Pratibha Jain Residence

Andre J Fanthome

• Architectes

Nestled within the bustling metropolis of New Delhi, the Pratibha Jain Residence is a reflection of modern living at its finest. It is a unique fusion of home and office, catering to the diverse needs of a lawyer couple seeking a harmonious work-life balance.

photo_credit Andre J Fanthome — Andre J Fanthome

The residence is a multi-faceted dwelling, where every nook and cranny tells a story of meticulous planning and architectural prowess. One of the distinctive features of this residence is the ingenious utilization of space. The lower ground floor welcomes visitors to a formal living area, a dining space, and a personal office. The ground and mezzanine levels host the informal living spaces, the kitchen, and the bedrooms. The upper floors accommodate an office with an independent driveway. The real showstopper, however, lies within the premises – a full-length indoor pool for the client and a state-of-the-art home theatre for her husband.

The architectural marvel of this project lies in its ability to "create and add" space seemingly out of thin air, by borrowing from dark, underutilized volumes. An elaborate dressing room and a functional house-help space emerge from these clever design decisions.

A key highlight of the residence is its simple and neutral grey tone, creating an ambiance of serenity and lightness throughout the space. A double-height concrete wall in the living room, bathed in natural light through tall glass doors, adds warmth and vitality to the home. Large windows in the children's room ensure abundant natural light.

The outdoor spaces are equally inviting. The entry porch, conceived as an intimate courtyard, features sandstone cladding and verdant greenery. The maroon of the mandana stone contrasts elegantly with the existing external dholpur, creating a buffer zone between the internal serenity and the city's external hustle and bustle.
The transition from the foyer to the formal living area is a captivating journey. Golden accents on the grey-themed walls and the integration of glass to insulate sound and light are striking design elements. Traditional formality meets modernity, punctuated by a collection of modern and classic art pieces.

The informal private pool area, connected to the home theater, mirrors the hosts' playful nature, allowing them to experiment and explore within their own living space. This project exemplifies the harmonious dialogue between private and public spaces, as Archohm created a residence that is not just a structure but a reflection of the occupants' personalities.

The office above the house follows an open-plan layout, bathed in natural light and surrounded by lush green views. The central core houses meeting rooms and service areas, allowing the workspace to breathe freely.

The architecture of Pratibha Jain residence is a celebration of restraint in design decisions and vocabulary. This project pushed the boundaries of detail and engineering, reflecting the modernity of the client's aspirations. It is a testament to the idea that architecture can be a metropolis in itself, a dynamic living space that echoes the ethos of the 21st century.