BRUTAL AND BEAUTIFUL

Nine majestic neem trees anchor this Brutalist home by Ahmedabad-based Studio Saransh, where architecture and nature are in constant dialogue

- BY NIVEDITA JAYARAM PAWAR

The common perception about Brutalism is that it is harsh and cold. Let's be honest, the stark aesthetic and emphasis on raw textures may not be everyone's cup of tea. However, MS House, a family home designed by Studio Saransh, an Ahmedabad based design studio is an anomaly. Crafted to converge the rigour of Brutalism with fluid organic forms, this family home of one of the principal designers, Kaveesha Shah, feels, well, homely. The idea of exploring reinforced cement concrete (RCC) also allowed the design to preserve the nine neem trees that surround the plot — a key request from the family. “The use of RCC made it possible to incorporate massive windows into the structure. It really opened up the house to views of these trees from every room. But despite the openness, it still feels protected and private, like you are always in the embrace of these trees. It's a paradox but that’s the most amazing part of the architecture,” explains Kaveesha.