Bageecha Farmhouse
The Bageecha Farmhouse stands as a timeless testament to the enduring allure of rural living and the transformative power of architecture. With its seamless integration of tradition and innovation, authenticity and modernity, the residence offers its inhabitants a sanctuary of unparalleled beauty and tranquillity.
Area: 2 acres
Start Year : 2021
Completion year: 2024
Location : Vrindavan
Contractors : Buildscape Studios
Photography: Avesh Gaur
Lighting: Atcom lighting
Exterior glazings: Tostem
Bageecha is located in Vrindavan, spread across 2.5 acres of land. This project, much like our journey, embodies honest expression and quiet resilience. Situated on one of Vrindavan’s primary roads, the site shares access with the renowned Radha Rani Temple and Yaduvanshi Park. The land, shaped in a linear proportion of 1:3, is surrounded by agricultural fields, with green cover limited to crops and a few scattered trees. The client, a retiring army official currently residing in Delhi, envisioned this property as his retirement home on his ancestral land. With a nuclear family that includes two dogs and horses, the project took on a personal significance for all family members, each of whom had varying aspirations.The project aimed to design a retirement home, with the client’s children also planning a future commercial space.
Initially, we envisioned the client’s disciplined military background to reflect a life of authority and structure. However, our first meeting revealed the opposite—he and his family were authentic, modest, and deeply rooted in nature. This contrast became the cornerstone of our design approach.
The design philosophy of Bageecha Farmhouse is grounded in a profound respect for authenticity and a strong connection to nature. Drawing inspiration from traditional principles like Vastu Shastra and courtyard design, the architecture strikes a balance between contemporary elements and timeless aesthetics. The building itself is monumental and assertive, with geometric blocks punctuating the facade to frame breathtaking views of the surrounding greenery, inviting the outdoors into the living spaces.
The interiors, in contrast, were designed to be minimal and timeless, reflecting the essence of an army home with personal collectibles gathered during the family’s journey. Each room is carefully crafted to maximize natural light and offer panoramic vistas, fostering a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings.
Upon entering the Bageecha Farmhouse, one is greeted with a captivating interplay of volumes and textures, characterised by exposed raw finishes that exude warmth and character. While the exterior boasts a rugged elegance reminiscent of brutalist architecture, the interiors radiate a sense of calm and tranquillity, reflecting the persona of the client—an ex-army official with a penchant for simplicity and understated luxury. Expansive windows blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, inviting the natural beauty of the surroundings into every corner of the residence.
Central to the design concept is the bio pond, strategically positioned between the main living and dining areas, serving as a focal point that breathes life into the space. Formal and informal gathering areas seamlessly merge, offering residents a versatile environment for hosting and relaxation. The farmhouse celebrates farm living, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the occupants and the natural world, including the client’s affinity for animals.The central courtyard housing the pool and the outdoor deck acts as the heart of the residence.The movement axis is optimally designed to connect to all public spaces and the master + guest bedroom on the lower level. The informal entrance is closer to the daily use spaces like the master bedroom,living,dining & kitchen while the formal entry is closer to the study which allows guests to remain only in the public space.
One organic design decision was to leave the slabs raw, a choice made during the casting stage. This decision evokes nostalgia for the client, reminding him of government buildings with similar ceiling styles. Additionally, it serves as a metaphor for the authenticity and rawness we aimed to present in the design.The study room was dedicated to the family’s collectibles, showcasing the client’s professional recognitions and serving as a tribute to their army life.
While much has been said about the seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s important to highlight how the building truly interacts with its surroundings, all while maintaining a minimal and quiet interior palette. Embracing the client’s love for horses, we integrated this passion into the interior design, creating a personalized touch throughout the space. Softness was introduced into the living and dining areas with a series of arches, which not only added warmth but also brought character to the space, creating a welcoming and harmonious atmosphere.
