This cascading home in Rajkot opens up to the sky and breathes through a perforated metal skin

Set on a compact 10x24-meter plot in a university-adjacent neighborhood, Plot 33 showcases how spatial constraints can inspire bold architectural strategies. With the northern edge of the plot facing a public park dotted with mature trees, playball studio seized the opportunity to orient the home towards openness, light, and greenery—while sheltering it from the harsher exposures on the east, west, and south.

The design stacks the primary living functions across plates of varying sizes, arranged to create a dynamic cascading volume. This stepped profile not only shapes the residence’s visual identity but also improves light access and air movement across levels. The home’s most distinctive architectural element is its metal mesh façade—minimal yet impactful—offering shade, privacy, and climatic adaptability.

East and west façades are built with cavity walls, absorbing structural columns and further buffering heat. The southern side hosts the circulation core, providing both functional efficiency and thermal protection. Internally, each space is infused with the sense of openness—be it the visual connection to the park, the dappled light filtering through perforated screens, or the sense of height offered by vertical stacking.

playball studio, led by Ronak Gangdev and Celia Fernández Duque, is a globally inclined yet contextually rooted practice known for its exploratory design approach. Their work often blurs the boundaries between built form, light, and human experience—infusing everyday programs with architectural delight and cultural relevance.

Plot 33 isn’t just a home—it’s a study in how thoughtful design can unlock freedom and beauty within tight constraints.

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