom is embodied by soft pastels, muted tones and classic textures. Blush-pink upholstered panels punctuate the headboard. Gilded crescent-shaped pendants flank the bed on either side.
Furnishings: Bagga Furnishings
Promote relaxation where you need it the most with this pro advice for arranging your master bedroom furniture
Furnishings: Bagga Furnishings
Promote relaxation where you need it the most with this pro advice for arranging your master bedroom furniture
The son’s bedroom is located on the north-west corner of the first floor. The headboard is upholstered in a pale grey, while the wall behind features patterned blue-grey panels.
“This bedroom was intended for the clients’ son and his family, who live abroad. Hence, the aesthetic was kept unfussy and maintenance-free,” says Shah.
“This bedroom was intended for the clients’ son and his family, who live abroad. Hence, the aesthetic was kept unfussy and maintenance-free,” says Shah.
A flight of stairs leads further to the second floor.
The second floor hosts an open terrace on the left and a multipurpose utility room on the right. A section of the terrace is shaded by a semi-enclosed roof with a circular cut-out.
“This spot serves as a private retreat for seating and contemplation,” says Shah.
Need inspiration for a terrace makeover?
“This spot serves as a private retreat for seating and contemplation,” says Shah.
Need inspiration for a terrace makeover?
Here is the floor plan of the ground floor.
The first floor layout is indicated here.
The layout of the second floor is shown here.
And finally, here is the terrace plan.
Read more:
Ahmedabad Houzz: An Example of Abiding Elegance & Ageless Design
Mumbai Houzz: A Pastel Paradise of Playful Shapes, Restful Spaces
Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.
Read more:
Ahmedabad Houzz: An Example of Abiding Elegance & Ageless Design
Mumbai Houzz: A Pastel Paradise of Playful Shapes, Restful Spaces
Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.
Paint: Asian Paints