Living 'Naturally'

AHMEDABAD: Today, space constraint is synonymous with urban growth. Amid rising realty prices and families forced to share spaces, the luxury of 'connecting to nature', that is, to have a lush green garden is often a distant dream. But for some, constraints are an impetus to find creative solutions.
Alpavi and Dr Utpal Patel's home demonstrates that limitations of space are not reasons to disconnect from nature.Located in one of the old housing societies of the city, the 50-year-old house, built by Utpal's father, has undergone many changes - reflecting the inevitable additions, multiplications and divisions of family life.
Originally this family home flanked a large garden. "Due to plot division, the garden suddenly shrunk!" says landscape architect Ashish Teli, who guided the couple. "There was an abrupt disconnect with nature, which was a close member in family's rituals. The only respite was the existing backyard and a gully space."
The 10 feet wide gully is redefined with ornate parts of the old house - carved wooden doors and brackets set in within the arekas and rolias, complete with an old carved jhula. Along with a variety of flora, antique sculptures are re-organized in the landscape. The idea was also to replace the displaced landscape of memory.
Further, the nature-loving couple opened up the house to the landscape and the result is a beautiful relationship between the interior and landscape.
"The old doors and windows were replaced with large openings. The house is levelled with the landscape to enhance continuity," says Alpavi, who re-did the house herself. From the gazebo, one can move into the dining area, then on to the formal living space which in turn flows into the garden - all make the inside-outside seamless. The temple and puja areas are also relocated within the garden. Upper bedrooms were also re-modelled to drink in the 'green' view. Family rituals defining the order, making this house a home was not possible without the support of her husband, adds Alpavi
Upkeep of soft architecture demands time and nurture. Such engagements are often personal and passionate. Blessed with a green thumb, Alpavi doesn't agree less. Equipped with no formal training, the tastefully revamped house is this homemaker's paradise. After all paradise was also a garden!
The Aha Moment
Of the many details in the garden, one is a carved stone mural along the compound's edge. Apart from being a mere visual element, it is also a waterfall. It makes the deck a space to unwind in, with the sound of water trickling down the stone carvings enhancing the serenity