Kagal Craft, Maharashtra
Refurbishing the Old - Vol.36(5), May - New Delhi Burda Media India Private Limited 2019 - 80-86p.
Situated in the heart of Baroda, the project is a 120-year-old property built around 1888 by Madhav Rao Gaekwad, the present owner’s grandfather. The mansion is built in the Indo-Saracenic style. It is an eclectic assortment of motifs from Persian, Indian and British influences. It’s an architect’s fantasy with gothic turrets competing with Rajput Jharoka balconies. Red brick arches form the façade with a grand porch that beckons one inside to discover its secrets. A majestic fountain especially commissioned is in working condition; the two dancing cherubs on top entwined dolphins welcome one to the home. The old Indian joint families have however become nuclear and the succeeding generations find it hard to maintain such big mansions. The clients have wisely decided to share their beautiful home with a few discerning guests.
When the clients asked the architect to help convert their family home into a homestay, he thought it would be a small interior advice on basic interiors. The mansion however was in serious need of architectural and structural repairs. But despite the many challenges, the mansion dictated that it be given its due respect and attention. If walls could talk, what stories would this house tell? But then these walls did talk. They had their own story and the architectural nuances dictated the terms on which this show piece was designed and refurbished. It demanded nothing short of intricate detailing and care be bestowed on it. The clients put their heart and soul into restoring their home to its former glory. The architects as a team left no stone unturned to make this dream come true.
URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN (AR-UPD)
Refurbishing the Old - Vol.36(5), May - New Delhi Burda Media India Private Limited 2019 - 80-86p.
Situated in the heart of Baroda, the project is a 120-year-old property built around 1888 by Madhav Rao Gaekwad, the present owner’s grandfather. The mansion is built in the Indo-Saracenic style. It is an eclectic assortment of motifs from Persian, Indian and British influences. It’s an architect’s fantasy with gothic turrets competing with Rajput Jharoka balconies. Red brick arches form the façade with a grand porch that beckons one inside to discover its secrets. A majestic fountain especially commissioned is in working condition; the two dancing cherubs on top entwined dolphins welcome one to the home. The old Indian joint families have however become nuclear and the succeeding generations find it hard to maintain such big mansions. The clients have wisely decided to share their beautiful home with a few discerning guests.
When the clients asked the architect to help convert their family home into a homestay, he thought it would be a small interior advice on basic interiors. The mansion however was in serious need of architectural and structural repairs. But despite the many challenges, the mansion dictated that it be given its due respect and attention. If walls could talk, what stories would this house tell? But then these walls did talk. They had their own story and the architectural nuances dictated the terms on which this show piece was designed and refurbished. It demanded nothing short of intricate detailing and care be bestowed on it. The clients put their heart and soul into restoring their home to its former glory. The architects as a team left no stone unturned to make this dream come true.
URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN (AR-UPD)