This home is about the opportunities to take a pause (or a viraam) to experience the little joys of nature as the sun peeps in, the shadows play, the rain drops, the bird chirps & the surrounding trees reflect on the shimmering water. The built form is punctuated by several pauses or transitions that form a narrative, harmonious with the surrounding environment.
The design embraces an earthy material palette, borrows vernacular design elements & adopts a minimalistic approach with very simple details to characterize this peaceful home set amidst the solitude of the Tata Motors Senior Officer’s Colony. The place is known for its well grown trees & chirping of birds, where the woods are dotted with varieties of Champas, the paths rendered yellow by the falling Peltoforums & where the pink Tabubeas beckon the onset of spring.
The indoors are about a continuous dialogue with the surroundings, as space flows fluidly between the various volumes. These spaces are characterized by a restrained material palette, where textures in subtle grey & white act as a backdrop to complement the predominant red of the bricks & the warm brown of Teak. Cane is used here & there as an accent. The client’s collection of some beautiful old pieces of furniture, & artefacts have found prominent places amidst the new. Tribal art works, cane lamps along with traditional weaves of fabric complete the larger canvas that speaks of the context & also about what the clients like.
Right orientation of openings ensures cross ventilation of breeze that ultimately rises up to escape through the interesting composition of punctures at the uppermost level, keeping the indoors comfortable & cool.
Team:
Architect: Silhouette Architects & Designers
Photo credits: Atul Kanetkar Architectural Photography
