a for architecture

By Editorial Staff - 3 March 2025

Led by Ajay Sonar and Monali Patil, the a for architecture design studio is deeply engaged with the process of transformation currently reshaping the city of Nashik, in Maharashtra. Amid this evolving urban context, the studio is keen to help slow the pace of change, reduce the risk of exclusion it may entail, bridge the gap between established and emerging cultural practices, and support the spatial changes associated with the type and scale of new functional programs.

Natural materials frequently define spaces through texture in a for architecture projects. The House of Deep Verandas in Nashik adopts a different approach, focusing on natural light as a central design element. As if it were an artist’s canvas, the design incorporates verandas and skylights to orchestrate a play of light that dances across the home’s white surfaces. The building’s layout takes the form of an L, carving out a generous green courtyard enhanced by an outdoor swimming pool. Ensuring that it blends into the surrounding landscape, the upper level is smaller than the lower level.

Soft light from overhead sources flows into the interiors of the Ramp House, another residence in Nashik. As the name suggests, this house features a system of gently sloping ramps, facilitating movement for residents, including anyone who faces mobility challenges. The central courtyard is flanked by two volumes that accommodate a variety of spaces. Ramps are strategically placed around the building’s perimeter. Gathering areas distributed on intermediate landings overcome the concept of separate floors to create a dynamic living environment inspired by an urban fabric concept.