Amidst this chaos, the Architect’s address promotes a near-alien continuity with its sinous and flexible design, with a gradation and interrelation between exterior and interior.
Designed as a multi-functional space that can be expanded by means of the sliding folding doors, the family lounge can be converted to become a guest room when required. All the spaces have a bay window (the architect’s favourite) which makes for a cosy seating space, and can be used for reading or relaxation, whilst also adding another degree of illumination to each space. The house has been planned keeping in mind flexibility in the future, which allowed for the creation of living spaces vis a vis multiple smaller rooms. Even though the balcony, the formal living space, the dining and the family lounge are all individual spaces, they all read as one.
Amalgamating traditional materials and craft, the house has a rustic, yet modern feel, with exposed brick continuing from outside, cast in-situ terrazzo flooring, wood and hues of grey as the core material palette. The consistency of coupling greys with brass is carried out in the doors that are painted grey with highlights of brass studs and hardware. The furniture language throughout the house amalgamates the Indian craftsmanship and aesthetic with modern functionality- Clean lines with subtle Indian design elements, cement tiles, woodwork in furniture, cane weaves and the fabrics.
A masterful stroke in an aesthetic and functional spatial design, amidst the chaos of the metropolitan that is Delhi, the design of the architect’s address is a breath of fresh air, whilst being an impeccable blend of Indian and modern contemporary design, optimizing cost and materiality. The use of materials such as terrazzo, cement tiles, brass, exposed brick and pinewood ensures that everything is recyclable or eco-friendly. Openness and fluidity were kept in focus as the designer carved out sanctuaries in the home that one could meld into. Despite its relatively open design, there is a sense of comfort and privacy, which often goes missing nowadays due to the modern architect’s obsession with transparency and blurring of outside and inside spaces. The architect’s personal statement and passion for open planning, multifunctional use of space, natural light & detailing- are all manifested in her own home. Truly representative of the design ethos of the studio she runs, the house lives and breathes the design philosophy.