He is not one to be constrained by sizes. Not even if the site is a narrow strip of 24 by 27 ft. and yet has to accommodate three bedrooms, an office space, a swimming pool along with provision for an elevator.
Architect Rajesh S. of Technoarchitecture was offered a project with such challenging requirements, but meet those requirements he certainly did, with not just ease but also with striking creativity and aesthetics.
Thus was born the 2600 sq. ft. house built on three levels, yet retaining a visual connectivity in the interiors. Says Rajesh, “The houses in the street were designed in a cluster form, limiting the setbacks in the site. This posed a challenge for natural light.”
To circumvent the practical problems of the site and location, Rajesh came up with a design that attempted to create a house which was different from the ordinary.
“The idea was to create a practical model in the existing old community, where the contemporary style creates an awareness of the growing trend of sensible design elements to transform the urban face of the city”, he adds.
Given the need to create the maximum space within the limited available area, Rajesh decided to minimise the use of interior walls that feature as partitions. Further, steel was used to erect the main structure of the building. “These opened up the maximum space in the residence”, says Rajesh.
Multiple levelsTo bring in more functionality, the main activities such as living, dining, kitchen and puja spaces were designed to be on the first level while the office space was placed at the ground level with the car park. A reflecting pool was brought in at the ground level to offer a soothing ambience through the sound of flowing water while also accentuating the aesthetics and serving the function of keeping the premises cool.
Stone pavers are used in the main entrance and car park to add value to the elevation while enhancing the charm of the entrance.
The bedrooms feature on the second and third levels, connected by a corridor that also serves as a multi-functional space.
Incidentally, this multi-functional area overlooks internally into the double-height living room, thus bringing in visual as well as internal connectivity between the various spaces.
Laminated glass used in this corridor increases the flow of light at the second level. Toughened glass has been used for walls between bathroom and bedrooms to save on space and let in more light inside.
The third level, housing the master bedroom, incorporates a lap pool along with a deck and bar counter. The master bedroom opens on to this lap pool, giving an enchanting feel to the sleeping area.
The lap pool is incidentally cleverly designed to feature over the double-height ceiling of the living area, enabling the common spaces to remain cool during the day by the presence of water above.
The colours and materials used too are in keeping with the elements used in design. Thus, the entire steel structure and corrugated deck sheet roof are painted to increase durability while the colour combination of the interiors has been kept in shades of white, grey and wood to enhance the visual expanse.
