Project Narrative
Vault House is a contemporary farmhouse situated in Kotna, Vadodara, envisioned by MS Design Studio as a serene retreat that merges seamlessly with its natural and cultural setting. Spread across 6,000 sq. ft. of built-up area within a sprawling three-acre site, the home is a refined blend of regional sensibilities, minimalism, and contextual modernism-balancing earthy materials with thoughtful spatial organization.
The design aims to create a residence that not only responds to its rural surroundings but also embraces and enhances them. Drawing influence from traditional architectural elements-most notably the vaulted roof-the house reimagines these forms using clean geometries and restrained detailing. Its most iconic feature is the series of self-supporting vaults that stretch eight meters across without internal columns or steel reinforcements. These expansive arches establish a rhythmic flow and openness throughout the space, imparting both monumentality and intimacy.
At the center of the home lies a courtyard, echoing the legacy of Indian vernacular architecture. This open-air core enhances cross-ventilation, promotes passive cooling, and provides a constant visual and physical connection to the outdoors. Encircling it are shaded verandas, open decks, and semi-covered corridors that dissolve the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, inviting the surrounding landscape into everyday experiences.
Materiality plays a fundamental role in rooting the architecture to its place. Rammed earth, exposed bricks, native stone, wood, and glass-all used in their raw and unprocessed states-contribute to a palette that is both humble and enduring. Chosen not just for their aesthetics but also for their capacity to age gracefully, these materials allow the built form to slowly blend into the natural environment. The interiors follow the same philosophy: subdued hues, natural textures, and minimal embellishment center the focus on spatial richness and tactile quality.
Sustainability is integral to the project. The vaulted roofs offer natural thermal insulation, the courtyard facilitates air circulation, and the thermal mass of the rammed earth walls stabilizes indoor temperatures. The planning also accounts for solar movement, wind direction, and the shading provided by existing trees, minimizing dependence on artificial systems and enhancing climatic comfort throughout the year.
Vault House is a quiet yet powerful response to its environment-a dwelling that champions stillness, clarity, and cohesion. It fuses modern architecture with regional wisdom to create a home that is not only livable and efficient but also deeply soulful and contextually rooted. The design celebrates the harmony between tradition and innovation, function and feeling-turning architecture into a lived, sensory experience.
The design aims to create a residence that not only responds to its rural surroundings but also embraces and enhances them. Drawing influence from traditional architectural elements-most notably the vaulted roof-the house reimagines these forms using clean geometries and restrained detailing. Its most iconic feature is the series of self-supporting vaults that stretch eight meters across without internal columns or steel reinforcements. These expansive arches establish a rhythmic flow and openness throughout the space, imparting both monumentality and intimacy.
At the center of the home lies a courtyard, echoing the legacy of Indian vernacular architecture. This open-air core enhances cross-ventilation, promotes passive cooling, and provides a constant visual and physical connection to the outdoors. Encircling it are shaded verandas, open decks, and semi-covered corridors that dissolve the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, inviting the surrounding landscape into everyday experiences.
Materiality plays a fundamental role in rooting the architecture to its place. Rammed earth, exposed bricks, native stone, wood, and glass-all used in their raw and unprocessed states-contribute to a palette that is both humble and enduring. Chosen not just for their aesthetics but also for their capacity to age gracefully, these materials allow the built form to slowly blend into the natural environment. The interiors follow the same philosophy: subdued hues, natural textures, and minimal embellishment center the focus on spatial richness and tactile quality.
Sustainability is integral to the project. The vaulted roofs offer natural thermal insulation, the courtyard facilitates air circulation, and the thermal mass of the rammed earth walls stabilizes indoor temperatures. The planning also accounts for solar movement, wind direction, and the shading provided by existing trees, minimizing dependence on artificial systems and enhancing climatic comfort throughout the year.
Vault House is a quiet yet powerful response to its environment-a dwelling that champions stillness, clarity, and cohesion. It fuses modern architecture with regional wisdom to create a home that is not only livable and efficient but also deeply soulful and contextually rooted. The design celebrates the harmony between tradition and innovation, function and feeling-turning architecture into a lived, sensory experience.
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