indian-based architecture firm modo design completes its secluded ’house by the trees’ retreat in the outskirts of ahmedabad, india. the firm was commissioned by the gujarati family to create a retreat place amidst the existing neem, chikoo and amla trees. their primary concern was to weave the house layout with the trees, resulting in a courtyard full of greenery, as well as on the outskirts of the residence.

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence 
the floor uses rough kadappa for the interior areas, and river washed black granite for the semi open areas while the courtyard uses rough brown kotah stone

 

 

modo design‘s’ ‘house by the tree’ residence’ is a two bay plan, where the front bay has a semi open entry porch, a vestibule and a guest bedroom adjoining it. a linear court yard segregates the front bay from the rear one enhancing the sense of openness from the enclosed spaces. additionally, the rear bay has the living, dining and kitchen on one side and master bedroom on the other side with a semi open lounge that separates these zones in the rear bay. the semi open vestibule and lounge connects the house with the courtyard and garden beyond making the house a seamless place. this connected area can transform in night when the sliding grill disconnects the outer area from the internal spaces, making it an introverted secured place.

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence
all ceilings are exposed concrete finishes and the windows are made of valsadi wood

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence
the dining area has customized furniture made of old reclaimed valsadi wood

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence
the semi open entry porch and a vestibule opening up to the linear court between the two bays

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence
the spillout space of the living area features a swing in the verandah

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence
the surrounding nature contrasts the residence in perfect harmony

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence
the bedroom is joint to the courtyard with an existing tree in it

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence
spillover space of the bedroom

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence
the house uses natural materials and finishes to evoke a raw, informal place

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence
the rear elevation of the house

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence
preliminary plan

the house by the trees integrates the surrounding indian nature within the residence
sections of the house

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynn chaya | designboom