A striking residential project in Ahmedabad, India, demonstrates how traditional materials can be reimagined for contemporary living. Teen Vaults, designed by architect Vaissnavi Shukl, sits at the end of a picturesque mango tree-lined street on the outskirts of the bustling Indian city. What began as a concept for a weekend retreat with a pool and pavilion has evolved into a full-time home for a family of four, defined by its distinctive architectural approach using three parallel vaults.
The residence's defining feature lies in its structural organization around three exposed reinforced concrete (RCC) vaults, each serving a specific purpose within the home's layout. The first vault accommodates the kitchen and dining area, creating a central hub for family meals and food preparation. The second vault houses the formal living space, providing an area for entertaining and relaxation. The third vault contains a study and reading lounge, offering quiet spaces for work and contemplation. This tripartite structure establishes a clear architectural hierarchy while creating varied spatial experiences throughout the home.
Material honesty serves as a cornerstone of the design philosophy, with exposed brick load-bearing walls and raw concrete vaults taking center stage. The architect has complemented these robust materials with off-white terrazzo floors from Bharat Floorings, which extend throughout the interior spaces to create subtle visual continuity. Custom solid teak furniture and brass accents add warmth and tactile richness to the otherwise industrial palette. In a bold design choice, building services including HVAC systems and lighting fixtures are intentionally left exposed, integrating them into the architectural expression rather than concealing them behind false ceilings or walls.
At the heart of the layout lies a carefully planned courtyard planted with frangipani and tulsi, which provides natural ventilation and creates a visual breathing space within the floor plan. A striking folded concrete staircase connects the two levels of the home, featuring reclaimed teak treads and a distinctive wooden-bead railing that adds textural interest. The upper floor houses the private bedrooms, designed to offer privacy and serve as quiet retreats from the more public spaces below.
Lighting and art installations play crucial roles in the home's spatial composition and aesthetic appeal. Two custom light installations created by artist Radhika Sanghvi animate the double-height living and dining areas, casting dramatic shadows and highlighting the architectural features. Olie sconces strategically placed throughout the home accentuate the textured brick surfaces, creating visual interest and depth. The interior environment is further enriched by handwoven dhurries from Enii Living and serigraphs by artist Esther David, which contribute to the home's carefully crafted aesthetic.
The approach to the residence is as thoughtfully designed as the structure itself. A Nandi statue nestled among dense plantation serves as a subtle signal directing visitors toward the entrance courtyard. A stone pathway surrounded by spider lily planters, with mango and frangipani trees providing natural shade and fragrance, leads guests to the main entrance, creating a sense of arrival and transition from the street to the private domain.
Through its articulation of vaults, bold material expression, and open spatial planning, Teen Vaults represents an architectural approach that successfully balances formal clarity with domestic functionality. The residence reflects architect Vaissnavi Shukl's vision of creating a dialogue between structural honesty and everyday comfort, where design choices support the rhythms of daily life while maintaining a strong formal and material identity that distinguishes the home within its suburban context.
