Another brick in the wall and yet not just a brick in the wall: KN Associates, sure know their way around to find distinctiveness and centrality in whatever they are looking.
PUSHPATMA began at a rather sweet note where the homeowners were a simple, close-knit family who wanted a humble abode; that hits a sugary note with every modern, contemporary as well as culturally-steeped element.
The house comes across as a geometrical riot where different forms of squares, rectangles and circles are visibly juxtaposed. Thereby, adding a lot of vibrancy, interesting massing and life to the building.
Ticking all the right boxes with cardinal positioning, the house has been built in the South and West corners of the plot, and the North and East corners are left relatively unconsumed to capture light and landscape. Considering the hot, arid, and at-times extreme weather of Vadodara; the South-west facade catches air and circulates it throughout the house. The wider opening in the North ensures no harsh sunlight and heat entering the house. The challenge was to peacefully co-exist in a residential society with other houses and not make an obnoxiously independent ‘out of context’ house. It’s is almost like being in a group and yet standing out for all the right reasons.
K.N. Associates from Vadodara captures the very essence of co-existing and thriving at the same time by using various unique elements lending the house, an element of fun, surprise and thrill. The warm tones set against a neutral white background paints a super chic picture for the viewers from outside. While the greens from plants and creepers maintain a discreet element of tease and play; thereby creating a visual spell on viewers' eyes.
One enters the house through a picturesque Foyer; set in warm tones, studded with an intricate Lord Ganesha Artwork by Ashish Das, a renowned artist from the town. Ganesha is known as Vighnaharta (remover of all hurdles) in Hindu mythology and the beautiful artwork perfectly encapsulates the essence and divine energy at the entrance. The SS textured panel that doubles as the door handle on the wooden surface adds a sleek definition to the main door. At K.N. Associates, the styling and artwork for a space is as crucial as designing the space itself. And the relative importance to art is seemingly visible throughout the Pushpatma; right from soft decor pieces to artworks to planters and textiles. Succeeding into foyer, a cosy space meant to attend guests, visitors and by-passers alike has been kept discreet and warm. The foyer also serves as a spine between different areas on the ground floor and connecting the upper floors.