A decorative armour of geometric metal blocks builds the unique façade of this 600 square metre luxury home in Surat, Gujarat, India, designed by Openideas Architects. The form of the ‘Hive’ family home was inspired by the client’s profession in making machines for the diamond industry, and hexagonal structures found in honeycomb. An entire year’s sun path study was integral to the plotting of the decorative screen walls that characterise much of the structure. With core competency in mechanical engineering, client Kamalbhai Mistry delivered a concise 90 point brief for the unprecedented project. It would be a smart structure, rendered in metal, it would be intelligent, adaptable, sustainable, and feature a mono-space family living area.
The honeycomb structure of the ‘HIve’ home’s modern exterior glows warmly in the dusk, revealing twinkling glimpses of interior lighting. 
Outdoor uplighters illuminate the metal clad exterior geometry on the ground floor, and the sparingly placed topiary across a manicured lawn. 
Winding pathways snake across the gross, maneuvering around the shrubbery. 
Volumes of the structure are set at contrasting angles to break up the overall mass. 
Differing hexagonal patterns inspired by nature, from carbon crystals and honeycomb, not only look stunning on the outsides of the volumes but actively cool and characterise the interior spaces. 
The metallic finish of the solar sensor-based facade creates a rich palatial presence. 
This architectural triumph lands at an intriguing intersection between art and engineering. 
Biomimicry presents a design based on structural strength and transformability. 
The modules of the facade change thermal levels and light exposure inside the house, causing remarkable sciography. 
The intrepid client viewed this building like he would a product from the machines he deals in, and insisted on ‘manufacturing’ it flawlessly. 
Mr Mistry specified everything from planning, structure, materials, landscape and sustainability to insulation, HVAC and plumbing. 
The form of the building became molded by the realities of external temperature, solar radiation, cloud cover, wind pattern and humidity. All of the ideas that went into the home’s making underwent extensive research and prototyping to ensure perfection. With metal a dominant material, fast construction became possible. 
The build site was part of four plots belonging to the extended Mistry family. Apartment complexes appear on plots to the east and west of the project site in Vesu, an upcoming part of Surat.
The angular V-shaped of the structure is oriented towards green pockets spread around the house. 
A bridge and valley experience is created at the home entrance, with a sunken court and a walk-able green roof. The sloping roof provides thermal insulation on a technical level, whilst doubling as a social gathering area. 
A sunken court, stepped garden, and a stilted arrival corridor add to the rises and falls of the design. 
Shadow patterns change as the sun moves throughout the day. 
Inside, the open plan home creates a fluid environment. Division of space is communicated through variations in materials and by sculptural pieces. 
A bright orange accent hue brings vibrancy to the relaxed neutral decor palette, via wall art, scatter cushions and an eye-catching chaise lounge chair. 
The decorative blocks on the outside of the building become wallpaper for the interior, and even floor pattern as the sun passes by the voids. The living room textiles are plain and restful, so that designer pieces like this unusual floor lamp duo receive due attention. 
Soft grey, sage green and wood tone meld in warm and comforting unity. 
A floating TV wall descends from a wood slatted ceiling. A wood media cabinet skims underneath it, creating a light and open dividing technique within the substantial living space. 
This curvaceous entity is both a room divider and a beautiful sculptural bench. 
The seat of the bench seems to echo the ceiling design, distorted in ripples. 
The unique staircase design stripes around the stairwell like the manipulated ribcage of a gigantic whale. 
More geometrics pattern the great wooden balustrades of the extraordinary piece. 
Honeycomb blocks fill a corner window, fashioning a gorgeous reading nook, bathed in light play. 
In the stairwell, a gold chandelier is complemented by a satin gold banister. 
The hallway accommodates a small sitting area at a large picture window, a perfect conversational spot. 
Glossy stone floors and polished woods bounce natural light through the interior. 
SS powder coats the intricate metal facade. 
Honeycomb screen walls give the ventilated walkway a magical, intimate atmosphere, whilst opening it up to the beauty of the green garden. 
The light play here falls in perfection, unfurling like a long geometric runner toward the custom entry door of this special home. 
It’s from this elevated vantage point that it is best to witness the artistic window reveals. SIx triangular fragments pull away from the centres of twenty geometric domes to let in the day. 
The screening differs in design to break up the facade, but work harmoniously as one under the same coating. 
Side elevation. The upper level has two bedrooms that remain connected to the garden thanks to the green roof design. 
Ground floor plan, driveway, pathways and landscaping. 
