Whether it’s a sculptural element, an unconventional use of materials or a bit of both, a residence designed by Hiren Patel Architects never fails to showcase a sense of sophistication that sets it apart.
Text By: Kruti Choksi
Photographs: Hiren Patel
Courtesy :The Architects
After a long and tiring day when you come back to your home, what exactly is it that you expect? Obviously a home that radiates a cosy ambience and a visually pleasing décor is what most would ask for. In present times as a house shoulders the responsibility of reflecting the inhabitants’ lifestyle, status and personality, it is highly crucial for the designer to maintain a balance between key factors such as comfort and a certain amount of statement. The firm Hiren Patel Architects (HPA), Ahmedabad seems to have nailed this aspect.
A melange of many ideas composes a singular facade.
Rich in its graphical value, HPA designs stand out from their contemporaries’. “It is a kind of irony that somehow people find HPA to have a signature style. We in fact have a very versatile approach as each of our designs is the outcome of a thorough understanding based on the needs and the personality of the particular client,” elucidates Hiren Patel.
The play of natural light gained though the thoughtfully designed openings generates various moods through the day.
For his dream house at a site located in the Bodakdev area of Ahmedabad, Mr. Kamlesh Patel approached Hiren Patel and asked him to be the design in-charge of architecture, landscape and interiors. “Whenever we are entrusted with all the aspects of the design of a residence, we are sure to give our best. In such cases, the house is envisaged holistically. Thereby the landscape as well as the decor of the house becomes a part of the unified architecture. We can then deliver an outcome that speaks for an idea in its entity and everything flows in harmony with each other,” states Hiren Patel.
Easily identifiable with its exposed red brick exteriors, the house achieved an artistic attribute. The mélange of colours, red from the bricks, green of the plants and the brown of timber evokes a rustic appeal. “The plot for the house was relatively small and posed some constraints in the design. The idea was to make the entire house clutter-free and open in spite of the tight spaces. The spaces that initially appeared a little restricted were given a spacious and light appeal through the flush of natural light, thoughtful furniture layout and neat workmanship,” explains Hiren Patel.
There is an old world charm attained through the architecture.
Elimination of internal walls between the living room, dining room and drawing room evokes the feel of generousness in spite of the optimally dimensioned spaces. An ‘L’ shaped arrangement does the magical job of removing the claustrophobic feel without giving up on the privacy quotient of the residence.
“We are not serious believers of the science of ‘Vastu Shashtra’. However, that said, we try to follow the basic principles of it in the orientation of spaces like the kitchen and the bedrooms,” states the architect.
The green peeping inside from the large openings is graphically percieved even when the blinds are rolled down.
“We also intended to create a sustainable design. Though the term has a vast definition and would have different implications, by our own measures we have tried not to overuse any material, because we felt that could also kill the architecture. We wished to stay away from the glamour aspect. We managed to get the daylight in into the living spaces without making them warm and uncomfortable at the same time. A sensible selection of materials, in fact, local materials with local workmanship is what worked,” he explained further.
The darker tint of objects placed against the overall lighter tone generates many points of focus within a tight space.
The flush of natural light from the large windows creates the apt mood for each space. The interiors respond and reflect the time of the day and thus become dynamic spaces. ‘Rajasthani’ marble flooring spreads through the main living areas whilst Italian marble and Piccolo tiles were selected for the bathrooms.
Simplicity speaks for itself.
The feather in the cap is the flamboyant display of paintings and artefacts that provide splashes of colours in the otherwise minimalist interiors. Zeal is added to the overall arrangement through the use of vibrant, bright and youthful designs of upholstery and tapestry. A strategic placing of a traditional musical instrument in the centre of the room or the use of organic forms printed on local fabric for curtains add that personal touch to the house and also make it bespoke for its owners.
The proximity of core functional spaces without the partition walls generates a compact yet open organisation.
“A complete trust of the clients in our firm generates a force of energy that compels us to do extra-ordinary work in order to not only meet their expectations but also maintain their trust,” says the architect on an ending note.
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