First-Hand

Ishita Sitwala

• Architects

‘..First hand is a process of obtaining information or experiencing something personally and not via anyone else.’

The First-Hand House is a 120 sq.m. apartment in Bandra West, Mumbai, an area with hip vibes, lying on the coastline of the city that never sleeps.

The house is located in one of the prime properties of the area, where each flat is compartmentalized with structural concrete walls into 3 zones on either side with a dark central passage. But with close to no scope of removal of walls, the north-south facing apartment was planned with maximum structural intervention possible, a spatial continuum was established, allowing the natural light to enter from both sides such that every space is well lit.

photo_credit Ishita Sitwala — Ishita Sitwala

A two bay house, with passage in the middle is turned into an interconnecting space with living areas facing the sea towards the south west, and utility and guest to the North. The interconnection is further turned into one unified whole by usage of only two, craft fully hand applied, materials bringing forth a sense of openness and seamlessness, at the same time the traditionally applied materials offer a climate responsive performance in space.

The designed monospace, constantly modulates with varying ceiling heights, expanding and compressing based on the activities presumed, making the experience more relaxed. The seamless character of the space and the softened edges of the surfaces provides a sense of visual smoothness which deepens as one walks on the earthen red oxide floor. The tactility of natural materials evokes the haptic senses and makes one feel calm and rooted, slowing down the perception of time and triggering more sensorial experiences.

The feel of spatial continuity is further extended by having loose thresholds and no doors for the private areas but only curtains for separation. The house is sustainable towards the space usage and is able to accommodate various programmatic improvisations with movable to collapsible furniture pieces and integrated / built-in furniture to stay minimal and grounded. All furniture objects including light fixtures have been designed with the craftsmen to bring out the specific spatial ambience of being minimal and consistent, while only a few accent pieces are added to provide the required performance.

The house is one spatial construct which attempts to touch upon the phenomenological premise wherein the presence of craft work, details and element of touch takes one towards more tacit engagement with the space rather than a codified sense of space, which could be experienced ‘First-Hand’