This brick abode in Dahod by D.I.B Collaborative is designed to age gracefully

Crafted by D.I.B Collaborative, Brick Abode in Dahod is an architectural narrative that masterfully balances intentionality, vernacular sensibilities and modernist design principles. Nestled on a modest 30 x 40 plot, this two-storey residence for a family of four embodies their vision: a light-filled, ventilated home enriched with intimate outdoor spaces. Designed to gracefully age, the abode integrates functionality, aesthetics and enduring materials into a seamless story of architecture and life.

At the heart of Brick Abode’s design is its strategic massing—a careful choreography of cubes that recess and protrude, creating a dialogue of voids and solids. This layering of volumes manipulates light and shadow while shaping spill-out spaces like terraces, sit-out windows and standing balconies. These semi-open zones invite moments of pause, blending the home’s interior with the natural rhythm of its surroundings. Whether it’s gardening, sipping chai while catching a breeze, or watching the seasons unfold, these spaces foster an enduring relationship with nature.

The architecture champions an honesty in materials. Exposed services and utilities are not hidden but celebrated, lending an industrial charm that underscores transparency and practicality. This unembellished ethos is a reminder that form can—and should—celebrate function.

The first impression of Brick Abode sets the tone for its seamless dialogue with nature. A lush green lawn greets visitors, while the compound wall integrates planters that cradle a Champa tree, softening the sharp edges of the structure. A dramatic bullseye arch frames a spill-out space, dissolving boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

Inside, cultural nuances ground the home in its context. A traditional Baithak room, central to the Dawoodi Bohra community, anchors the ground floor. Here, rituals and familial gatherings find their place amidst a design that harmonises the old with the new. The simple, dignified space creates a balance—a tribute to tradition in a home that embraces the present.

The first floor is a canvas for light, where recessed windows on three sides flood the living space with natural illumination. The interiors are minimal yet thoughtful—each piece selected to endure the passage of time. A Sangwan wood TV console, a granite coffee table and soft lighting fixtures like a suspended globe light come together with a curated rug to create a space that feels timeless without being overly adorned. The living room, defined by clean lines and tactile textures, speaks to the home’s philosophy of understated elegance.

The kitchen, located at the heart of the house, is designed for efficiency and warmth. A U-shaped layout combines wood, quartz and vitrified tiles, ensuring durability and a tactile richness that echoes the home’s broader aesthetic. It’s a space for both functionality and family connection, where meals become moments of togetherness.

In the first-floor bedroom, soft curves meet natural textures. Teak laminates and wicker jali details infuse warmth, while a window seat offers a nook for reflection. The gentle curves in furniture forms create a contrast to the home’s architectural rigor, softening the space while retaining its elegance.

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The second floor features two bedrooms connected by a low passageway, intensifying the impact of their higher-ceilinged interiors. One bedroom boasts a vaulted ceiling paired with fluted wood accents, while the other embraces simplicity with soft curves and a serene color palette. A gray Kota stone staircase with a spiral counterpart leading to the rooftop completes the home’s vertical journey.

Brick Abode is more than a home; it’s a living, evolving space that reflects the lives of its inhabitants. With its layered design, intentional materiality and connection to nature, the residence is a testament to how architecture can embrace change while remaining grounded in its purpose. By bridging cultural roots and modern aspirations, the architects have created not just a dwelling but a space that holds stories—a place where past, present and future meet in harmony.

FACT FILE:

Project Name: Brick Abode
Firm Name: D.I.B COLLABORATIVE
Location: Dahod
Area: Built-up- 2,618 sq.ft.; Site Area (m2/ ft2): 1,200 sq.ft.
Photo Credits: Arif Boriwala