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Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale Magazine

Bringing New York Chic to Vadodara

The Crossboundaries, an architect firm from Gujarat use exposed materials to celebrate the inherent qualities of concrete, bricks, and wood in bold aesthetics.

Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale Magazine

The interior space offered was substantial and had to accommodate the stylish living demands of a young industrialist who had come back from the States and wanted a New York-style exposed design narrative in his interiors, explains Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries.

The habitats of this space were a dog, a couple in their early 30’s and their newly born baby.

Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale Magazine

“The clients wanted something completely different. And we were ripe for the challenge. Thus, the interior was conceptualized to highlight the raw materials in its original form, texture, and color. We used industrial features and combined them with clear geometry and raw materials like bricks, concrete, MS and wood to create a raw, bold look. We further added colorful furniture, art pieces and light grid solutions to balance the visual consistency of the space,” explains the architects.

Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale MagazineHarsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale Magazine“With a sustainable design approach, we worked with exposed brickwork and polished concrete flooring. We integrated all these elements in a language that uplifts the natural quality of each material, giving the residence an earthy feel,” he says.

Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale MagazineHarsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale MagazineThe client was open to the idea of having the imperfections of an IPS flooring with hairline cracks. Therefore, except for the mosaic in the pool area, not a single tile was used in this project. Concrete plaster was majorly used in the apartment for the finishing of walls, columns, and ceiling. Open area with sliding Aluminium doors allowed each area to interact with the others for a more spacious and carefree aesthetic. Curtains have been used to accommodate privacy when needed.

Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale MagazineHarsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale Magazine“Another focal point is an electrical grid designed with MS conduit system which we customized on-site,” recounts the architect, “Each and every member had been cut explicitly as per measurements and layered. The G.I. piping system was used for the electrical grid layout where the 12mm M.S. conduit pipe is suspended from the ceiling though ceiling clamps laid at the proper distance. The tee joint binds pipes on both sides and a four-way junction box holds the light below. This mechanism was derived while playing around with the assembly. The air conditioning system used here is VRV centralized system where the piping hides away resting on an exposed GI Matt black cable tray. The perforated Matt black trays run parallel to the beams adding linearity to space.”

Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale Magazine

As you enter this plush apartment, the first visual clue in the foyer is a free-standing display unit that is paired up with metal and wood which acts as a partition as well as display shelves. The exposed ceiling with 10’6” floor height welcomes the guests with a display of colorful furniture in the living room. The tan leather sofa, a modern country style piece was custom-designed, introduces a pop of color into the living room.

Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale MagazineHarsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale MagazineThe kitchen and dining area are grouped together and they speak of a highly nuanced approach to space-division. The open kitchen is the focal point of the space; it unfolds in the dining area along with an outdoor lounge/bar area. The dining space consists of an elegant wooden table along with multi-colored chairs and contemporary white metal hanging lights over it.

Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale MagazineThe dining area opens out to the outdoor lounge which has a low sofa seating area with a bar counter supporting it on the side. The wooden bar storage is suspended from the ceiling by hanging metal rods.

“The suspended bar unit has been customized and designed in a way that it can be locked and opened when required.”

Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale MagazineA customized human sculpture was designed that stands by the edge of the pool and gives the project a name to be identified with. The human sculpture named, The Awakening by the pool is conceptualized as a harbinger of positive thoughts and actions, its reflection on the pool adding to the effect it gives to this open space, larger or smaller as the sun reflects on it. The 6′ high sculpture has been sculpted in clay and cast in fiber and painted rustic blue wash finish. The pool ledge has been specifically designed for the dog who now uses and sunbathes here. The polished grey concrete floor merges well with the blue china mosaics in the pool.

Harsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale MagazineHarsh Boghani the lead architect of the Vadodara-based firm, The CrossBoundaries - Scale MagazineThis is a happy space that makes the house owners want to relax and be themselves, relax by the pool, petting their pet dog, the vibes making one want to spend more time within this comfort zone of their own.

Project Details

Project Name: Awakening, by the pool.

Project Architect: THE CROSSBOUNDARIES

Size: 3200 sq.ft

Location: Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Design Team: Sanket Prajapati, Vijay Dhabi, Priyank Mistry, Hardik Dholu, Urvi Velani, Shailesh Boghani & Harsh Boghani

Client: Amit Sanghvi

Photography: Sebastian Zachariah & Ira Gosalia ( Photographix)