This home made me heady; made me want to do a few things: take a physical tour of the space, study architecture, rip down the walls of my own home, and instilled the fear of writing for what if the words didn’t do justice to its beauty. So, I have to sheepishly admit that I sat admiring the frames of this rustic modern one bedroom apartment in Ahmedabad of architect Malay Doshi, than give shape to words. There are few homes that have this kind of an impact on me.
Many of you asked to feature small homes. This is a perfect example of how to maximize space in a small 725 sq.ft home. Of course, it may not be be practical for families not to have an open floor plan living + bedroom + kitchen layout. I love this apartment for two reasons: the organic use of natural materials (concrete + wood), and the architect’s love for craft that comes across in the design.
Originally a two bedroom apartment, it has been converted into a studio.
About the home:
Who lives here: The designer himself , Malay Doshi
Location: Ahmedabad
Year built: 2019
Size: sq feet : 725 sq.ft
Type: an open plan apartment comprising 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom
Designed by: Malay Doshi, Arihant Bajaj, Tejashree Karande of Saransh Arhcitects
Photograph courtesy for the images: Ishita Sitwala
Budget: 25 lac
Malay, a son of two architects, has grown up seeing good design. This apartment, located centrally in Ahmedabad, has been designed to meet his specific requirements. since it is designed for one person, the open plan layout works better. The design took cognizance of everything from where he could read to something as small as where his phone would charge were personalized. Yes, the devil is truly in the details.
Decode Architect Malay Doshi’s Open Floor Plan for Living + Dining + Kitchen
On entering the apartment, the entire house is visible – the only door in the house is to the toilet, that too of fluted glass which ensures ample daylight in the north facing apartment. The living space flows into the dining area, with a floor seating dining table and an open kitchen making the house appear larger which further connects to a reading and entertainment den.
Stripping the space bare was the first stage of design. This meant removing all the partition walls, existing toilets, the kitchen and even the flooring. There was a conscious decision of making a space that was minimal and at the same time, tactile.
Sustainable & Environment Friendly Design
The project is an exploration of materiality and juxtaposition of textures. The design keeps in mind the climactic conditions of the city to minimize the energy footprint; the walls have a pigmented lime plaster finish which not only keeps the house cool in the hot weather of Ahmedabad. This also gives a timelessness to the space.
Similarly, the wood used, is reclaimed 60-80 year old Valsad Teak from the ‘Pols’ of Ahmedabad. Not only is it more sustainable, the aged wood has an inherent rich texture.
The entire flooring is polished concrete with different inlays, like wood, stone, cement tiles and brass. The polished concrete is filleted onto the wall up to the sill level, to give a sense of being inside concrete rather than being on it.
Different greys explored to go along with the concrete include a grey polished marble and three types of grey fabrics used in the soft furnishings. The only coloured accents used in the project in shades of indigo and turquoise, is in the ceramics, cushions or shear curtains.
When I asked Malay what his most favorite part of the house was, he was quick to answer:
The most loved feature of the home has definitely turned out to be the wooden den. Whether it be reading a novel, listening to some music, doing some sketching or watching something online, it all happens here. It has become the most lived in part of the home. Especially with its cozy volume and warm undertone, the space becomes the most inviting in the home for me to just relax.
Archways Leading to The Bedroom
On a closing note, the only thought that comes is an article a notable architect shared recently that painted a gloomy picture of the architecture industry and education in the country. It highlighted the threat from illegal professionals without educational qualification trying to attract customers at very low prices.
The design of this home proves how the pedigree of education + experience leads to thoughtful design.
Product sources:
Lights: Flos
Furnishings: TDW
Sofas: Custom
Dining table: Custom
Flooring tiles: Bharat Flooring and Tiles
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