Vault House: A Contemporary Farmhouse in Gujarat by MS Design Studio

Vault House, designed by MS Design Studio, is a striking contemporary farmhouse located in Kotna, Gujarat. Completed in 2024, this residence spans 6000 square feet within a vast 3-acre site. The project merges vernacular wisdom, minimalist design, and modern building technology to create a timeless architectural landmark that responds to both landscape and climate.

Contemporary Farmhouse Design Rooted in Vernacular Wisdom

The core intent behind the Vault House farmhouse design was to celebrate the natural surroundings while creating a modern retreat. The defining feature of the project is its series of grand self-supporting vaults, each spanning 8 meters without internal reinforcement. These monumental forms give rhythm and scale to the spaces, blending grandeur with warmth.

The architectural vocabulary reinterprets traditional vaulted forms with minimalist detailing, producing a spatial experience that is at once contemporary and deeply rooted in regional traditions.

The Role of the Central Courtyard in Farmhouse Living

At the heart of Vault House lies a central courtyard—an element central to Indian residential architecture for centuries. The courtyard ensures natural ventilation, passive cooling, and uninterrupted views of nature. Acting as a social and environmental core, it anchors the residence and allows the indoors to merge seamlessly with the outdoors.

The design incorporates verandas, covered walkways, and open decks as transitional spaces, dissolving the boundary between built form and the lush landscape of the site.

Earthy Material Palette and Timeless Aesthetics

The materiality of Vault House is central to its architectural character. Locally sourced rammed earth, exposed brickwork, natural stone, timber, and glass have been used in their raw, honest forms. These materials are not only sustainable but also age gracefully, ensuring the farmhouse integrates harmoniously into its environment over time.

The interiors continue this ethos of simplicity—muted tones, natural textures, and restrained detailing emphasize the quality of space and material richness rather than ornamentation.

Passive Design and Sustainability at Vault House

Sustainability is a defining principle of the farmhouse’s design. Passive strategies such as vaulted roofs for thermal insulation, cross-ventilation through the courtyard, and the thermal mass of rammed earth walls help regulate temperature naturally. The architectural planning also takes into account solar orientation, prevailing wind patterns, and shading from mature trees on the site.

By minimizing reliance on mechanical systems, Vault House achieves comfort while reducing environmental impact, making it a model for contemporary sustainable farmhouses in India.

A Sensory Experience of Living

Vault House is more than a functional residence—it is a sensory experience. By merging contemporary farmhouse architecture with regional building traditions, the project creates a slow, simple, and harmonious way of living. The house celebrates nature, material honesty, and cultural continuity, resulting in a soulful retreat that redefines modern rural living in Gujarat.

MS Design Studio’s Vault House is a powerful example of how contemporary farmhouse design in India can blend tradition, sustainability, and minimalism. With its monumental vaults, central courtyard, earthy materiality, and passive design strategies, the project sets a new benchmark for architectural sensitivity and timelessness.

All photographs are works of Tejas Shah Photography