In recent days, as the horizons of my studies in architecture expanded, one of the statements that certainly became an influence on me is from Antoni Gaudi, “Originality is in origin.” Following this master’s advice as I look back at the leisure our ancestors enjoyed and the way they crafted their homes and colonies, it tells me that nothing was more crucial to them than the purpose. The purpose was no other, but to bring out the best of themselves and serve the generations through their experimental intelligence for a longer time. Look at Rome’s cathedral or Brunelleschi’s Dome, there are wonders in their architecture. Even more exciting are the marvelous ancient temples of India, which have an immovable concept of physics blended with art and architecture. But this was all long years back. Though not with such expertise, this continuous development in architecture continued for many years. Let’s move a few centuries ahead exactly to the time when the artists in the West felt that Luxury was no longer suiting their creative attitude, which is why they left the judgments beside and adopted a better look at interiors, and that is how Boho decor emerged. The bohemian decor was all about bringing your character into your house more clearly so that it looks comfortable to us. Hence, as time moved forward, our habits changed, which differentiated our architecture and interiors. Did you know about Claude Monet and his love of the Garden, Peter Paul Rubens and his love of working in peace, and Leonardo da Vinci and his escape to nature to study and make a masterpiece? If you don’t, why aren’t you reading art? But yes, in short, a home sooner started to reflect one’s persona, and as I depict my feelings about design, architecture, and environment to you, I am going to talk about a beautiful Biophilic house that doesn’t seem to have been created by an architect but an artist who gave the brushstrokes his pleasurable inner self and created something no less than heaven.
About the Project: Nirmal Van House.
The project is an excellent example of Biophilic architecture with few tints of Japanese style. The site is located near Surat, with the land offering a mesmerizing panoramic river view and mango trees on the other side. Modernist architecture meets tropical architecture in the Nirmal Van House, resulting in a beautiful, serene, and tranquil structure. It was intended to create a villa concept where each block had its own characteristics without interfering with the others; therefore, a central living area, dining space, and bedroom were designed with maximum views, allowing each bedroom to enjoy an amazing view of the river and internal courtyard. There is a use of spatial sequencing, framing, and control of light to create various atmospheres and experiences throughout the house.
| Architects | Design Work Group |
| Area | 1752 m² |
| Year | 2024 |
| Lead Architect | Jitendra Sabalpara |
| Design Team | Dinesh Suthar, Bharat Patel, Prabhuti Sorathiya |
| Project Architect | Prabhuti Sorathiya |
| Place | Kurel |
| Country | India |
Exterior View.
Wearing a look of an old and serene monastery, the house’s entrance has mango trees on each side with an excellent natural panorama. From the exterior, it seems impossible to view that this biophilic house is divided into four sections with excellent landscape planning. There is wise planning of the courtyards through water ponds that are filled with lotuses with trees nearby, further carrying out the sense of natural beauty. A gradual unfolding of the spaces is achieved through the circulation arrangement, taking the visitor on an experiential and spatial journey. As visitors pass through the smaller entrance pavilion and into the spacious entrance water courtyard, which is surrounded by trees and a serene atmosphere, they are instantly greeted by the open space interiors. Furthermore, a spectacular sunset and river view surround the swimming pool, giving it the sense of an infinite horizon.
Living and Dining Area.
As you get inside the home, the first space which greets you is the living room cum dining area. Designed as lightweight glass boxes, they have an enlarged view of the garden, giving it a more subtle and blended look, making it an external yet intimate place. With modest furniture and an interior design style reminiscent of mid-century modern, the living room presents a simple but elegant look. Despite the larger space, there isn’t too much clutter to clog it up, and the space looks adorable. The use of finished textured walls, Indian stone on floors, and naturally finished teak ceilings forms the basic component of these interiors. Again, the dining space is at just the perfect spot, near the water pond.
The Master Bedroom.
The bedroom is located upstairs in a place full of natural light and has its own courtyards on one side and views of the river on the other. With modest furnishings, the bedroom has few houseplants, which doesn’t lose the touch of biophilic house architecture anyway. There is a feel of a rustic natural finish with the same materials used to make it aesthetically pleasing.
There are countless senses and beauty within the majestic courtyards. Flowing water creates a calming sound combined with a beautiful natural view and fresh air, which balances the three senses of sound, vision, and breath. The entire biophilic house has good landscaping with different types of vegetation.
Final Words.
Nirmal Van House is the most beautiful project of India I have seen so far, which combines various senses through the fusion of nature, unfinished and minimal materials, utilizing the concept of a biophilic house. The best part of the home is that it has excellent natural light, ventilation, and a balanced interior plantation. It feels like the architects could have gotten inspiration from old Indian homes that used to have a central courtyard with views of the open sky, but at the same time, there is great attention to keeping privacy within the family with a serene atmosphere through nature.
Resources.
- Featured Image: Nirmal Van House by Design Work Group; © Vinay Panjwani, via Archdaily.
- Archdaily.
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