Architects Hitarth Majithiya and Netra Bafna’s home celebrates togetherness and solitude

Rich in architectural detail and human connection, the Ahmedabad home showcases innovative design and sustainable living.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: MK Gandhi Studio; courtesy Terra Firma Architects

The site

In the serene outskirts of Ahmedabad, India, nestled amidst a canopy of yellow gulmohar trees, stands the Terra Kota House — a testament to the seamless blend of contemporary design and traditional Indian architectural elements.

The design idea

Designed by Hitarth Majithiya and Netra Bafna of Terra Firma Architects for themselves, this house is not just a residence but a harmonious retreat for a multi-generational family of four. The house came to life through a series of heartfelt discussions and negotiations among the family members, each bringing their unique needs and preferences to the table. The result is a home that effortlessly accommodates the retired life of the parents while fostering the burgeoning careers of the next generation. It’s a space designed for togetherness, yet respectful of personal solitude.

The spatial programme

Upon entering the Terra Kota House, one is immediately captivated by the shift in axis that directs visitors towards the core of the home — the sunken seating area, a double-volume space that visually connects the entire house. This central seating area is the heart of the home, designed for interaction and socializing. The intricate play of light and shadow, facilitated by strategically placed skylights and northern facades, ensures that the house remains cool while being bathed in natural daylight.

The house, covering a built area of 3,000 sq ft, is a composition of nine squares, each thoughtfully carved and projected to negotiate the program with the surrounding environment. The architectural genius of the house lies in its balance of public and private spaces. The social spaces, including the open kitchen, dining, and living areas, are oriented to the north and east, ensuring a cool atmosphere throughout the day. In contrast, the bedrooms on the south and west sides remain a buffer for the house while providing a retreat during the night.

The material palette

The choice of materials—kota stone and terrazzo for the flooring, complemented by wooden windows and inbuilt seating — reflects a timeless and user-friendly design. The exposed concrete elements in the double-volume space contrast beautifully with the plaster-finished surfaces of the rest of the house, while the fluid terrazzo flooring in the sunken seating area highlights this space against the darker tones of the kota stone and concrete.

A home tour

As one explores further, the house reveals its thoughtful design in every corner. The ground floor features a formal living/entertainment room, guest bedroom, and verandah, each space designed to enhance the social bonds within the family. The open kitchen, with its cantilevered concrete island, serves as a multifunctional space for both culinary activities and casual gatherings.

The journey through the house continues up a staircase made of mild steel plates and recycled wood treads, leading to the first floor where the bedrooms overlook the double-volume space, maintaining a visual connection throughout the home. The parents’ bedroom, with its mix of contemporary and traditional elements, opens into this central volume, ensuring cross-ventilation and a flood of natural light.

In designing their own home and studio, the architects took the liberty to experiment and innovate, creating spaces at different levels and using materials that breathe, like natural Indian stones and wooden windows. The studio space serves as a tranquil pavilion where the architects can immerse themselves in their work, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.

The Terra Kota House is a perfect embodiment of Terra Firma Architects’ philosophy of achieving architectural appropriateness through climatic comfort, sustainability, and contextual design. Rich in architectural detail and human connection, the home not only showcases innovative design and sustainable living but also celebrates the personal narrative and emotional investment that brought this beautiful home to life.