UA Lab’s Bellevue Pavilion: A Thoughtfully Designed Multifunctional Space for Work and Leisure

UA Lab designed Bellevue, also known as A House in a Park, as a multi-functional space in Ahmedabad, India. The project integrates residential and professional spaces within a structured architectural form. The client's requirement was a flexible environment that could accommodate formal meetings while also serving as a setting for family gatherings and social events.

Located on an open site, the design consists of a cuboidal glass pavilion positioned at the edge of the property. This placement maximizes views of the surrounding landscape and ensures an interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. The pavilion’s structure is kept minimal to allow adaptability for various uses.

A defining feature of the pavilion is its ‘light edge’ along the longer side, where pergolas and flat roofs create an interplay of light and shadow. The pergolas help moderate sunlight exposure while adding depth to the structure, and the flat roof shelters an outdoor seating area. These elements contribute to the integration of built and natural environments. The pavilion’s positioning ensures that it remains open to natural ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial cooling methods.

Spatial Arrangement and Features

One side of the pavilion opens toward a swimming pool, with sliding glass panels that remove physical barriers between the interior and exterior. The transparency of the materials ensures an uninterrupted connection with the surrounding greenery. A circular sunken seating area, positioned in front of the pavilion, contrasts with the rectilinear geometry of the structure. This space is surrounded by ornamental conical Ficus plants, reflecting the client's preference for landscaped elements.

A meandering pathway links the pavilion to the main house, designed to flow around existing trees. This pathway functions as an intermediary space that encourages social interaction and engagement with the landscape. Seating areas and plazas punctuate the route, providing resting spots for visitors. The incorporation of water features and natural stones adds to the overall sense of tranquility. A notable design feature along the pathway is a water mural, symbolizing the cycle of life.

The flooring integrates natural stone in different finishes, distinguishing various sections of the outdoor spaces. Circular sandstone pieces are embedded within the lawn, forming pathways that enhance the visual composition of the site without disrupting the greenery. The combination of warm-toned stone and lawns creates a balanced aesthetic.

The pavilion also incorporates wooden apertures, positioned strategically to allow controlled light penetration. These circular openings in the structure function both as aesthetic elements and as practical solutions for ventilation. The design ensures that natural airflow is maintained within the space, reducing the buildup of heat.

Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The pavilion employs glass, steel, and wood as primary materials. The glass façade enhances natural light penetration, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The pergolas and wooden apertures regulate solar gain while adding a layer of privacy. These elements work together to create a comfortable environment that remains in harmony with the site’s natural surroundings.

Water elements are strategically placed to support passive cooling, reducing heat buildup in outdoor spaces. The integration of existing trees into the design reduces the environmental footprint of construction while maintaining the site’s original character. The stone flooring and pathways are selected to provide durability while maintaining visual consistency with the natural landscape.

The pavilion's placement at the site’s edge allows the central area of the land to remain open for landscaping and recreational purposes. This approach ensures that the built environment does not dominate the natural setting, preserving a balance between architecture and open spaces.

Functional Aspects and Flexibility

The design allows for adaptability in its use, serving both professional and social functions. The open-plan layout of the pavilion ensures that furniture and interior elements can be rearranged to suit different requirements. The use of sliding glass panels enables the space to be enclosed or opened up as needed, offering flexibility in how it interacts with the environment.

The seating areas, including the sunken seating zone, provide spaces for both formal discussions and informal gatherings. The positioning of these seating elements ensures that users can engage with different parts of the site, whether it be the pool area, landscaped garden, or shaded pergola-covered sections. The design emphasizes movement through the site, encouraging users to explore and interact with various spatial elements.

The project also incorporates an emphasis on longevity and maintenance. The materials chosen require minimal upkeep, ensuring that the structure retains its intended appearance and function over time. The use of natural stone, treated wood, and tempered glass contributes to the durability of the pavilion, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.

Bellevue by UA Lab exemplifies a structured approach to multi-use architecture, where spatial flexibility meets site integration. The design prioritizes openness, fluid transitions between built and natural spaces, and user engagement with the environment. Through careful material selection and strategic spatial planning, the project achieves a balance between functionality and environmental responsiveness. The incorporation of passive cooling techniques, flexible spaces, and landscape elements enhances the overall usability of the pavilion, making it a practical yet visually cohesive architectural intervention.

Image source- designboom.com