Text provided by Niharika Joshi

A filigree of shadows through metal screens, a kitchen counter awash with early morning light, or the play of refracted patterns over an indoor waterbody. These are scenes from Adhwa Architects’ newly designed residence, located in the residential area of South Bopal, Ahmedabad. 

Set on a plot of 4000 sq. ft on an east-west axis, the multi-level family home encompasses quiet luxury and a modern Indian lifestyle. The architects have achieved a spacious home, with interesting intersections of large volumes and generous outdoor connections, the experiences of which await one upon entrance. From the adjoining lane, the exteriors do not disclose expansive volumes within the three-storeyed home - but a fleeting glimpse of the open living areas reveals light-filled life. A palette of exposed RCC, river-finished Kandla stone, grit plaster and mild steel screens sets the tone for the interiors imbued in wood, stone and textured concrete. Art, an unmissable element, is omnipresent in various forms across the house, as sculptural pieces, hand painted murals or handpicked paintings. 

The understated entrance and passage into the house is met with a shallow lilypond and raised garden, an invitation into the home’s tranquility and slowness. The entrance foyer, a grand volume, seamlessly transitions into the informal seating area consisting of a pair of plush chairs. A stunning chandelier and a chic foyer counter greet one into the space. Further inward, the formal living on the west, dining area and east-facing open kitchen seamlessly flow and merge into one another, punctuated by meticulously detailed screens. The screen between the arrival area and dining is a composition of wooden plates set to a rhythmic pattern. The wooden screen  members are carved with small circular icons from Jain scriptures of religious significance to the homeowners. The formal living area is a haven of greys and wooden browns, set against pale beiges suffused with light from openable floor to ceiling glazing. A handpainted and lightly embroidered fabric screen mirrors the outdoor foliage and adds vibrancy to the muted space. Similarly, delicate hand-painted leaves in white and gold on the luxurious wooden veneer TV panel glimmer softly. 

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Architects : Adhwa
Area : 6000 sq. ft.
Year : 2022
Website : https://www.instagram.com/adhwa_architecture.interiors/

Exterior view of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Exterior view of Komorebi House by Adhwa

Custom and curated furniture pieces in wood and cast-metal frames sit at ease in the living room, including single seaters or a square ‘carrom’ coffee table on a soft grey rug. The centrally located dining area is a theatrical delight, where large black hanging sculptural elements by AKFD dominate the scene. Directly underneath the black trio, a custom-cast concrete table by Crio is brought alive by its fluid textural qualities. A set of brass finish low-back dining chairs creates an unhindered view, allowing conversations to flow effortlessly. Taking cues from the bold hanging ‘chandelier’, a playful, curvilinear language of lines presents itself across the storage and cabinetry near the dining area. Adjoining this, the parents room and the guest room are places of contemplation and solitude for the elder members of the household. As an ingenuous design element which is both low-maintenance and visually appealing, the bedroom flooring has an inlaid ‘floor rug’ in Jaisalmer stone. Along with this beautifully patterned feature, the parents’ bedroom is minimal and seeped in abundant warmth from the outdoors. 


Exterior view of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Exterior view of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Sitout of Komorebi House by Adhwa



Sitout and water bodies of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Entrance of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Living room of Komorebi House by Adhwa

On the journey upwards, a straight flight staircase enveloped in a double-volume guides the eye towards the skylight above. In many ways, the sleek mild-steel folded plate staircase is the central sculptural attraction of the house, and a coherent transition between family spaces; complete with the gurgling waterbody and relaxed wooden floor seating under it. A large-scale handpainted mural of ascending cows along with foliage adds a sense of verticality to the pristine off-white wall. Somewhere mid-air, cloudy white lights from Ikea hang, completely transforming the double volume with their soft whiteness. 

The second level opens out into three bedrooms, with two perched on the east and west facade respectively. The east-facing room is a cozy space dressed in marble and wood, and a simple pattern of vertical wooden strips as bedback. A long balcony with stone paving brings rawness and tactility to sunlit early mornings. As per the user’s preferences, the wash area is designed to be intimate and dark, by the use of black and grey stone.


Living room of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Living room of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Living room of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Passage that connect living and dining of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Dining of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Staircase of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Staircase of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Bedroom of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Bedroom of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Bedroom 2 of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Bedroom 3 of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Master Bedroom of Komorebi House by Adhwa

The west-facing room, or the master-bedroom is a tapestry of light and shadow, raw textures and softness. The most spectacular feature of the home, the moveable metal screens envelop the room’s long open balcony, and create stunning patterns of light and shadow. The projected balcony also becomes a deep overhang, shading the ground floor underneath, while also offering passive sun-protection to the master-bedroom. The perforated metal mesh derives its form from the phenomenon of komorebi- of sunlight streaming through trees. Throughout the day, different positions of the moveable shutters, patterns of shadow change and cast a spellbinding warm glow across the room. A low cabinet acts as a natural transition between the indoor and semi-open space. 

A painstakingly hand-knotted bed back is a textural highlight of the bed, extending several feet long. As a special ‘floor rug’, an inlaid pattern of Jaisalmer stone creates an opportunity for a leisure corner, with comfortable seating and a coffee table. As a backdrop to this, a handpainted multi-colored abstraction, titled ‘Rice Fields’ billows in the wind, bringing dynamism and delight. All across the room, fresh plants add life and vibrancy. The master bathroom, carefully designed to optimize natural light is cladded in precious red Travertine stone – exhibiting spectacular horizontal grain and striations. 


Balcony to master bedroom of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Balcony to master bedroom of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Lounge of Komorebi House by Adhwa

On the same floor, the daughters’ bedroom is neat and cozy, with a plush bed back, veneer panelling and a small study desk. In keeping with the design language across the home, polished wood, brass inlay and clean finishes make spaces easy to use and live in. Intersecting volumes and double-height spaces create interesting nooks, small balconies and overhangs accessible from different sections of the house. 

Further upward, a ‘secret door’ at the staircase landing leads into a hidden staircase opening into the topmost floor of the lounge area. The lounge or ‘leisure den’, is an ultra-comfortable space populated by tufts, ottomans, loungers and rugs- perfect for a long weekend in. The extended terrace is equipped with outdoor lounge furniture to continue the party outside. 

In this way, this new residence offers something for all its residents -from tranquility to drama, comfort to intimacy - with art and paintings as a constant backdrop! 


Lounge of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Lounge of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Terrace of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Bathroom of Komorebi House by Adhwa


Bathroom of Komorebi House by Adhwa




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