Cover PBR House by Studio Saransh explores architectural presence through mass, proportion, and materiality
PBR House by Studio Saransh explores architectural presence through mass, proportion, and materiality
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Designed by Studio Saransh, PBR House weaves together social openness and intimate living through a fluid choreography of materials, space and light
On the banks of the Daman Ganga River, the city of Vapi is both a working hub and an emerging destination for new housing typologies within the broader industrial matrix of Gujarat on India’s western coast.
Within such a context–a nexus of industry, infrastructure, and nature–PBR House reconciles two contrasting needs that shapes every stage of design and execution: a residence generous enough to host social events and gatherings, and a home intimate in scale for everyday family life.
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PBR House brings together the homeowners’ needs for social openness and intimate living
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Situated at the edge of orchard landscapes on the outskirts of Vapi, the two-storey residence is at once welcoming and composed, addressing the core architectural question of how a structure expresses itself on a site surrounded by nature.
“Architecture must do more than exist within its surroundings,” says Malay Doshi, principal architect of Studio Saransh. “It must engage with them, carving its own presence through mass, proportion, and materiality.”
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An interplay of light and shadow at the front entrance
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Above Wood accents break the monotonous palette of the façade
Above Robust grey limestone and off-white granite-clad walls
Wood accents break the monotonous palette of the façade
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Spanning 14,000 sq ft through a composition of cuboidal volumes, PBR House unfolds in layers of mass and void, featuring robust grey limestone, off-white granite-clad walls, and recesses of wood accents.
Divided into two primary zones, each oriented toward its own courtyard, a soaring central vestibule connects both volumes while mediating between the interior architectural language and the exterior.
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The soaring vestibule sets a tone of lightness and connectivity
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Setting a tone of lightness and connectivity, vertical aluminium fins and a seamless limestone plinth support the structure, which is divided into four discernible parts; while openings framed by solid wood ethically sourced from nearby forests punctuate the double-height void with warmth, flooding the space with natural light.
Cast-in-situ terrazzo floors ground the spaces, resonating with the limestone façade, while lime plaster walls in warm off-white hues and custom teak wood elements echo the granite cladding outside.
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Above The living area with picture views of the pool and surrounding garden
The living area with picture views of the pool and surrounding garden
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Crafted from banana fibre paper by Oorja, light pendants suspended overhead recall the Japanese art of paper folding, articulating an organic contrast to the space’s orthogonal minimalism.
“The idea was to extend the tonality of the outdoors inside, while expressing it through a different material palette,” explains Kaveesha Shah, principal interior designer of Studio Saransh.
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Above The dining and kitchen area with bespoke lighting in brass and wood
The dining and kitchen area with bespoke lighting in brass and wood
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The public wing on the left comprises the living room and dining area, where a linear courtyard anchors both spaces, leading out to the pool deck with stepped massing and functional gardens with seating areas.
Also in the public wing is the kitchen with bespoke lighting in brass and wood complementing a deep green marble kitchen counter. A rooftop bar occupies the space directly above, while a puja for prayers, an indoor gym, and three bedrooms occupy the remainder of this wing.
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The anchoring central staircase flooded with natural light
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Meanwhile, the second volume expands in scale with an anchoring central staircase–beginning as a solid terrazzo base, before gradually transitioning to metal and wooden floating treads, culminating in a suspended landing that hovers within the courtyard void.
Raised to sill level, an elevated skirting acts as a horizontal datum, unifying the four remaining bedrooms.
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Each of the bedroom suites interprets a distinct material palette that demarcates the transition from social to intimate zones, while catering to each family member’s needs and preferences.
The daughter’s bedroom anchored by a custom-made marble island bed
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Above Each bedroom suite with distinct narratives catered to each family member
Above A peek of the custom Bharat Flooring cement tile inlay in the master suite
Each bedroom suite with distinct narratives catered to each family member
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The master suite with minimal furnishings and grey marble flooring features a custom Bharat Flooring cement tile inlay–a nuanced homage to the family’s previous home.
In contrast, the mother’s bedroom is a restful enclave wrapped in oak wood panels with a custom-designed bed.
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Balancing individuality with the overarching design language, the daughter’s bedroom features a custom-made marble island bed in the centre of the room, while stone-finished shutters in grey tones reveal views of the garden outside.
Above One of the guest rooms with an elevated bed platform made from cast-in-situ terrazzo
One of the guest rooms with an elevated bed platform made from cast-in-situ terrazzo
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Above Playful niches puncture the plastered wall
Above An interplay of the monochromatic palette
Playful niches puncture the plastered wall
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Finally, one of the guest rooms houses an elevated bed platform made from cast-in-situ terrazzo, with the grey and white palette extending to the plastered walls punctuated by lighting niches.
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Credits
Photography: Ishita Sitwala
Topics
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
