"Aapnu Ghar," meaning "Our Home" in Gujarati, embodies both deep personal significance and a powerful connection to the cultural heritage of its owners. The homeowners, Mr. Pragnesh Shah and Mrs. Shital Shah, approached Rishva Patel from Formhouse with a vision for their home that was rooted in both reverence for the past and a desire to honour their heritage. Their primary goal was to create a space that would serve as a tribute to their mother’s memory, while also providing a home that reflected their Gujarati Vaishnav cultural roots. Through this design, they envisioned a home that would evoke the warmth and memories of their childhood, yet also offer a deep connection to their culture, which they wished to pass on to their two daughters.
For the Shah family, this home represents more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to their legacy, both as individuals and as a family. The design captures the essence of their past while looking forward to the future. It creates a space where memories will continue to be made, where their daughters will grow up surrounded by the warmth of family, love, and tradition. This home is designed to evolve with the family, adapting to their changing needs while maintaining a deep connection to their roots. It stands as a place where both the past and the future are honoured, providing a home that will nurture and support the Shah family for generations to come.
At the heart of the design process was the desire to balance two important aspects: drama and comfort. As a family of six, the Shahs wanted their home to be both a place of retreat and a space for vibrant interaction. One of the key design elements was the careful division of public and private spaces to create distinctly different atmospheres in each area. The public spaces—where guests would gather and family members would entertain—were designed to be lively, colourful, and inviting, filled with elements that would engage the senses. These spaces were designed with a playful use of colours, patterns, and materials to create a warm, welcoming environment, one that would allow for both lively gatherings and moments of quiet reflection.
In contrast, the private spaces, particularly the bedrooms, were designed to be serene, minimalist, and tranquil. The idea was to provide the family with a peaceful retreat where they could relax and unwind, away from the energetic dynamics of the public areas. The design focused on simplicity and calm, using clean lines and understated finishes to create spaces of quiet comfort. These private areas met the needs of the family, offering both privacy and a sense of peace, without unnecessary distractions. The bedrooms were intended to be places where each family member could recharge, with spaces that felt intimate and personal, free from the bustle of daily life.
To accommodate the Shahs’ love for hosting and entertaining guests, the home underwent a significant reconfiguration. Originally designed with five bedrooms, the space was transformed to feature four large bedrooms and an expansive entertainment area. This change not only provided the Shahs with more space for gatherings, but it also allowed for a better flow of movement through the house. The reworked layout created an open and airy entryway, bridging the formal and informal spaces of the home. This modification helped foster a sense of openness and connection, ensuring that guests and family alike felt welcomed in the space.
In keeping with the Shahs' desire to honour their cultural roots, the design incorporated traditional materials and elements that paid tribute to their Gujarati heritage. Kota stone flooring, Lime plastered walls were used throughout the home, lending both elegance and a sense of timelessness to the space. The Rajwadi doors, with their intricate craftsmanship, were another nod to the family’s cultural background, creating a sense of grandeur and sophistication. In addition, a 600-year-old Patola frame was incorporated into the design, adding a sense of history and reverence to the home. This antique piece not only adds an element of artistry but also serves as a tangible link to the family’s past. Pichwai paintings, renowned for their intricate detail and vibrant colours, were strategically placed throughout the house, further enriching the cultural narrative embedded in the design.
The use of antique furniture, traditional fabrics, and wallpapers also played a crucial role in enhancing the home's connection to the family’s heritage. These pieces were carefully selected to tell the story of the Shahs’ cultural history, while also blending seamlessly with the modern design elements. Each item chosen for the home, whether a piece of artwork, a fabric, or a piece of furniture, was imbued with significance. The design was meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding the family of their roots, while still embracing the modern conveniences that their family now requires.
This project marked a significant milestone for Formhouse, as it was their first venture into residential design. The experience of working on "Aapnu Ghar" has been deeply meaningful for both the design team and the Shahs, creating a bond that will last beyond the completion of the project. The trust and love that Mr. and Mrs. Shah showed in allowing Formhouse to bring their vision to life was not only humbling but also inspiring for the entire team. The result is a home that serves as a tangible representation of the Shaws’ memories, values, and cultural identity. In conclusion, "Aapnu Ghar" is more than just a house; it is a tribute to the Shah family’s heritage, a space where tradition and modernity coexist. The design has achieved a delicate balance of warmth, comfort, and cultural reverence, creating an environment where the Shahs can celebrate their past and build their future. The home stands as a symbol of family, love, and the enduring strength of cultural heritage, ensuring that the legacy of the family’s roots will continue to flourish for years to come.
