A Sensitive Composition

Taking cues from the site and with a respectful nod to the existing architecture, architect Hiloni Sutharia Chudgar of HSC Designs creates a responsive, responsible and user-centric entertainment space out of a dilapidated outhouse in Ahmedabad.

- Rupali Sebastian

 

A carte blanche is perhaps an easier situation than one that requires you to work with something that’s been previously scripted — especially when the intent is to carefully preserve the earlier commission rather than pull a curtain over it. This is what architect Hiloni Sutharia Chudgar of Baroda based HSC Designs had to deal with when her client entrusted the task of rejuvenating a derelict and abandoned outhouse — an iconic piece of architecture by the well-regarded Ahmedabad architect of international repute, Gurjit Singh Matharoo, now infested with rodents and with a broken glass facade — that lay on their property, a heavily contoured piece of land with thick vegetation.

“The client brief was that the outhouse be made more functional and environmentally sound, that is to control the constant rodent and insect infestation as the space is located in a thick landscaped area. They also wanted the space to be suitable for a wide range of varied age groups,” recalls Hiloni while elucidating about the list of requirements that was presented to her. “Hence we decided to redesign the space by changing the interiors, adding functionality and paying homage to the existing architectural structure.”