This home by We Design Studio hides amidst the mango orchards of Karamsad

In a quaint town (Karamsad) of Gujarat, We Design Studio has tucked an expansive home within a  seven-and-a-half acres of verdant land. Thickly covered by around 500 deciduous mango trees, the estate summons a simpler, natural surrounding. The home was originally built by the owners’ parents. Recognising that the existing structure failed to complement the lush landscape, Nupur Shah and Saahil Parikh envisioned a fresh design language that would integrate with and highlight its natural setting.

The entrance to the villa is marked by louvered gates that lead to a 150-meter cobblestone driveway, culminating in a spacious cul-de-sac—an ideal drop-off point. A canopy draped in trailing bougainvillea frames the entrance. Inside, the ground floor accommodates the living room, dining area, kitchen and a guest bedroom, while the upper floor is dedicated to three private bedrooms. A double-height living room visually connects the two levels.

Constructed from locally sourced brick and finished with sand-faced plaster, the home fits naturally with its rural setting. Internally, the use of locally available materials like slate tiles, wood and textured paint deepens the connection to the locale. The two-storey residence features strategically placed openings that allow ample natural light and ventilation from above, creating a bright and airy atmosphere throughout.

The new design masterfully reshapes the interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces with multiple open-to-sky courtyards. It aligns with the old structure, preserving mature trees and weaving the cobblestone driveway around them.

Black aluminum windows and doors are crafted from recycled Burma teak and are treated with a black linseed oil polish. The interior floors and bathrooms are adorned with grey slate tiles, complementing the overall earthy palette.

Also Read: Somewhere in the mountains: Estate Paathri by Earthitects is designed to be one with nature

A standout feature of the villa is the freestanding black metal staircase, which serves as a striking visual element and provides access between the two floors. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer uninterrupted views of the mango trees, reinforcing the connection between interior spaces and nature.

A metal canopy extends over the entrance and living areas, allowing nature to blur the boundaries between inside and outside. Bougainvillea gradually encroaches upon the built fabric, creating semi-covered spaces that naturally shade.

The villa’s design has been optimised to cater to the family’s needs, with spaces arranged according to their functionality and flow. The integration of nature into the home’s design language is palpable. The abode serves as a canvas for a thoughtful, modern approach to architectural design, illustrating how careful planning and a reverence for the natural world can paint a truly exceptional living experience.