Nilanjan Bhowal

The inspiration behind the design of this project is the subtle simplicity of lines and colors that can bring about an interesting opus. Playing on similar lines, the house is in split levels with simple lines and planes. The spine of the house can be best identified as the staircase that winds up from the entrance lobby of the ground floor.

A house for all generations, with entertainment zones, to a gym and a spa, this residence delivers to all.

The ground floor has the drawing room and a central lobby with a double height entrance foyer. A hierarchy of spaces and its functions are segregated and maintained by the difference in levels. The kitchen and dining; being slightly more private spaces, were elevated on another level to break continuity. The kitchen overlooks a green courtyard, a source of natural light.  The open to sky courtyard on this floor, gives the plan a breathing space. Lined with planters and complete with a water body, it forms a serene environment which is a treat for the eyes and ears. The sound of trickling water can be heard from the adjacent rooms. The water feature in the courtyard is surrounded with greens to create a very soothing and pleasant ambience. The courtyard is open to sky and thus the water feature can be viewed from every room as it adds visual quality to the space as well as takes care of the micro-climate.  The interiors of the house were made contemporary in language and style.  With the starkness of marble and steel contrasting the warmth of wood, the house is a balance of colors. From every room, greenery is visible; whether it is overlooking a courtyard, or the driveway lined with plants, or the front lawn.

The first floor is the private space with 3 bedrooms and a puja room. The double height entrance foyer divides this floor into two halves, which are 'bridged' by a wooden deck. This deck connects to the master bedroom, which overlooks the front lawn. Puja room overlooks the inner courtyard and the sound of the trickling water is clearly audible, hence lending a serene environment upstairs as well.

The second floor has a bedroom next to the in-house gym and spa, on half the floor and a terrace garden on the other. This is segregated as the space for the younger generations.

The basement is restricted to the rear of the house and is purely treated as the family entertainment zone with a pool table and a fully equipped bar. The basement usually gets neglected as the dark storage space, but here we gave it a character, with appropriate automated mood lighting.

Integral to the design is lighting, both natural and artificial. Each room has been designed as per the different moods that lighting and colors can generate within the space. The drawing room on the ground floor has a huge glazing overlooking the front lawn and gets ample daylight, making the room look cheerful and bright in the mornings. Upon drawing the wooden blinds at noon, a filtered glow of yellow light sets the mood for relaxation. All rooms get natural light, either from being on the periphery, or by being connected to the courtyard.

All these aspects, when integrated together, in the right equation form a masterpiece; which is a treat for all who reside in it. A contemporary design, that takes care of all the needs and comforts of the clients, and also provides to all generations. This house is a complete package.