Kamala Cafe
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
2017 - 2018
Situated in the west of Ahmedabad, Kamal Cafe defines the poetic architectural oeuvre that Studio Praxis is germinating into. Landscaped with large trees the atmosphere of the place blurs the distinction between architecture and landscape and evokes human senses. The building blends itself with the pleasurable nature around and announces itself when elements like yellow stone walls and the rustic look of a concrete channel reveal themselves.
A narrow stone pathway emanating from the very soil leads us in, with dense planting on both sides like a Japanese garden which ends into a courtyard with a Gulmohar tree in its centre. The open dining space designed around this courtyard, with a water body on one side invites people in and resembles the traditional Indian architectural element of a chowk. A circular window frames a sculptural stone on one side and gives a romantic feeling of space on the other.
A view of the cafe from the freshly planted landscape
Spout detail
An occasional visitors
Detail
Site plan
Process models
Lotus pond
Isometric view
Sunlight pouring in from the circular archway
Site section
Project Details
Client -- Self Employed Women's Association (Sewa)
Built-up area -- 2515 sq ft
Team
Principal Architect -- Maneesh Kumar
Arthur Duff
Kalpesh Siddhpura
Photographer -- Harsh Bhavsar
Tender Consultant -- Sujal Parikh And Associates
Structural Engineer -- Nelson Macwan (Sujal Parikh And Associates)
Contractor -- Jaimin And Rahul