FACT FILE:

CONTEXT

As you walk through the residential neighbourhood in Surat, your eyes are drawn to a beautiful house standing on a 300-square-meter plot. This is the Breathing House, nestled in a traditional village street that has now been enveloped by the modern urban development of Surat City.

As you step inside the house, you are struck by the design — a linear space that attempts to balance the traditional lifestyle of the user with their modern aspirations. The heart of the house is a beautiful court in the centre, which floods the indoors with natural light. Architects Vishal Desai and Vishal Shah, in a candid chat with Buildofy, tell us the story of this house’s inception.

THROUGH THE PLAN

The Breathing House is a blend of old and new, with the court serving as the perfect example of how traditional design can be incorporated into modern architecture.

As you enter the house, you're immediately greeted by a flood of natural light pouring in through the linear court on the north side. This is no accident, as the architects designed the house to create a stack effect, ensuring a continuous draft of fresh air throughout the space. In a humid climate like this, that kind of airflow is crucial to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

As you step into the house, you're greeted by a cosy living room that spills out onto a breezy balcony garden overlooking the bustling main road. A hallway branches off from the living room, leading to a tucked-away bedroom towards the east, flanked on either side by the inviting kitchen and a triple-height courtyard.

But the real gem of the house lies at its core, a court nestled in the linear space. A swing and a dining platform invite you to let loose and bask in the garden-like ambience within the bungalow. Inspired by the iconic Ghumbaj, a contemporary temple takes pride in its place in the centre of this oasis.

Climbing up to the first floor, you'll find three bedrooms and a passage that looks out over the courtyard below. But the true grandeur of the house unfolds on the second floor. Here, a master bedroom, home theatre, meditation room, space for havan activities, and an open terrace await you.

A bridge connects the west-facing spaces to the rear east side. The master bedroom is a particular standout, with a marble-clad wall behind the bed, adorned with flutes. The room opens out onto a balcony on the western facade of the house, perfect for taking in the sunset. Towards the south, a shaft crowned by a skylight brings in light and aids in the escape of warm air, keeping the room fresh and breezy.

Exploring this house is like embarking on a journey, with each floor revealing new treasures and delights.

ELEMENTS OF INTEREST

One of the standout features of the house is the connecting bridges that crisscross the linear court. These bridges add an element of whimsy and playfulness to the space, inviting you to explore and discover all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful home.

An element that instantly which instantly catches your eye is the beautifully designed courtyard. It's a classic example of a roofless yet enclosed space that provides the perfect atmosphere for outdoor relaxation or socialising but with the privacy of being within the home. The pergola, with its widespread, ensures that this comfort is available on all levels of the house, thanks to the clever use of sectional play. The courtyard also allows for the efficient flow of air, with hot air rising up and exiting through the terrace parapet windows, keeping the temperature at a comfortable level all day long.

MATERIALITY

The carefully chosen materials used in the interiors of the house create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The wood ceilings and furniture add a touch of natural elegance while the Makrana marble flooring exudes a sense of luxury. The glass used in the design offers stunning views of the surrounding environment and brings in ample natural light. The white walls create a serene and calming ambience throughout the home.

The use of natural materials like Sandstone Stone, marble, wood, and indoor greens perfectly complement the simple yet stylish design of the house.

Even the temple in the heart of the house has been designed with the utmost care, drawing inspiration from the shape of a Ghumbaj. The temple sits in the semi-covered courtyard, adding to the overall charm and tranquillity of the home.

It's clear that the clients' love for natural elements is reflected in every aspect of the house, from the use of water and greens to the abundance of natural light. The open planning blurs the line between open and closed spaces, while green alleys inside the house further add to the harmonious blend of built and natural environment.