Shah House by SAOTA, A Tranquil Riverfront Retreat Designed for Multigenerational Living in Surat, India
Architecture Design of Shah House
Description About The Project
Discover Shah House by SAOTA in Surat, India—an elegant riverfront estate of two modern homes and a shared pavilion, blending open courtyards with family-centered living and lush natural views.
The Project “Shah House” Information:
- Project Name: Shah House
- Location: Surat, India
- Site Area: 3 320 m2
- Project Area: 2 896 m2
- Designed by: SAOTA
A Vision Rooted in Landscape and Family
Set along the gentle banks of the Tapti River in Surat, India, Shah House by SAOTA is a carefully composed development consisting of two interconnected residences and a shared pavilion. The design responds not only to the dramatic beauty of its riverside setting but also to the cultural values of extended family living deeply rooted in Indian tradition.
“Our client wanted a home where multiple generations could live together while maintaining individual privacy,” shares the design team at SAOTA. “This meant designing a dynamic spatial structure that supports both connection and retreat.”
A Harmonious Interplay of Courtyards and Openness
At the heart of the project lies a series of sheltered courtyards, which form the nucleus of each home and the shared spaces between them. These courtyards act as breathing spaces—oases that filter natural light, promote ventilation, and offer moments of serenity throughout the day. Surrounding them, interior rooms unfold with intentional transparency, maximizing cross-views and a feeling of unity between each architectural component.
“The idea was to dissolve the typical barriers between rooms,” the architects explain. “We imagined the house not as a collection of isolated boxes, but as a living organism where one space naturally leads to the next.”
Architecture in Dialogue with Climate
Responding to Surat’s tropical monsoon climate, SAOTA integrated deep overhangs, shaded walkways, and ventilated semi-outdoor zones into the architectural fabric. The result is a home that breathes with its environment—where the sun’s intensity is tempered by louvers and canopies, and seasonal breezes are harnessed to naturally cool the interiors.
The buildings are oriented to maximize views of the river, while maintaining privacy from neighboring properties. Floor-to-ceiling glazing is strategically placed to invite daylight without overwhelming the interiors with heat. Textured concrete, warm timber screens, and locally sourced stone were selected for their thermal properties and natural appeal.
A Pavilion as the Heart of Community
Linking the two homes is a shared pavilion—a floating, open-air structure designed for gatherings, celebrations, and everyday interactions. Positioned to face the river, it becomes a panoramic stage for watching sunsets, enjoying meals, or simply experiencing the rhythm of water and sky.
The pavilion’s design is intentionally minimal yet expressive: a lightweight roof hovers over an open-plan lounge and dining area, its structure delicately framed by slender columns. Here, family life extends outward, shaped by nature and guided by cultural rituals.
“The pavilion was conceived as a democratic space,” says SAOTA. “It’s not owned by one household but belongs to the whole family. In this sense, it’s both symbolic and functional—a place where memories are made.”
A Modern Home with Cultural Sensitivity
Despite its modern aesthetics, Shah House doesn’t abandon the cultural nuances of its context. From the placement of rooms based on Vaastu principles, to the integration of traditional courtyards and shaded verandas, every design decision was made in consultation with the family’s way of life.
Each residence accommodates distinct family units with private bedrooms, lounges, and service zones, while shared spaces foster a sense of togetherness. The layout encourages flow, yet provides clear boundaries for solitude and rest.
“Architecture should evolve from the lives of its inhabitants,” the SAOTA team reflects. “At Shah House, design becomes a backdrop to the rituals, relationships, and seasons of family life.”
Conclusion
Shah House by SAOTA is more than a pair of homes—it’s a living framework for family, culture, and nature to coexist. It invites the outdoors in through sheltered courtyards, opens up to sweeping river views, and offers spaces both intimate and expansive. In doing so, it redefines multigenerational living through a lens of architectural elegance and environmental respect.
Luxury Houses Magazine reached out to the SAOTA team for additional insights into the client’s experience, and the architects emphasized that “the greatest success is how the home continues to adapt and serve the family’s evolving needs.”
Photo credit: | Source: SAOTA
For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: 109 Hatfield Street Gardens, Cape Town 8001
– Tel: +27 (0)21 468 4400
– Email: info@saota.com
More Projects in India here:
- Sri Sri Villa by Ace Associates, A Vastu-Inspired Sanctuary Surrounded by Nature in Gujarat
- Panjab House by Planet Design & Associates Blends Floating Geometry with Light-Filled Living in Ludhiana, India
- KIRTI Residence by UNEVEN, A Harmonious Minimalist Home in Vadodara
- Casa bianca villa in Ahmedabad by The Grid Architects, A Biophilic Urban Sanctuary Rooted in Art, Light, and Serenity
- Through the Layers House by Mawi Design, A Tranquil Urban Sanctuary in T. Nagar, Chennai, India
