Riverway Residence: A Contemporary Take on Vernacular Architecture

Combining Tradition and Efficiency in a Minimalist Design

The facade of the Riverway Residence showcases a pleasing geometry that combines brick and textured stone, creating a visually striking exterior. At the heart of the house lies a traditional courtyard, featuring wooden jaalis that add a touch of elegance and provide a connection to the past. The windows of the house are adorned with cantilevered ledges, offering informal seating reminiscent of jharokas, the traditional overhanging enclosed balconies found in Indian architecture.

One of the standout features of the Riverway Residence is the cantilevered staircase adjacent to the kitchen. With wooden treads and suspended ropes, this staircase adds a unique and contemporary touch to the interior design. Additionally, a glass walkway supported by wooden members traverses the central portion of the house, creating a sense of transparency and openness.

The design of the Riverway Residence embraces a minimalist approach, utilizing wood and Indian stones as the primary materials in the interiors. Against a backdrop of beige, these key elements add warmth and character to the space. The focus was to keep the building simple and add color through furniture and decor, such as the sofa, cushions, and upholstery.

Spanning a site area of 371.60 square meters, the Riverway Residence boasts a built-up area of 278.7 square meters. The project, which began in January 2016, was completed in June 2017 in Vadodara, India.

One of the creative challenges faced during the design process was to make the house Vastu compliant, incorporating various elements like the central Brahmasthan, while maintaining contemporary sensibilities. The result is a space that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, creating a harmonious and functional living environment.

The Riverway Residence has been recognized for its exceptional design, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in 2018 in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Riverway Residence stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.

With its unique blend of tradition and contemporary aesthetics, the Riverway Residence is a testament to Nitin Bhardwaj's design prowess. This stunning residential house showcases the beauty of vernacular architecture interpreted through the lens of modern technology, creating a space that is both functional and visually captivating.