A Modest House in Ahmedabad’s ‘Pol’ Neighborhood by inpractice

Nestled within the dense urban fabric of Ahmedabad, India, the A Modest House in the ‘Pol’ Neighborhood by inpractice exemplifies clever design in compact spaces. Pol neighborhoods, traditional community-based housing settlements unique to western India, especially Gujarat, have long fostered interactions between homes and streets, creating vibrant urban life. The project replaces a dilapidated structure with a single-story exposed concrete home that both contrasts and harmonizes with its surroundings.

Walking through the narrow galis, or streets, one witnesses the energy of everyday life: residents gather on the otla, a traditional outdoor platform, while children play and neighbors converse. The design of this house celebrates this social dynamism while providing privacy and comfort. By engaging with its context, the home bridges traditional pol living and contemporary architecture, reflecting Ahmedabad’s rich legacy in Indian Modernism.

The entrance, marked by a softened curvilinear corner, opens to sunlit spaces illuminated through carefully placed skylights and deeply recessed windows. These openings not only capture light but also establish visual connections to the street while preserving privacy. Alongside the northern and western walls, an otla runs the length of the house, offering a pause in the lively rhythm of the neighborhood.

The ground floor organizes living, cooking, and washroom spaces in a linear sequence, with open connections that encourage multifunctional use. Recessed fenestrations cleverly double as storage, seating, or display niches. A striking staircase, composed of individually crafted metal steps finished in wood and paired with bright yellow furniture, becomes an artful centerpiece while defining spatial transitions.

Upstairs, the single-bedroom and bathroom overlook the lively living area below. Off-centered windows frame ambient light and glimpses of the nearby community center, while a reading bridge leads to a small terrace, providing private outdoor space. An exterior concrete staircase connects to the upper terrace, offering expansive views of the neighborhood.

Throughout the home, the interplay of light and shadow highlights exposed concrete’s solidity, balanced by intricate detailing in spouts, grills, doors, and furniture. The design evokes the charm of traditional pol houses while embracing modern living requirements, presenting a timeless balance of heritage, functionality, and contemporary design aspirations.

All photographs are works of  Vivek Eadara