Located in the rustic expanse of Bhuj, this 16,000-square-foot residence on a 3-acre site was designed to balance modern living with the tranquility of nature. The client envisioned a home that fosters openness, community, and sustainability, creating a haven away from city life.

The layout was crafted for a large joint family that enjoys hosting guests, with courtyards acting as the central organizing element. These open spaces connect all rooms, ensuring seamless indoor-outdoor transitions while enhancing ventilation and a sense of unity. Key features, like the striking black-and-white chequered entrance floor and the 12-foot-high living room ceiling, establish a bold yet warm character.

Given Bhuj’s arid climate, passive cooling techniques were essential. Courtyards and façade punctures facilitate the stack effect, enabling hot air to escape and cooler air to circulate. Floor-to-ceiling windows maximize natural light and ventilation, while smaller openings create dynamic plays of light and shadow.

Landscaping was integral, with a contoured front yard offering elevation changes and a lush backyard supporting native flora and fauna. These elements blur the boundaries between built and natural environments, providing spaces for reflection and recreation.

The house includes an open-air theatre, a heated swimming pool, and an in-situ barbecue area, ensuring a balance of leisure and social interaction. These amenities reflect the family’s emphasis on gathering and creating shared experiences.

Local materials, such as stone and Kota flooring, ground the design in its context, while handcrafted artefacts by regional artisans add authenticity. The use of sustainable materials and techniques highlights a respect for the environment and the local community.

This home is a sanctuary of connection and comfort, blending tradition with modernity. For us, it was an opportunity to create a design that harmonizes architecture with nature, shaping a meaningful living experience for the family.

Project Name: Ler Bungalow,2008
Client’s Name: Private.
Location: Kutch, Gujarat, India.
Area: 16000 sqft
Type: Private residence.
Status: Complete