Skewed: A Serene Oasis of Simple Aesthetics and Nature

Residence Designed by Hardik Shah

Skewed House, designed by Hardik Shah of Studio Lagom, is a stunning residence that stands out with its simple aesthetics, minimal material palette, and strong connections to nature. This 11,000-square-foot villa, located in Surat, seeks to create an oasis of serenity in the midst of the city's typical urban milieu.

The inspiration for Skewed House came from the architect's passion for photography. He envisioned the project as a collection of interconnected vistas, which led to the subtle "skewedness" of the design. Elements in the house are slightly shifted off the straight line, creating interesting perspectives and adding more life to the three-dimensional space.

The spatial program of the villa and the zoning of the plot were influenced by the occasional floods that the city experiences. The design incorporates strategic projections and recessions in the facade, with important areas emphasized through cantilevering and material play. Concrete, white plaster, stone, and wood are the main materials used, giving the house a modern and contemporary feel.

The standout feature of Skewed House is its connection to nature. The villa seamlessly integrates the inside space with the surrounding environment, allowing residents to enjoy the beauty of nature from every corner of the house. The compound wall, made of Valsadi teak battens, is softened by cascades of creepers, adding a touch of greenery to the exterior.

The design of Skewed House presented several challenges, one of which was incorporating a complete garden on the first floor that connects with the entire house. Through extensive research and innovative engineering, the challenge was overcome by implementing a post-tensioned slab.

Skewed House was completed in August 2017 after six years of meticulous planning and execution. The result is a residence that not only showcases the architect's creativity and technical skills but also provides a tranquil retreat for its inhabitants.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2019. The award acknowledges Skewed House as an outstanding and creatively ingenious design that incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology. It contributes to improving the quality of life and making the world a better place.

Image Credits: Photographix | Sebastian + Ira