This austere, elegant Ahmedabad home says a lot with less

As Ranvir’s family grew and moved on, the once-vibrant home began to fall into disrepair. The initial plan for renovation was modest: update the bathrooms. Ranvir, who cherished the home’s significance from his childhood visits, casually discussed the potential for a broader renovation with architect Kunal Shah. Their conversation with Ashish and Rucha Gupta of LuxUnlock, a luxury villa management company, further sparked the vision of transforming the house into a luxury bed and breakfast—a plan that would both honor its past and cater to contemporary needs.

One of the key aspects of the renovation was the use of high-quality, locally sourced materials. From the hand-spun textiles to the locally-made custom furniture, including swings and benches, every element was chosen to reflect Gujarat’s rich craft heritage. Instead of replacing family heirlooms, existing furniture was carefully restored—laminates were stripped, surfaces were refinished with oil polish, and veneers were upgraded to solid wood.

Light fixtures were sourced from local artisans Anand and Anuj Ambalal, who were inspired by Japanese artist Isamu Noguchi’s Akari light sculptures. Noguchi designed the Akari lights to be made with the traditional washi, or mulberry bark paper, and bamboo. The Ambalals adapted the concept by crafting light sculptures using Kalamkush paper from the Gandhi Ashram.

For the Sake of Tradition

The house’s large verandahs, traditional to Gujarati homes, now feature a unique flip-back swing inspired by George Nakashima, using driftwood and commissioned to local master woodworker Manish Jangid. These swings, or hichkas, provide the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon nap or an evening of conversation. To further reduce the environmental impact, hand-loomed, undyed fabrics were used as slipcovers. Two grass seated chairs designed by Nakashima during his time at NID were added to the house. 

In the courtyard, a playful monkey mural installation, crafted by Amit Ambalal and his sons, adds a whimsical touch to the space, blending artistic expression with the home's cultural heritage. This mural is a tribute to the langurs that have long been a part of everyday life in the locality, a timeless presence fondly remembered by all four generations of Ranvir's family. Painted in a deep blue hue reminiscent of Lord Krishna, the mural is a vibrant homage to local culture and spirituality. As the morning sun casts moving shadows across the artwork, it brings the mural to life, adding an element of dynamism to the artwork.

Fouzdar House is recognised as the first Art Deco property in the Navrangpura neighborhood. Hopefully, its renovation serves as an inspiration for others to breathe new life into the city's architectural gems.

All images by Studio suryan//dang