Architects Snehal Shah and Saloni Shah’s Authentic way of communicating with nature and giving back to society.
Climbed a few steps surrounded by bushes and entered a huge brown door, we were led into an inner courtyard, the exposed concrete structure surrounded by soft natural, afternoon ambient light, that was entering through multiple doors and roof ducts. Greens were craftfully spread on the ground, planted like a natural carpet making it look raw and feel tender. Surrounding that courtyard were numerous doors opening to different needful rooms and kitchen gardens. You could feel nature’s breeze in the inner atmosphere. This was the perfect setup for coexisting with nature, this was a residence built with love, and this was the space Mr Snehal Shah and Mrs Saloni Shah call their Home.
When you step into this home, you aren’t just entering a residence; you are entering a philosophy. It’s a space where design meets sustainability, and every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to reflect their values.
"Everything Is Best in Its Purest Form" says Mr. Shah as he was having a pure cup of coffee with team HFM.
This philosophy isn’t just something Mr. Snehal Shah says—it’s evident everywhere around him. As a practicing architect for the past 24 years, Snehal has always believed in staying true to the core essence of things. Whether it's his lifestyle or his professional work, simplicity, purity, and functionality are the pillars upon which he builds.
Designing Their Dream
In 2008, the couple purchased the land on which their current home now stands. Before making it their own, they were already connected to the space, using it for various activities during the lockdown. But the journey to this home was not as straightforward as one might think. The couple's first design was a grand, luxurious 15,000 sq. ft. space, a reflection of their early ambitions. While the design was lauded by family, something felt off—it didn’t truly reflect them.
After a lot of thought and discussion, they decided to scrap the design and start fresh. The result? A much more modest, 6,800 sq. ft. home where sustainability took center stage. "We wanted functionality over aesthetics, and sustainability over luxury," says Snehal. And that decision, they believe, was the right one. They created a home that was both beautiful and humble, reflecting their beliefs and their commitment to living in balance with nature.
“We saw it as an opportunity to show what we believe in,” Snehal says. “If we could create a home that reflected our core values, it would be okay for anyone to see it and form their own opinions.”
To this day, Snehal and Saloni have never heard a single negative comment about their home. And that, to them, is the ultimate affirmation of their vision.
A Space That Connects You to Nature
Talking about the difference between their current home and their previous apartment, “Before, we lived in a home that was functionally adequate,” says Snehal. “But here, we’re connected to the ground. It’s not just about functionality, but about being in tune with nature.”
This connection is not just aesthetic; it’s practical. The couple, both architects, designed their home with a keen eye for sustainability and indoor air quality—an aspect that’s become a hallmark of their work. “Most of my projects use exposed concrete and incorporate as many greens as possible,” Snehal explains. “This home reflects that philosophy in the best way.”
Natural ventilation flows freely through the space, and the couple has even incorporated food gardens, where they grow their own produce. It’s a lifestyle that embodies the freedom and calm of being one with the environment.
Sustainability: A Journey from Luxury to Mindful Design
Sustainability wasn’t always part of the conversation in architecture, at least not in the way it is today. “When I started my career in the early 2000s, it wasn’t something people talked about,” Snehal reflects. “But over time, I began to realize the importance of using resources sustainably, and I started incorporating that into my projects.”
In the early days of his practice, Snehal worked on diamond factory designs, where energy consumption was off the charts. That’s when he began to master the art of energy conservation. Today, his buildings consume 30-40% less electricity, a standard that has become a cornerstone of his firm’s identity.
Seven years ago, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) asked Snehal Shah to chair the Surat Chapter, further deepening his commitment to sustainable design. Since then, he has proudly led a movement in South Gujarat, designing over 30 green buildings—a feat that not only demonstrates his expertise but also reflects his belief in responsible architecture.
For Mr. Shah Snehal, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a lifestyle. He affectionately calls greens his "second wife." “We are happily married,” he laughs, “and I believe that incorporating greenery into your home connects you back to nature.”
The Impact of Ambience on Wellbeing
As the conversation turned towards mental and physical well-being, it became clear that Snehal’s vision extended beyond the physical aspects of design. “Sunlight is extremely important,” he says. “It’s a natural disinfectant. Sun and natural air are a blessing, and they fill your inner space with life.”
For him, a home should provide comfort, calmness, and balance. “Your home should not create stress; it should give you peace. It should soothe your soul.” This philosophy is evident in the home’s design—minimalistic, peaceful, and therapeutic. There are spaces for fitness and meditation, promoting a healthy lifestyle in every corner. “First aspire for a healthy lifestyle,” says Snehal, “and then design your paradise.”
A Vision for the Future: "Planet First, People First"
Snehal Shah believes that architecture is a responsible profession. “As architects, we must balance client needs with sustainability,” he says. “We are running out of resources. We should focus on how buildings perform, not just how they look.”
His advice is simple but powerful: “Either don’t build, or think about how your building will perform over time.” For our eco-Architect, it’s all about ensuring that buildings are not just resources for consumption but are designed with the future in mind.
With their tagline, “Planet First, People First,” Snehal and Saloni Shah have created a legacy of thoughtful, sustainable architecture. Through their work, they show us that a well-designed space can do more than house us—it can elevate our quality of life and connect us to something much greater than ourselves: the Earth.
As you sit in the inner courtyard of their home, surrounded by the lush greenery and the soft hum of nature, you realize that this space isn’t just about the physical structure—it’s about creating a life that is in harmony with the world around us. and they aim to build something similar for you.
Penned By Yeshasvi Pareek
Contact no. 9825116616
Insta.id https://www.instagram.com/studio_essteam?igsh=MXBwdDZzZXlzNmQ5NA==
Check out Hello Fitness Magazine. There is never a wrong time to go on a fitness quest. Contact us and allow us to assist you in leading a better lifestyle. Follow us on Instagram. We share the best Health & Fitness related Articles for information based on healthy eating, health and fitness recommendations, health problems and their solutions, human body fitness, and much more.
