water features and greenery wrap hiren patel architects' house in india in serenity

hiren patel architects completes anandvan — forest of joy

Hiren Patel Architects’ Anandvan — Forest of Joy, located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, houses a family of five as it sits shrouded in an enclosure of greenery. With its thoughtful orientation, integration of soothing water elements, and raw brick and concrete forms, the house seeks to establish harmony between architecture and its environment to support a balanced lifestyle.

Inside, the layout emphasizes comfort and serenity, with its north-facing entrance creating both a gateway and a divide between public and private realms. Meanwhile, bedrooms and the kitchen are oriented towards the south and southeast corners to optimize sunlight without excessive heat gain, enhancing energy efficiency.

all images by Vinay Panjwani

raw and sleek finishes lend the house its distinct character

Hiren Patel Architects material palette of exposed brick, reinforced concrete, and full-height glass lends the house a blend of durability and sleek visual charm. Glazing invites uninterrupted views of the landscape, erasing the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces while allowing the structure’s form to take center stage. With Anandvan, the Indian practice integrates a philosophy of holistic design, where thoughtful spatial planning and material choices foster a lifestyle in sync with nature.

Incorporating natural elements, the house uses water strategically for cooling and ambiance. A water feature runs along the north verandah, bordered by a pond on three sides which carves an inviting space for relaxation and social gatherings. Elements like the library corner and an outdoor dining area with a built-in waterfall create further intimate pockets within the house, with the sound of water introducing a sense of calm, grounding the residents’ daily rhythms of life.

located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad