Desai Residence

Situated on an elongated plot oriented along the east–west axis, this residence in Ahmedabad is thoughtfully designed to respond to the region’s hot and arid climate. Its linear form minimizes heat gain on the western façade, while the southern side is largely enclosed, housing service areas such as staircases and washrooms. This zoning creates a thermal buffer, significantly improving the building’s environmental performance.

The home adopts an L-shaped configuration that opens up the northern quadrant as a landscaped garden, shaded for most of the day to create a cool microclimate. All public areas, including the living and dining spaces, are oriented towards this green expanse, allowing seamless visual and physical connectivity between indoors and outdoors. This planning approach establishes a natural flow of air and light throughout the home while offering tranquil garden views from every space.

Challenging the growing trend of compartmentalized living driven by air-conditioning and individualistic lifestyles, the design promotes fluidity and openness. Interconnected spaces foster interaction and continuity, creating a dynamic yet comfortable living experience. The material palette—primarily exposed concrete and brick—celebrates the honesty of natural materials, giving the house a grounded, earthy character. This raw aesthetic continues indoors, minimizing the use of surface finishes. Wood is introduced to add warmth and tactility, seen in full-height doors, partitions, and bespoke solid-wood furniture.

Large louvered pivot doors line the corridor, filtering light and allowing cross-ventilation even when closed. When open, they dissolve the boundary between inside and outside, connecting the spaces directly to the surrounding greenery. The flooring continues the muted gray tones of concrete with Kota stone, contrasted by vibrant Jaisalmer stone in a parametric pattern that adds vibrancy and rhythm. Subtle brass detailing at the entrance complements the ochre tones, introducing a quiet sense of refinement.

Every view in the house is intentionally framed to capture the lush landscape, with terraces and balconies designed around existing mature trees. This seamless integration of architecture and nature enhances passive cooling while reinforcing the home’s connection to its setting. By embracing natural light, ventilation, and material authenticity, the house exemplifies andblack’s commitment to contextual, sustainable living—where simplicity, openness, and harmony define the way of life.