Versatile Decadence: A Masterstroke in Adaptive Reuse

Architect Hiloni Sutaria Chudgar Transforms Dilapidated Outhouse into Luxurious Space

The inspiration for Versatile Decadence came during a train journey. Hiloni Sutaria Chudgar saw the potential in transportation design to be both avant-garde and nuanced, yet utilitarian and multipurpose. This vision was then applied to the outhouse, resulting in a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

The project's unique properties lie in its regeneration of a dilapidated outhouse. The fluid and stoic landscape provided an interesting micro-context for the design. The multipurpose cabinet, with its curves and metallic paint finish, adds a sense of directionality and calmness to the dynamism of the space. The amorphous curves are designed to fit its functions, with the media centre curving towards the sitting area. The curved steps lead into the striking red pool, whose ceiling, made from the broken older facade, reflects the water. Each detail of the space is designed with utmost functionality without compromising on the luxury of design.

The realization of the design involved custom-designed hinges for the doors of the entertainment area to facilitate a hydraulic hinge for a compound curve surface. The fluidity of the surface and the metal finish of the cabinet respond to the immediate context. The ceiling of the informal area is custom designed from the older facade panels of the existing structure, paying homage to the past while reflecting light waves in the water.

The project, located in Ahmedabad, took seven months to complete. The design team, led by Hiloni Sutaria Chudgar, researched materials and products to ensure that each detail of the space was optimized. This included custom-designed hinges for the entertainment area, a false ceiling created with shattered glass from the old door of the facade, and compound curves of the cabinet to optimize the use of space.

Despite the challenges of executing the design in a small town in India with limited technical knowhow, the team was able to overcome these obstacles. The result is a space that is not only functional and luxurious, but also pays homage to the architectural identity of the existing structure. The Versatile Decadence project is a testament to the power of adaptive reuse and the potential of design to transform spaces.