Hiren Patel graduated from the school of Architecture, CEPT, Ahmedabad in 1989. Shortly after graduating, he left for Switzerland where he worked for a year.

   On his return in 1991, he set up a firm in Ahmedabad. Irrespective of the size and scale of projects the he and his team work with an undying dedication in detailing out each project.

   As an architect, Hiren has always tried to respect the culture and expressions of a region in context to architecture and lifestyle. Being an extensive traveler, he has developed his sensitivity towards materials, environment, cultural expressions and the people in context. Through his architecture, Hiren has tried to craft built form as compatible to quality living within a contemporary context. His firm has handled a wide range of projects; from residences and high-rise buildings to restaurants, around Ahmedabad. The nature and deviation of the streets of Vasana village, Ahmedabad, provides a sequence of visual delights along courtyards, junctions and deflections. This 15ft x 36ft home for Paresh Patel is located alongside one such deflection in the gamtal area of this village.

   The site and its organic context provided the architect a chance to experiment with the language of architecture and the elements of townscape. It also provided numerous opportunities for the architect to explore: the context as a background (the site had sentimental value for the client) and the constraints of space as an excuse for a play of levels and exploration within volumes.

    The use of concrete as a ‘key’ material for construction provided a chance to extract spaces by developing a minimalist approach towards architecture. This vaulted box of concrete has within its clean form, an interesting play of volumes, levels and transparency, yet at the base the plan is very simple and functional. The house accommodates a basement bedroom, which gets ample amount of light from two skylights, one in the front and the other on the side.

   At the entrance floor is the dining and the formal sitting, separated by a level difference. The kitchen is adjoining the dining, which is a double-height space with a bridge at the first floor level that connects the two bedrooms on this level. The use of a checkered metal grill at the second floor gives a visual continuity between floors. The third floor accommodates a library and a study. This difference in function is articulated by the use of a vault, which distinguishes the mass amongst the series of flat and slopped terraces around.

   The use of exposed concrete, clean lines, blank facades; each express the simple character of the house, making it a perfect carving stone for an artist. The architect and the client, realizing the need for a mural on the exposed concrete wall invited the renowned sculptor, Piraji Sagra to add an artistic touch to the house.

   The memory of the owner’s grandfather feeding pigeons inspired Piraji to develop the ‘flying pigeon’ concept. This was a spontaneous reaction by the sculptor on hearing about the proposal. This mural of flying pigeons set on the exposed concrete walls of the residence even today refreshes some nostalgic memories.

CLIENT	::	Paresh Patel
DESIGN TEAM	::	Kanu Patel, Yagnesh
CONSULTANTS	::	Rakesh Mehta (Structural), Vstumandala (Civil & Electrical)
PLOT AREA	::	675 sq. ft.
TOTAL BUILT-UP AREA	::	1600 sq. ft.
APPROXIMATE COST	::	22 Lacs

BACK TO ARTICLES