The site is called an ambawadi…located within the fringes of Surat, made up a green lawn filled with a lot of mango trees and other tropical plants that nature has to offer.

The entryway to the Oviyan House by Architect Falguni Desai

Oviyan House by Architect Falguni Desai

he interiors comprise of a natural palette of only exposed bricks and wood 

The interiors comprise of a natural palette of only exposed bricks and wood

In going about making this project happen, collecting materials from different places, wood from alang, refurbishing used windows, she started with the process of using these materials and objects as elements in the project. The biggest challenge though was making the house an exposed brick structure in Surat, a place that is humid and hot and has black cotton soil, which performs poorly for a load-bearing edifice.

The entryway to the home is filled with blossoming plants and diverse greens neatly paving a way to the brick house lined with bricks and stones and a thatched roof. An elongated wooden bench graces the entryway enclosed by reclaimed wooden columns that were refurbished for a spiffy upgrade. We are imagining quiet winter evenings spent here, mindlessly gazing into the lush greens, sipping hot cuppa! A mango tree extends from the roof right at the entry day, we are reminiscent of the old Kerala houses that exude a feeling of warmth and familiarity. The interiors comprise of a natural palette of only exposed bricks and wood against black polished kadappa stone flooring–this helps in retaining the coolness within the living areas of the home. Double-height doors and glass window outlets welcome you into the spacious living room. We are loving the seamless transition of each space into the other.

A sense of homeliness envelopes you here… A traditional daybed sits at the entrance adjacent to the formal living room. A few striking elements here catch our eye–the traditional mounted ceiling fans, exposed rafters and circular inlets with stain glass design on the walls. Weaved wooden chairs flank the wooden table while a bemusing sculpture rests at the corner making for a great conversation starter. The living area also features a cosy yet rooted dining area made with elongated slabs of wood against a shuttered window opening up to the view of the lush greens. A slatted wooden door leads you to the private study area, replete with all things wood- right from the desk, chairs and even the powder area.