Back to the Roots

A distinct roof and other vernacular elements by d6thD design studio exemplify a sustainable approach to a farmstay in the Indian countryside

- Ar. Himanshu Patel

Project: Aaranya Farmstay, Gujarat

Architects: d6thD design studio, Ahmedabad

Set amidst picturesque rural settings at the edge of the famous Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat, known for being the only home of the Asiatic lion, the agricultural farm stay of Aaranya was designed keeping in mind the overt principle of vernacular architecture. The design philosophy behind it believes that Mother Earth has enough for everyone’s needs, but not for everyone’s greed. This simple statement provides one of the greatest insights into the ecology of our planet. The concern for climate as well as economical and cultural sustainability has been factored into the design, as without these parameters sustainability may not work in the Indian context. Rather than spending millions on the best technology to create the greenest of green buildings that very few Indians can associate with and even fewer can afford, the architect here came up with simple, established and honest practices offered by vernacular architecture.