Excerpt: The Corner House by Project Terra is conceived as an urban sanctuary that balances privacy and refinement within a bustling context. Located on a corner plot in Vadodara, the house redefines residential design through an introverted yet open architectural language. Dynamic volumes, robust stone and brick surfaces, and inward-focused planning create a serene personal retreat while courtyards and skylights maintain light and openness.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] Balancing privacy and refinement in an urban sanctuary: The Corner House in Vadodara redefines residential design, crafting a personal retreat amidst the dynamic surroundings of nearby residences with a bustling school.
How does the design’s emphasis on privacy, accentuated by its dynamic play of volumes and robust use of stone and brick, shape the home’s interaction with its surroundings? To what extent does this approach successfully balance the creation of a secluded, personal sanctuary with the need to maintain a sense of openness and connection to the outside world?
This residential project in Vadodara, Gujarat, represents an architectural exploration that seamlessly blends modernity with a strong emphasis on privacy. The Corner House, situated on a corner plot amidst a school and other residential apartments, is designed with a clear intention: to provide a private, serene retreat that contrasts sharply with its bustling surroundings.
The architectural form embraces innovative volumetric composition, introducing a new language in the existing context. It skillfully addresses privacy, noise reduction, and distinction from surrounding apartment blocks, while harmonizing with the nearby trees. This approach creates a seamless blend of modern architecture and natural surroundings. Despite the openness, high boundary walls surround the property, providing a necessary barrier against the noise and activity from the nearby school and neighborhood. These walls not only ensure privacy but also create a sense of seclusion, making the house feel like a sanctuary in the middle of a bustling area in the city.
The south-facing foyer at the ground floor, clad in warm brick, creates an inviting sense of personal entry. This space, accessed via a ramp from the parking area, serves as the primary daily entrance, seamlessly blending functionality with a welcoming atmosphere. The brick cladding adds a tactile warmth, enhancing the transition from the exterior to the interior and providing a refined, personal touch to the entry experience.
The design of the house is conceived as a vertical journey, with each floor offering a distinct spatial experience. The ground floor is a semi-private space, open yet protected, making it ideal for both social gatherings and personal relaxation. Though introverted in nature, the house thoughtfully incorporates open spaces that connect to the outside. As one ascends to the first floor, the design shifts from semi-public areas to more private, introspective spaces.
This level is designed to support both informal and formal interactions, with the living areas, dining spaces, and kitchen arranged to promote seamless communication and engagement. The ground floor is crafted to serve dual purposes: it provides a semi-private area that balances openness with protection. The inclusion of a pool at this level elevates its function as a prime leisure space, enhancing its role as a central hub for both solitude and interaction.
At the heart of the house lies a central courtyard, or Brahmasthan, serving as the spiritual and spatial core. Covered with glass, it allows light to permeate the surrounding rooms while maintaining privacy and enclosure. This courtyard is more than an architectural feature; it is the home’s essence, bringing light and a sense of connection to all spaces. Strategically placed skylights further enhance natural light, ensuring the home feels open and airy despite its introverted design. As one ascends to the first floor, the design transitions from semi-public to more private, introspective spaces.
This level features areas crafted to facilitate both informal and formal interactions. Here, living areas, the dining room, and the kitchen are arranged to foster communication and togetherness. The first floor’s raised garden, visible from the outside, is framed by this stone element, enhancing the sense of openness on the north side. The stone wall also defines the public entrance, guiding visitors towards the elevated, private spaces while marking a clear transition from the public to the private realm.
From the lens of exterior design, the landmark wall made of locally sourced stone, reminiscent of the Bastian style, grounds the house in its context, adding an earthy, rustic character that contrasts with the urban environment. This stone wall introduces a distinct design language, creating a landmark at the street junction.
The facade on this side is designed with balconies and terraces, maximizing the use of outdoor space and ensuring that natural light is enjoyed throughout the day. In line with spatial principles, the staircase and service areas are positioned in the south, optimizing the flow of light and ventilation. Windows in the southwest capture the summer winds, enhancing the natural cooling of the living spaces.
The second floor houses the private quarters, including the personal rooms, and a guest room. The spatial arrangement on this floor is carefully considered for personal use with individual spaces, while maintaining a sense of connection to the central light emanating from the courtyard. This level is thoughtfully integrated with access to a balcony and framed views of distant trees, creating a harmonious balance between privacy and a broader spatial context.
The design ensures that each room benefits from natural light and scenic connections, enriching the overall living experience. The bedroom features a walk-in closet, offering a luxurious and functional retreat. The west-facing walls are intentionally kept solid to block out noise from the school and reduce heat gain, ensuring that the bedrooms remain quiet and thermally comfortable. The separate study area introduces a buffer zone, enhancing privacy and allowing each space to function independently.
The third floor of the house is a private sanctuary that has distinct emphasis on luxury and exclusivity. This level is conceived as a retreat, with its own entrance and the option to be locked off for additional privacy. The design embraces openness and light, with skylights and large windows creating an airy atmosphere. High-end amenities such as jacuzzi, and a spacious walk-in wardrobe speak to the appreciation for the extraordinary.
The interior design on this floor adopts a minimalist palette, with Statuario marble floors in shades of gray and white, adding a touch of understated luxury. A distinctive feature of this floor is the wooden box space that leads to a private terrace garden. This outdoor space is a luxurious extension of the interior, offering a secluded spot for relaxation and contemplation. The bathroom on this floor is designed to evoke a spacious, forest-like ambiance, blending natural elements with luxurious finishes to provide a serene and immersive experience.
This house exemplifies how modern architecture can honor traditional principles while providing both luxury and comfort. Its design is carefully crafted to optimize space, light, and material use, creating a home that is both functional and deeply connected to its surroundings. By integrating random rubble masonry and exposed brick, the house stands out with its distinctive modern expression, challenging conventional norms and setting a new benchmark for innovative, contextually aware residential architecture.
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