An Urban House in Ankleshwar by MISA Architects – Blurring Boundaries Between Public and Private Spaces

Located in Ankleshwar, India, An Urban House by MISA Architects redefines the concept of a residential dwelling on a busy city street. Instead of creating an imposing, closed-off façade, the architects envisioned a home that is open, inviting, and community-oriented, challenging the fortress-like image often associated with urban houses.

The 6650 sq ft residence embraces an inside-out design philosophy, with a central open courtyard acting as the heart of the home. This courtyard becomes the focal point for communal activities, natural ventilation, and daylight penetration, while branching into semi-private zones such as the living room, dining area, and kitchen. The living space, strategically placed at the far end, offers quiet seclusion while still maintaining a visual connection to the courtyard.

Spatial Planning with Vastu Wisdom

On the upper floor, the bedrooms transition into more private domains. The room placement follows ancient Vastu principles, aligning with the sun’s path and prevailing winds to maximize natural light and cross-ventilation. The interiors adopt a minimalist design approach, using a refined palette of natural stone, subtle textures, and understated finishes, ensuring timelessness and reducing the need for excessive furnishings.

Intricate Indian stone motifs and Rangoli-inspired flooring patterns add cultural depth, engaging both visual and tactile senses. Service zones are grouped at opposite ends of the house, making maintenance efficient and discreet.

Climate-Responsive Brick Architecture

The home’s envelope is crafted from 18-inch thick cavity brick walls, offering thermal insulation, sound control, and privacy while allowing light and air to flow freely. These custom brick bonds, designed by the architects, minimize material usage without compromising aesthetics or performance. Inner surfaces use standard bricks for cost-efficiency, while continuous concrete bands at sill and lintel levels reinforce structural stability.

Engaging the Street and Community

Unlike typical compound walls, the street-facing façade incorporates sit-out spaces and small openings, encouraging passers-by to pause and interact. The south-facing double-height walls are designed for shade and heat reduction, enhancing comfort in the hot, dry climate.

By softening the boundary between public and private realms, this residence revives the vernacular Indian tradition of community engagement. The result is a contemporary urban house that is porous, welcoming, and culturally rooted, proving that modern architecture can be both private and socially inclusive.

All Photographs are works of Inclined Studio