project # 9

TITLE: ARCHITECT'S OWN HOUSE
ARCHITECT: KIRAN PANDYA
LOCATION: AHMEDABAD

Architect Kiran Pandya’s own house and studio are located on a stretched rectangular plot that can be approached from two shorter ends; southern approach from the society road, and northern approach from the main road. The plot, which measures approximately 300 sq. yards, has one long side as shared wall. The entire house comprises of three levels, with studio that occupies semi basement and house on the rest of the two levels. Entrance from the north is mainly reserved for the studio making it directly accessible from the main road, without disturbing the rest of the house; while the house enjoys much private southern entrance from the society road, with a lawn in front. The studio is also connected to the house with the help of an internal staircase.

Plan has been divided into three parallel bays, of which the western bay is left open for the purpose of margins and to bring light-ventilation till the studio level. The eastern bay mainly comprises of functions like living, verandahs, staircase and terraces. The very nature of these functions makes this bay primarily open for the purpose of light and cross-ventilation. The central bay occupies dining, all the bedrooms and services like kitchen, bathrooms and storage. This linearity of the bays is broken with another axis that gets formed by living, dining and the deck space on the ground floor.

view from the lawn.....................................................


studio ...........................................living area.................................

living & dining................................................................................

landing space.......................sunken court.............

The house is characterized by sublime quality of light that wash the white plastered surfaces of the walls. Indirect skylights have been used very effectively in meeting room, living area, landing seat and even toilets on the first floor. The material palette of the house comprises of rough plastered walls, terracotta tiles, red oxide IPS, exposed RCC and wood for doors-windows.