Teen Vaults House: A Contemporary Family Home in Ahmedabad

Architecture Meets Nostalgia

Nestled at the end of a mango tree-lined street on Ahmedabad’s outskirts, Teen Vaults House blends modern architecture with playful nostalgia. A vintage red Contessa at the entrance hints at the warmth and personality awaiting inside. Designed by Vaissnavi Shukl, this family residence harmoniously integrates craft, comfort, and sophisticated design in a lush green setting.

From Weekend Getaway to Permanent Home

Originally envisioned as a weekend retreat with a pool and pavilion, the homeowners—a couple with two children—fell in love with the site’s tranquility. They transformed the house into a full-time residence, resulting in a thoughtfully curated home where three exposed RCC vaults define distinct functional zones:

• Vault 1: Dining and kitchen area
• Vault 2: Formal living space with soaring ceilings
• Vault 3: Study and reading lounge

This spatial arrangement encourages flow, privacy, and communal living simultaneously.

Honest Materiality and Timeless Craft

The house emphasizes material authenticity:

• Exposed brick load-bearing walls provide texture and warmth
• Off-white terrazzo flooring from Bharat Floorings adds subtle color variations
• Custom solid teak furniture and brass accents enhance craftsmanship
• HVAC, lighting, and services remain exposed, celebrated as part of the architectural narrative

The combination of concrete vaults, brickwork, and rich materials creates a meditative and tactile home environment.

Courtyard Serenity and Sculptural Details

At the heart of the home lies a serene courtyard, planted with frangipani and tulsi, offering a contemplative pause in daily life. A folded concrete staircase with reclaimed teak treads and a delicately strung wooden-bead railing leads to the upper floor, where bedrooms are tucked away for privacy and quiet.

The interplay of indoor-outdoor spaces enhances natural light, ventilation, and a connection to nature, making Teen Vaults House a sustainable and human-centric design.

Curated Art and Lighting

Art and lighting are integral to the home’s character:

• Dramatic light installations by Radhika Sanghvi in the living and dining areas
• Olie sconces for a warm, inviting glow
• Handwoven dhurries from Enii Living soften hard surfaces
• A series of serigraphs by Esther David root the home in cultural heritage

This thoughtful curation ensures the home feels alive, personal, and deeply attuned to its inhabitants.

A Home with Heart

Despite its bold architectural expression, Teen Vaults House avoids austerity. Every detail—from exposed materials to bespoke furnishings—is designed to enhance living experience, proving that architecture can both make a statement and create a home.

This project exemplifies modern Indian residential architecture, balancing craft, culture, and contemporary design seamlessly.

All Photographs are works of Ishita Sitwala