The House by the Farm by MODO Designs: Sustainable Living Connected to Nature in Gandhinagar

MODO Designs’ House by the Farm is a thoughtfully crafted residence for a Gujarati family of five, seamlessly integrating modern architecture with the agricultural landscape of Gandhinagar. Located adjacent to fertile farmland, the design emphasizes openness, sustainability, and a strong connection to nature, creating a home that encourages family interaction and outdoor living.

Harmonious Layout and Spatial Organization

The house is organized as a linear concrete mass, balancing horizontal and vertical volumes that frame views of the adjoining farmland to the east and a private garden to the north. Terraces carve out the edges of the structure, while a double-height central space anchors the home, fostering visual and physical connectivity across the living areas. The layout prioritizes outdoor shaded spaces, allowing residents to enjoy the natural surroundings while remaining protected from direct sunlight, a hallmark of climate-conscious residential design.

The orientation and massing of the house respond to the surrounding environment: open towards the farmland, subtly screened from the internal street to the south, and selectively exposing spaces to the private garden. These carefully considered openings minimize heat gain while maximizing natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling and artificial lighting. Existing neem trees were preserved, casting natural shade that cools the house and enhances comfort, illustrating the project’s sensitivity to its landscape context.

Materiality and Sustainable Design

The design palette reflects Gandhinagar’s understated elegance, blending local materials with sustainable practices. Flooring is crafted from traditional Kotah stone, providing durability and a natural aesthetic, while reclaimed Valsadi wood is utilized in doors, windows, and custom furniture, reinforcing a commitment to resource-conscious architecture. The interior spaces maintain a simple, earthy character, harmonizing with the surrounding green landscape and agricultural setting.

The house’s architecture emphasizes minimalism, light, and ventilation, creating spaces that are both functional and serene. By prioritizing outdoor connections, the residence blurs the boundary between built form and nature, making the agricultural landscape an integral part of daily life.

Indoor-Outdoor Living and Landscape Integration

The landscape design by Dragonfly Farms enhances the home’s connection to its environment. Shaded courtyards, private gardens, and terraces are thoughtfully placed to create microclimates that promote comfort and interaction. The open floor plans allow for natural airflow and light penetration, supporting sustainable living practices while celebrating the agricultural heritage of Gandhinagar.

All photographs are works of PHX India