The Floating Courtyard Residence is situated within a typical block surrounded by residential and commercial properties in Vadodara. It represents a concise response to the client’s desire for a unique yet practical home. Rooted in simplicity and minimalism, the design stands out while harmonizing perfectly with its surroundings, offering residents a true sense of home.
In today’s world, houses tend to grow larger and larger. Faced with the challenge of building a five-bedroom home on a remarkably compact site of just 164.44 square meters (1770 square feet), our approach had to transcend conventional thinking.
Our design process began by identifying a central space that connects all areas on each floor—a shared open space where family members can gather and interact. This led to the creation of a courtyard on the first floor. A distinctive feature is the two-story courtyard, with all indoor spaces overlooking it, crafting a cohesive and immersive experience for the residents.
Inspired by the Vairocana Sutra (Vastu) principles, the home’s common areas are laid out in an open plan, integrating the living room, dining area, and kitchen seamlessly. Numerous openings on the north and east walls frame views of lush greenery and flower pots outside, while allowing abundant natural light to flood the interiors.
The master bedroom, positioned at the rear, extends to the edge of the plot, creating a cozy corner filled with natural light and ventilation. A minimalist staircase, featuring exposed concrete and wooden treads, elegantly wraps around the floating courtyard, guiding residents to the upper levels while offering picturesque views of the courtyard below.
On the first floor, the family living room opens directly into the courtyard, establishing both visual and physical connections. To prevent the master bedroom on the opposite side from feeling isolated, a visual axis links the bedroom, staircase, and courtyard. The flowerpot bed behind the bedroom adds a dynamic and soothing atmosphere.
The son’s bedroom on the second floor adopts a similar approach. Large window seats overlook the staircase, framing impressive views of the courtyard and pavilion. Adjacent to the bedroom is a narrow balcony lined with flower pots, providing daylight and a peaceful retreat.
The guest bedroom features balconies on both sides—one facing the courtyard and the other overlooking the street. Connecting the second floor to the terrace is a compact, folded metal staircase within a narrow 1.22 meter (4 feet) space, adding a surprising architectural element.
The thoughtfully interconnected interior spaces create a unique and holistic living experience that is rare for such a small plot. Natural light plays a crucial role in the design, adding depth and drama throughout the day. Since the west side is a solid wall and the east and south sides border neighboring bungalows, maximizing natural light becomes paramount.
Light enters from the north through the courtyard, flooding the home with brightness. A cool canopy above the courtyard casts dynamic shadows, enriching the interior atmosphere throughout the day. Despite the compact building envelope, the design resolves challenges related to light and airflow, delivering a remarkable living experience.
The building’s form evolves around the floating courtyard, with exterior wall openings balanced by brick Jali screens that cast striking shadows throughout the interior spaces. Unlike modern constructions, this home employs traditional pure brick masonry, with thick walls providing excellent thermal comfort suited to the local climate.
Concrete elements appear as overhangs and rain shelters, complementing the overall design. The ceiling features exposed concrete, while gray Keta stone floors and wooden furniture contribute natural tones that enhance the minimalist aesthetic.
Overall, the volume, layout, courtyard integration, natural building methods, material choices, lighting, ventilation, and spatial connections create a stunning and unexpected experience on such a modest footprint.
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architectural Design: TRAANSPACE
Area: 1770 ft²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Vinay Panjwani
Suppliers: Akar Aluminium, American Standard, Baba Marbles, Exposed Concrete Rendering, Grohe, Shreenath Bricks
Lead Architect: Urvi Shah
Design Team: Urvi Shah, Supriya Karkare, Divya, Mansi
On-site Execution: Rahi Construction
Structural Consultant: Akash Shah & Associates
Location: Vadodara, India
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