2024 Winner
Category - Most Innovative use of VOX Ceilings
Saumil Patel & Prashant Trivedi
Squelette Design
At the heart of Squelette Design lies a philosophy that values the elegance of structure from the inside out. The studio’s name itself—Squelette, meaning “skeleton”—embodies this approach. The firm emphasizes designing the core of every edifice with intention and clarity, ensuring that the skeleton of the structure serves as a functional and aesthetic foundation for the entire space. This belief translates into their architecture, where form, function, and emotion are intertwined to shape refined, holistic experiences.
Founded and led by principal architects Ar. Saumil Patel and Ar. Prashant Trivedi, both graduates of MSU, the studio thrives on a dynamic interplay of perspectives. Saumil brings a multidisciplinary vision to the table, infusing his architectural practice with insights from furniture and interior design. His relentless curiosity and ambition drive the studio to push creative boundaries. Prashant, on the other hand, draws inspiration from travel and pairs his design sensibilities with a strong grasp of structural systems. Known for his calm and composed demeanor, he brings both technical depth and emotional intelligence to every project.
Together, they lead Squelette Design with a commitment to crafting architecture that is expressive, structurally honest, and deeply rooted in user needs—ultimately magnifying the elegance of every built space.
Area: 15000 sq ft
Architectural Form: A Dance of Planes and Light
The villa’s facade is a visual symphony of intersecting planes, angles, and shadow lines—crafted with precision to evoke curiosity and admiration. The building’s elevation is not merely decorative but deeply functional, directing views, filtering sunlight, and shaping privacy. It’s a structure where light and architecture interplay fluidly, giving rise to a dynamic, ever-changing aesthetic.
Design That Connects: From Indoors to the Landscape
The spatial planning integrates fluid vertical connections and zoned functionality, creating a flowing experience across different areas of the home. A key design element is the veranda, which extends the living spaces into the landscaped gardens, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor. This connection to nature is central to the villa’s ethos, with every opening, court, and corridor responding to the site’s environmental rhythm.
A double-height dining area forms the architectural heart of the home, combining scale with intimacy. Framed by expansive glazing and open volumes, it fosters social interaction while elevating daily living into an experience of quiet grandeur.
Sustainability Meets Luxury
Passive design strategies guide the villa’s climate responsiveness. North- and east-facing glass facades ensure soft daylight penetration, while aluminium screens and elevation offsets minimize solar heat gain on southern and western faces. These design choices reduce energy demand without compromising comfort or aesthetic quality.
VOX ceilings, used innovatively across key areas, contribute to the project’s contemporary edge while offering lightweight, efficient solutions for insulation and interior detailing.
A Sanctuary of Texture, Tone, and Tranquility
The interior palette speaks in tones of marble, metal, wood, and leather—a refined combination that balances warmth with modern luxury. Each finish, surface, and piece of furniture is chosen not just for function but for its ability to convey elegance. High ceilings and panoramic windows amplify space and views, while custom-crafted furniture completes the narrative of upscale living.
Outside, a sparkling pool and landscaped garden echo the villa’s commitment to lifestyle as experience. An adjacent outhouse offers a serene space for solitude or entertainment, making the property a fully integrated retreat.
Inspired by this project?
If you have a bold and beautiful design that pushes innovation in material, space, or climate response—register now for the VOX Architecture Ideas Competition and bring your architectural vision into the spotlight. Register now!
Inspire us like we (hopefully) inspired you –
