A striking residential project has emerged from the edge of a salt pan in Agarvada, India, showcasing the exceptional work of We Design Studio. The Salt Pan House, completed in 2025, represents a masterclass in elemental architecture that seamlessly bridges the gap between land and water, tradition and modernity, permanence and porosity. This remarkable 6,000-square-foot residence stands as a sculptural monolith, demonstrating how contemporary architecture can harmoniously coexist with its natural surroundings.
The project's unique location plays a central role in its design philosophy. Situated on a ten-acre property that was patiently acquired over the course of a decade, the home is strategically nestled between the Chapora River and a lush mangrove belt. This positioning creates an extraordinary natural setting that influences every aspect of the architectural design. The house is anchored in place by three man-made salt pans that not only dictate the building's footprint but also embody the very spirit of the architecture itself.
Principle architects Nupur Shah and Saahil Parikh of We Design Studio have crafted a design that respects and celebrates its coastal environment. The structure emerges from the landscape like a natural formation, yet maintains its distinctly modern aesthetic. The architectural approach demonstrates a deep understanding of the site's ecological significance, particularly its relationship to the salt production industry that has shaped this region for generations.
The building's material palette reflects its coastal setting, with wood and concrete serving as the primary construction materials. These choices not only provide durability against the harsh coastal elements but also create a visual dialogue between the built environment and the natural landscape. The use of these materials allows the structure to weather gracefully while maintaining its architectural integrity over time.
Photographer Ishita Sitwala from The Fishy Project has captured the essence of this remarkable structure, documenting how the building interacts with its surroundings throughout different times of day and seasons. The photographs reveal the dynamic relationship between the architecture and the ever-changing coastal environment, from the shifting light on the salt pans to the movement of water in the adjacent river.
The Salt Pan House represents more than just a residential structure; it embodies a philosophy of architecture that is deeply connected to place and purpose. By working with the natural salt pan formations rather than against them, the architects have created a building that feels both timeless and contemporary. The project demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design can enhance rather than dominate its natural setting, creating a harmonious balance between human habitation and environmental preservation.
This project joins We Design Studio's growing portfolio of contextually sensitive designs, including their previously completed Otla House. The firm's commitment to creating architecture that responds to local conditions and cultural contexts continues to establish them as leaders in sustainable and thoughtful design practices within India's evolving architectural landscape.
