A GROVE FOR GATHERING

In Ahmedabad, R+R Architects craft a 6,904 sq ft sanctuary where a preserved tree, Zen minimalism, and contemporary opulence converge to create a space designed for connection, celebration, and serene immersion.

Photography - Ishita Sitwala

There are spaces designed for living, and then there are spaces designed for becoming—becoming alive, becoming present, becoming connected. Gathering Grove, by R+R Architects, belongs decidedly to the latter. Conceived for a Los Angeles–based client with a penchant for joyful gatherings, this Ahmedabad retreat reimagines the idea of an outhouse as a sculptural sanctuary where the boundaries between architecture and nature blur into an exquisite dance of materiality, mood, and movement.

A TREE AS ANCHOR, A VOID AS SKY

The spirit of the project rises—quite literally—from a preserved tree piercing through a circular roof opening. This extraordinary gesture becomes the architectural and emotional epicentre of the design: a living column of calm, grounding the structure in biophilic philosophy. A Zen-inspired raked sand garden radiates around it, creating a meditative threshold where stillness welcomes celebration.

Organic geometries, fluid curves, and expansive glazing dissolve edges, establishing a seamless continuum between inside and out. Light filters through the void in shifting patterns, transforming the tree into a sentient sculpture—an emblem of harmony, presence, and timelessness.

A SOCIAL RETREAT SHAPED BY PLAYFULLNESS AND POISE

Designed as an enclave for revelry, the space balances polish with personality. Every element reflects the client’s exuberant, stylish charm: the architecture is fluid, the atmosphere warm, and the design gestures spirited without ever losing elegance.

A sculptural stone bar anchors the social zone, its raw tactility juxtaposed with refined surfaces. Nearby, a floating staircase rises like a ribbon of sculpted light, enhancing the interplay between solidity and levity. Throughout the interior, jewel-toned furnishings, gilded accents, and bold lighting infuse contemporary opulence into the minimalist shell—creating an ambience that feels both energetic and elevated.

The palette resonates with the project’s contextual dialogue: earthen tones meet polished marble, timber blends with glass, and metallic moments introduce subtle brilliance. Each material is chosen not merely for its appearance but for its sensorial contribution—texture, warmth, reflectivity, depth.

WHERE ZEN CALM MEETS MODERN LUXURY

Every spatial transition is an invitation to slow down, observe, and exhale. Minimalist detailing ensures that nature remains the protagonist. Rounded glazing, organic forms, and gentle tonal shifts echo the quiet sophistication of Japanese Zen gardens. Yet the interiors pulse with a contemporary rhythm: bold chromatic inflections in mustard, teal, and powder blue add modern vibrancy without overwhelming the serenity.

These dualities—stillness and movement, rawness and refinement, nature and luxury—coexist effortlessly, forming the poetic backbone of Gathering Grove.

.

A CHOREOGRAPHY OF SCULPTURAL INTERIORS

Inside, the architecture becomes a symphony of contrasts. Stone and marble converse across surfaces; sleek lines play against organic curves; sculptures integrate seamlessly into functional design. Luxury here is crafted not from abundance but intention—every gesture is considered, every finish deliberate.

The dining space epitomises this ethos. Fluid curvatures shape the room, tactile wood softens the crisp geometry, and dramatic lighting acts as a sculptural punctuation. Circular motifs introduce playfulness, creating a tableau built for conversation, reflection, and shared culinary rituals. The space feels intimate yet atmospheric, contemporary yet timeless.

CONTEXT AS MUSE

Local climate, light, and cultural nuance inform every design decision. Breezy tonalities and moisture-resistant finishes nod to coastal inspirations, while urban sensibilities introduce clarity and structure. Craftsmanship—rooted in cultural heritage—grounds the project in authenticity, ensuring the space feels of its locale rather than imposed upon it.

Designing through challenges, elevating through craft

The ambition of the project demanded both creativity and adaptability. The client’s desire for bold social spaces required strategic flexibility, transforming constraints into opportunities for reinvention. Smart zoning ensures fluid movement; multi-functional furniture responds to varying needs; integrated technologies enhance ambience without intruding on serenity.

Lighting becomes the final architectural tool—sculpting shadows, articulating surfaces, sharpening the contrast between raw earthiness and polished luxury.

A sanctuary where architecture becomes emotion

Ultimately, Gathering Grove is more than an architectural intervention—it is an emotional landscape. A space where nature is a collaborator, materiality is storytelling, and atmosphere becomes the unifying thread.

The preserved tree beneath the circular skylight is not a feature; it is a philosophy. The space is not an outhouse; it is a sanctuary for connection. Here, architecture does not rise above the landscape—it rises with it.

Gathering Grove is a celebration of harmony, of contrasts, of presence. A sculptural retreat that feels alive, grounded, and quietly transcendent.