Versatile Decadence
A transformative project at a residential property in the Indian city of Ahmedabad has received international recognition with a nomination at the 2018 Inside Festival Awards.
Known as ‘Versatile Decadence’, the project encompassed the transformation of a dilapidated outhouse into a functional residential extension. Versatile Decadence was overseen by architects Hsc Designs and took approximately 9 months to complete.
The owners of the property were looking to expand their living space by turning a previously underused structure into practical space. Despite a tight budget, Hsc was able to implement a number of standout design features including a multifunctional cabinet that serves all the functions of the space, a small indoor pool and a broken glass ceiling.
Floor to ceiling windows run around the perimeter of the building and create a connection between the indoor and outdoor areas, as well as flooding it with an abundance of natural light.
Hiloni Sutaria, Lead Architect on the project, spoke to Premier Construction about the work and gave a greater insight into some of the design highlights:
“The outhouse has a formal entertainment area and an informal area. The fluidity of the cabinet, which acts as a visual division, makes for a multi-purpose space including HVAC, Pantry, Media, Automation and Storage. The pantry is anthropometrically designed for the user with easy access to the formal and informal area. The entertainment centre is behind the doors on the cabinet with hinges designed for the compound curve.
“The fluidity of the curves and the metallic finish of the cabinet creates directionality in design and responds to the ebb and flows of context. The informal space has a jacuzzi, splash pool, restrooms and steam room. The curved, progressively increasing steps connects the pool seamlessly to waterbodies. The red colour of the pool, initially a sceptical decision, creates striking contrast and is now the favourite area of the family.
“The ceiling of this informal area is designed from the broken older facade. The broken glass shards reflect a wave floating through the ceiling. The new facade has a large framed glass, framing the view and juxtaposing the hardness of metal finish. Our time spent observing the ebb and flow of the site gives rise to its fluid and dynamic design.”
Challenges on the project included overcoming the technical requirements of the cabinet and the custom hinges for the compound curve doors. It was also crucial that the structure be protected from unwanted guests such as termites and rodents, without compromising the design.
Commenting on the INISDE Award nomination, Hiloni added:
“It’s a great honour to have received recognition through such prestigious awards at 29. It will hopefully open up a lot of international opportunities for our firm, which is just two years old.”
Hsc Designs has been working in Ahmedabad, Gujarat for the last two years. Led by Hiloni Sutaria, the firm has so far completed projects for a diverse range of clients in multiple fields of industry. From residential builds to office accommodation, HSC Designs creates buildings that are unique and distinctive yet functional and practical.
