Fact File
Location: Vadodara, Gujarat
Size: 100 sq m
Principal Architect: Urvi Shah
Photography by: Tejas Shah Photography
The Yellow Box by Traanspace is a ruminative 100-square-meter workplace for a wholesale spice business set amidst a bustling marketplace in Vadodara. Reflective of the spice business the client is engaged in, the overall design concept, the idea of arches, the colour yellow, and the material palette of grey lime plaster and wooden wicker furniture were derived from Indian culture. A simple rectangular mass with a restrained palette of exposed grey lime plaster serves as a subdued backdrop to the contemplative yellow arched openings, resulting in a bold, minimalistic façade in contrast to the chaotic surroundings. The interior and exterior had to be conceptualised synchronously to allow simplicity and playfulness to exist cohesively. The predominantly organic design language weaves the vivid elements together. The blend of ambient natural light with required artificial light sets the perfect environment for the store.
In response to the space crunch, the simple idea of having a double-height space with an overlooking mezzanine area opened a new dimension, adding immense volume to the store. Set on such a tight plot, no space could be wasted for adding new walls and structures. Innovatively, metal arches merged with the necessary metal structural members, reforming the design concept and adding a new parameter to the design while keeping the Indianness intact. Like the facade’s arches, the yellow Jaisalmer flooring draws inspiration from Haldi. It features a lovely carpet as well as handcrafted wicker and wood furniture. The palette was kept monochromatic, with the walls, ceiling, and metal arches finished in grey. Individually, the soft curves used in everything from metal arches to staircases to furniture pieces present diversity. Whether it was a space issue if new walls and RCC columns were to be added or the client’s limited time frame, a metal structure presented a single solution to many of the project’s constraints.
The lower level accommodates the reception and display area and the director’s cabins. The mezzanine has accounts and marketing desks. An additional private floor was added to accommodate the conference room, pantry, and toilet, further leading to an open-to-sky walled terrace. Space for a connecting passage was left to link terraces shared by various shops at this level. This space, though a part of the building, exists independently. The walled terrace was finally added as a breathing nook to a function-oriented layout. The material palette is put together by cautiously selecting local materials, adhering to the sustainability principle that “the lesser the material travels, the greater it benefits nature.” Lime plaster, sandstone flooring, and wooden furniture have all been tested over time, and a design created with them encompasses timeless architecture. Adding curves and arches to the structural members blends them with the overall concept by prefacing Indianness in a modern way.
The metal staircase connecting all the levels is a design piece. The cantilevered steps keep one’s view unhindered, hence not cutting the volume of the space, whereas the bright yellow colour added to the railing draws one’s attention. The organic nature of the cantilevered steps, the connector, and the railing are homogeneous to the design concept. A timeless palette of wooden furniture was considered for this project, with a decision to add wicker for a hint of Indian character. Together, they present a palette complimentary to the design concept. Each piece of furniture, with its simple geometry and smooth, soft curve, is designed in-house and handcrafted on-site. As it unfolds differently at different levels, the play of natural light adds a little drama to the project. The lower level draws light from the front north opening, the mezzanine from the skylight, and the upper level from the walled terrace. Tracks of adjustable artificial lights are neatly added to the exposed ceiling.
