A House of Two Worlds, Gurugram, Gurugram
A modern home that nods to the neoclassical style and celebrates the essence of a family life.
A timeless narrative unfolds on the serene streets of Ashoka Crescent, Gurugram. A residence that gracefully combines Neoclassical grandeur and contemporary comfort stands as a testament to the evolving tastes of a modern family, blending classic charm with the practicalities of modern living. Far more than bricks and mortar, it is a story of family, connection, and a harmonious blend of tradition with modernity. The project, designed for a father and his two sons, is a flagship creation—a visual statement along the road edge, inviting admiration and intrigue amidst the vibrant locality.
The home is located on a corner plot with dual visibility along a main road and thoughtfully balances unity and privacy. It is wrapped in the desire for timeless beauty while accommodating the distinct lifestyles of two brothers and their families. Spread across 4423.97 sq. ft., with each floor extending approximately 2,200 sq. ft., the residence represents a refined synergy of functionality, privacy, and architectural distinction.
The design, informed by a comprehensive understanding of the family structure and preferences, enhances the user's lifestyle. Aligned with this, each family owns a dedicated living space: the father and one son reside on the lower two floors, while the other son occupies the upper two floors. The stilt-level ground floor serves as shared parking and entrance for both sons. Each house has an independent entry—one on the southern facade and the other on the western elevation—delivering privacy without a crossover or compromising the cohesive feel of a house, defying a typical multi-story aesthetic. The design preserves the traditional Indian joint family setup by reiterating it for a modern lifestyle. The son residing on the lower floors enjoys exclusive access to a private basement, and the upper-floor resident benefits from the privacy of a dedicated terrace, ensuring every family has a leisurely space apart from the living quarters. Additionally, Vastu principles and a meticulously planned circulation framework throughout unify the home, from its plot layout to the interior detailing done by groupDCA.
The layout is designed as two distinct homes with a duplex setup, made evident through the facade. Each residence has its own spiral staircase and vertical cut-out, connecting the two levels within each home. Additionally, an internal staircase and cut-out link the two duplexes, fostering interaction and upholding family values. The design thoughtfully separates private and public spaces, with the living spaces on the two floors and a dedicated floor assigned as an entertainment space for each family. With a floor dedicated to public gatherings, the design maximises flexibility by expanding the living areas on the residential floors, enhancing both comfort and functionality.
The lower duplex has a versatile basement that serves as the primary entertainment space. With a capacity to host 100-150 guests, the basement includes a dining area, bar, and silent zone, making it ideal for gatherings of various scales. The basement is designed for flexibility, allowing it to be fully activated or partitioned to partially use specific areas based on occupancy and occasion. This adaptability comes through a glass sliding door, which visually divides the space while maintaining an open, expansive atmosphere. A lift and an internal staircase connect this floor to the stilt level and the living spaces above, ensuring a smooth flow across the home’s entertainment and private areas.
The upper ground floor of the residence is a vibrant family hub featuring a lounge, kitchen, dining area, powder room, mandir, guest bedroom, and the father’s suite. Anchored by a lively family lounge, this area is illuminated by a large corner window in the northeast, allowing soft morning light to infuse warmth into the space, creating an inviting atmosphere. The open-plan layout connects the TV and dining areas, offering lush greenery views and a cosy, relaxing spot enjoyed by the grandfather. A striking spiral staircase within a double-height volume connects this level to the upper floor, guiding the flow and functionality of the space. Transcending its utilitarian purpose, it becomes a sculptural design element, with thoughtfully curated alcoves nestled within its curve. These niches house art, decor, and personal collectibles, enriching the lounge with a sense of character and family heritage.
On the upper floor is an informal lounge, once envisioned as a gym and now enclosed in glass. It has become a beloved gathering spot for music, conversation, and the lively chatter of young girls who predominantly occupy this level. Adjacent to the lounge are three bedrooms: two for the daughters and a master suite. Each room maximises comfort and functionality. The daughter’s bedroom at the rear end boasts a bay window overlooking greenery and featuring muted beige and white tones, with furniture by Apartment 9 that emphasises fluting and moulding for understated charm, further enhanced by parquet flooring. In contrast, the other daughter’s room introduces a four-poster bed and a study area, adding warmth and practicality. The master bedroom embraces darker tones with fluted and moulded details in the TV console, wall panelling, and fluted glass partition, tying together the residence’s distinct yet cohesive design theme.
The overall material palette for the design emphasises neutral colours across the flooring, false ceilings, and walls, with each room crafted around a specific theme that reflects its function, age, and the needs of its occupants. Neoclassical elements are subtly integrated throughout the spaces, tying the house together while adding a touch of quirk that breaks free from a strictly clinical aesthetic. The lower floor features more formal designs and colours, and the upper floor adopts a more experimental and playful approach, highlighted by an antique gilded mirror, low-sculptural chairs, and a wavy coffee table. In contrast to the private areas, the basement, designed for entertainment, embraces bold colours and shapes, as seen in the blue sofa upholstery and the striking red coffee table.
Transitioning from interiors to outdoors, the landscape blends formal structure with natural elements. Manicured lawns and topiary add definition, while lush greenery ensures privacy. The building’s architecture connects effortlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.
This residence exemplifies contemporary design that encourages connection in an increasingly disconnected world, balancing private and communal areas. Drawing inspiration from neoclassical elements, it offers a timeless aesthetic with a striking impact on its surroundings. In a world seeking refuge from urban chaos, this project highlights how mindful design nurtures relationships, making it a significant contribution to today’s architectural dialogue.