House & Studios for Dhruva Mistry, Vadodara, India. 1991 – 1993

This house for the Royal Academician, Dhruva Mistry, and the sculptor Trupti Patel, engaged issues of privacy and the amelioration of the climate. The quality of light was very important for the client and several devices (eg light bouncing off the connecting walkway, windows set in the slots, louvered screens) were employed to temper the harsh natural light. Large expanses of wall were side lit for display of the clients' bas reliefs.

The stair, whose walls are angled to avoid the sun, also forms part of the courtyard enclosure. A water channel moistens the prevailing breeze. Studio windows allowed long views and through ventilation.