Neer Bungalow, which stands out from the rest of the houses in Vadodara, assimilates Gujarati designs with minimalistic interiors.
Amidst a cluster of high-rise buildings on a residential street in Vadodara stands Neer Bungalow. The quiet, unobtrusive structure commands attention for its linear and contemporary design. Designed by Usine Studio, the bungalow embraces contemporary design with ease while discreetly including traditional Gujarati elements.
Yatin and Jiten, co-founders of Baroda-based Usine Studio, describe the basic structure of the bungalow as two cuboids stacked atop each other to create a visually appealing intersection.
An uncluttered corridor in the entrance leads visitors to an open foyer in the centre of the ground floor. From here, the foyer radiates into a formal living room, family and dining room, kitchen, puja room and guest room.
Facing the front garden is a large space that doubles up as a dining room and family room. This room is adjacent to the kitchen and servant’s quarters, making it easy to interact with the staff or to fix a quick snack during TV breaks.
The formal living room at the far end of the house has elegant white sofas, assorted colourful cushions, an eye-catching copper mural from Bali as well as gold and silver foil work on two wall panels. This formal space spills out onto a private lawn allowing guests to marvel at a flowering Kailashpati or Cannon Ball tree and revel in the calming presence of artificial water bodies.
There are three sit-outs on the ground floor itself. Yatin says, “Gujaratis socialise a lot in their spare time. These sit-outs and the swing at the front entrance make it conducive for the family to sip tea and chat.”
The designers have used soothing shades of brown and cream in the house. Wood is consciously used across furniture, ceilings, flooring and for doors and windows.
Where the ground floor remains pleasantly formal, the first floor exudes personality and character. In the master bedroom as well as children’s bedrooms, bright colours seep into the walls and upholstery. There’s a spacious dressing room with storage that is attached to the bathroom. The son’s bedroom, reveals Yatin, received the most luxurious treatment of all, with a huge walk-in wardrobe, bathroom and a large window overlooking the greenery.
