Designed by UA Lab, Bellevue—A House in the Park in Ahmedabad seamlessly integrates formal and informal spaces within a cuboidal glass pavilion, blending architecture with the surrounding green expanse.
UA Lab, a multidisciplinary design studio led by Vipuja and Krushnakant Parmar, designed Bellevue—A House in the Park in Ahmedabad, a distinctive project spread across a gross built area of 9,500 square meters. The project introduces the concept of creating a “third place” in architecture, blending formal and informal spatial expressions to meet the unique needs of the client.
The client sought a versatile space that could host professional meetings during weekdays while transforming into a vibrant setting for socializing with family and children during weekends and festive occasions. This dualpurpose requirement necessitated a seamless integration of formal and informal elements within the design.
The expansive site, characterized by its vast open landscape, inspired the architects to conceptualize a simple cuboidal glass pavilion. This pure and generic form offers flexibility in its usage, aligning with the client’s vision. Strategically positioned at one edge of the site, the pavilion establishes a strong connection with the surrounding open green expanse, allowing the natural environment to become an integral part of the spatial experience.
The cuboidal box is envisioned as a rectangular pavilion that features an innovative design element along its longer edge—a light edge that alternates between pergolas and a flat roof. The pergola introduces a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, creating a lively and ever-changing atmosphere within the linear space. This light edge also serves to seamlessly merge the interior and exterior spaces. Beneath the flat roof, a relaxed seating area outside the pavilion enhances the connection to nature, fostering a serene and tranquil experience.
Adding her insight on the design and material use Vipuja Parmar says, “Exposed Ceiling with natural RCC ceiling. Natural stone is used for flooring. Furniture works are done with wood and veneer. The finishes are selected to give a natural and serene experience to the entire space.”
On the shorter side, the pavilion opens onto a swimming pool area. When the glass sliders are fully opened, the pavilion integrates with both the expansive green vista on one side and the pool on the other, creating a fluid transition between these spaces. In front of the pavilion, a sunken seating area has been designed with a circular layout. This circular form harmonizes with the rectilinear pavilion and the larger green surroundings, offering a balanced spatial arrangement.
The client’s preference for ornamental plantation is reflected in the circumferential seating edge, which is adorned with conical Ficus plants. These ornamental layers are thoughtfully placed between the pavilion and the surrounding greenery, creating varied sensory experiences that enhance the connection to nature. The pavilion dissolves into the landscape, allowing nature to take center stage. By emphasizing immersive seating arrangements, the design celebrates the act of slowing down and enjoying the beauty of the natural environment.
A meandering pathway is designed to connect the pavilion to the house. The pathway is designed as an inbetween space. The pathway twirls around the existing trees. The project celebrates the activity of seating, relaxing, and socializing. Different pauses are designed to create opportunities to sit, relax, and enjoy the greens outside the house. Multiple smaller and bigger seating plazas are designed along the pathway.
Water features and natural stones are used to give a serene experience to the walkway. A water mural is designed to represent the circle of life. Natural stone flooring is used on the pathways. Natural stones with different finishes are used to create centric patterns in each seating plaza. These patterns define the plaza space along the pathways. Circular Dhangadhara sandstones of varying size are placed loose over the lawn area. It provides an interesting pathway pattern without disturbing the lawns. The contrast between the sandstone and the green lawns gives visual pleasure to these pathways.
Exposed ceiling with natural RCC ceiling. Natural stone is used for flooring. Furniture works are done with wood and veneer. The finishes are selected to give a natural and serene experience to the entire space.
Bellevue – A House in the Park seamlessly blends architecture with nature, offering versatile spaces that balance functionality and serenity. UA Lab’s thoughtful design celebrates harmony, adaptability, and the timeless beauty of the natural environment.
Photographs: Maulik Patel / Inclined Studio
