House of Memories

Rooted in nostalgia yet designed for the present, The House of Memories by Studio Lagom in Valsad beautifully bridges generations- physically, emotionally, and architecturally. Conceived on the footprint of the family’s ancestral home, this residence is both a contemporary reimagination and a heartfelt continuation of its predecessor’s spirit. The project occupies a 165’ x 55’ plot surrounded by lush farmland and lotus ponds, becoming a serene retreat that celebrates its natural and cultural context. The family’s earlier 22-room house, once both residence and office, had grown functionally obsolete, with cramped spaces and accessibility issues for elderly and differently-abled members. When Studio Lagom was brought on board, the plinth of a frame structure was already constructed. However, Hardik Shah and his team envisioned something entirely different—a load-bearing structure that reconnected with the land, centered around the family’s existing well, which became the heart of the new design narrative. The new home, with its residential and workspace wings, manifests a grounded architectural presence. The office block engages the street through teak slats and a concrete-framed façade softened by cascading greens. The residence, entered through a carved dela door, unfolds along a C-shaped plan that wraps around a central courtyard, complete with a lotus pond and the original well. The spatial organization fosters constant dialogue between indoors and outdoors, echoing the home’s biophilic essence. Rooms open to gardens, terraces, and pockets of greenery through large louvered windows and skylights, ensuring natural light and ventilation. On the ground level, the living, dining, kitchen, and temple spaces flow seamlessly, while the upper floor accommodates two expansive bedrooms, a family room, and a guest suite. The master bedroom extends into a private terrace designed for entertaining, while the son’s study overlooks the tranquil frangipani near the well- small yet intimate moments that root modern living in emotional memory. Materiality forms the core of the design ethos- honest, tactile, and timeless. Exposed brick, reclaimed wood, Kota stone, and concrete create a palette of warmth and authenticity. Many elements from the old house were revived: doors, shutters, stair treads, and cabinets find new life as wardrobes, furniture, and detailing across the home. This commitment to reuse reinforces the project’s sustainable intent, complemented by solar panels and rainwater harvesting. The interiors celebrate the family’s rich history through heirlooms and curated artefacts- from vintage four-poster beds and wedding wardrobes to South Indian pillars and antique timepieces- juxtaposed with contemporary art. The “dancing brick wall,” crafted from bricks laid at varying angles, becomes both a sculptural and functional feature, mediating light, ventilation, and privacy between the home and workspace.