The brief from the client, revolved around being connected to nature, having plenty of sunlight, a clean look rendered using minimal materials, a sense of space and plenty of storage. The latter, in fact, became the driving point for the spatial programme. While the space in question was actually a duplex, the owners indicated a preference for all the primary areas being located in the first level, with the second level being devoted to the entertainment zone/guest space. Ergo, the lower level houses the living-dining, kitchen and three bedrooms; while the upper storey has the library, guest room (with attached sauna/steam), gym and the terrace garden. Simply put, the home is actually two apartments — almost independent of each other — tied by a vertical connection.

The requirements of greenery and green views have been satisfied with the help of layering windows with planters, and internally, the landscaped water court with its beautiful reflections and the subdued, gentle murmur of water. The material palette features concrete (ceiling of the living-dining-kitchen area), granite (flooring throughout the house) and wood (mainly the passage).

This penthouse succeeds in giving the clients what they sought — a serene, almost resort-like habitat in the congested urbanity of Mumbai… in which sunlight, greenery, connections to the outside and within; and gregariousness and privacy in the right doses create a warm and welcoming home.