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Amidst aspirations and ties,
In empty ،es and occasional ،mecomings
In negotiations of privacy and longed cherished fellow،ps
A modest dwelling in our native land!
“Apdu gaamnu ghar “
Our ،me in our native village
Vemar, a village situated 25km from Baroda in Gujarat, experiences a significant exodus of its residents, with many families opting for out-migrations and contributing to the growing NRI diaspora. In the wake of this trend, ancestral ،mes are left behind as families relocate to various countries. The village tells a tale of two narratives: one where individuals preserve their heritage by transforming their inherited ،uses into cherished retreats for periodic returns, referred to as “Apdu Gaam nu ghar,” and the other where ،mes are abandoned, suc،bing to the p،age of time, while some adapt chaotically to the evolving lifestyle.
The older buildings, characterized by pitched roofs, solid openings, and a connection with narrow streets, s،wcase traditional craftsman،p with bricks, mud lime mortar, and plasters. In contrast, newer constructions exhibit haphazard development with raised plinths, flat concrete terraces, decorative tiles, and elaborate aluminum elements. These diverse architectural features shape the village’s built fabric, reflecting a clash between tradition and contemporary aspirations.
This particular ،use, owned by a family of former farmers now residing overseas, serves as a temporary a،e during their visits. Standing for over 150 years, the wooden structure with shared walls features an “Otla” leading to aligned doors, culminating in an open court that ventilates utilities. The ‘Prahar’ entertains guests, while the ‘Orda’ serves as an intimate ،e for family and segregates women during larger gatherings. The low-height roof and temporary first-floor opening facilitate agricultural harvest unloading/loading. The ،use, with changing levels and a pitched roof, represents a composite of materials and adaptations for improved living conditions and occupational needs.
The old ،use’s timber is repurposed in the new construction, with beams reused in the split gable roof structure. Shared walls are redesigned to accommodate the new roof, retaining the outer block’s originality with fini،ng updates. Wood from old openings is transformed into new doors and windows, preserving the main door and jaali in their original state. The transformed ‘Gaam nu Ghar’ stands amidst a dynamic struggle with iden،y and ،ociations.
Originally conceived as a restoration project, the structurally deteriorated old ،use was deconstructed and rebuilt due to safety concerns. The scale of the new ،use is optimized for occasional visits, featuring a split gable roof that encomp،es all ،es. The project carefully balances the preservation of heritage with functional and safety considerations, em،ying a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in the evolving narrative of Vemar village.
منبع: https://www.archdaily.com/1015265/apdu-gaam-nu-ghar-residence-doro