Residents of Dimapur, Nagaland, explore a new, contemporary abode in a 7-story apartment building

A Mumbai-based architectural studio, Atelier ARBO, was approached to envision and execute thoughtful design interventions for the development of a mid-rise apartment complex, amalgamating functional stability and visual elegance, in Dimapur, a large city in Nagaland.

The apartment building, situated on a spacious 9000 sq. ft. plot, features parking facilities on the ground floor, with seven residential floors above it. Each floor contains four uniform apartments, catering to the residents' comfort. While the floor plan may seem simple and square-shaped, various intriguing nooks contribute a sense of playfulness and fascination to the entire complex.

The common linear lobby space provides access to each individual apartment and also houses two staircase blocks, two elevators, and a service core. Windows positioned at both ends allow natural light to fill the lobby space and enable cross ventilation, creating a fresh and airy atmosphere.

Each apartment is designed to accommodate a family of 4 to 6 members, featuring a spacious living and dining area, two master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a separate guest bedroom, a common bathroom, and a closed kitchen with a dry balcony. The design concept focused on seamlessly separating the private areas from the communal spaces within each apartment. Numerous glazed windows and operable fenestrations are incorporated to flood the interiors with daylight and facilitate natural ventilation, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment that suits Dimapur's moderate climate.

The layout was carefully designed to ensure that no adjacent apartments share a wall, prioritizing the privacy of each resident. Each floor is divided into four sections, with recesses creating separation between the four apartments. These recesses not only serve as sound barriers but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the building while preserving the unique identity of each residence.

The construction process was streamlined and cost-effective due to a straightforward and minimal layout. All walls and ceilings are painted white to emphasize the apartment's spaciousness, while the furniture's earthy brown tones beautifully complement the white color scheme. The use of timber, on the exterior facades, graces the building with a warm ambiance. The proposed design uses only a few materials and a simple, muted color palette, creating a sense of tranquility.

After delving deep into research and various iterations of conceptual ideas, the design team created a distinctive and comprehensive plan for an apartment complex that harmoniously integrates into its surroundings and welcomes residents for a pleasant living environment.