It is customary to expect the functional areas in an interior to be segregated to accord the necessary privacy while defining the individual spaces. Yet, an interior appears larger and fluid when the spaces within bring in a visual connectivity. Even the smallest of spaces take on a larger visual feel when the space is free flowing with merely functional demarcations brought in place.
While the fluidity of the design and visual connect brings in a feel of expanse, an expansive space can also be made to appear smaller and cosy by merely playing with the levels, both vertical and horizontal and also through translucent demarcations.
A fairly large interior can also be made to feel warm and connected without making the space appear small by bringing in this visual connectivity between the upper and lower levels as well as between the spaces on the same level. For instance, a large interior with both public and private spaces on the different levels can be connected by opting for double height spaces where the upper levels overlook the lower spaces.
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The lower level can have the visual connectivity by opting for glass walls as demarcation for the private spaces. The privacy here is accorded when required by the use of blinds. Thus a bedroom can be visually connected to the living space or even a sunlit courtyard through glass walls or through sliding shutters.
Artistic glass partitions that allow light to permeate also serve to connect the spaces fluidly while offering privacy to the related segments. Here the free flowing common space continues to display the fluidity through the presence of artistic partitions and variations in levels while the functionality of the space is not impacted even though the specific regions are not walled.
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Similarly a double height living space can have a charming family space at the mezzanine level where the space is not walled but is raised over the expanse of the living space, bringing in privacy, yet is visually connected to the lower formal living area through the absence of demarcating walls.
The visual connectivity between various levels in the internal spaces can be brought in by having a larger volume at the lower levels where the upper levels overlook them. The upper levels could also be structured to link visually through this lower level to the green outdoors.
A fluid interconnected space where the upper levels as well as the lower levels overlook a charming indoor pool flanked by greenery can be totally charming, lending an unhindered refreshing aura and warmth to the interior spaces.
This interconnectedness can also be brought in between indoor and outdoor spaces where a glass wall or large French windows open on to the lush green landscape from a dining or formal living space. Likewise, a large courtyard flanked by the dining and living spaces would bring in similar visual connect to the outdoors.
“This visual connectivity can be extended to bathrooms too where the demarcating walls is glass with blinds or sliding shutters”, says Architect Indrajit Kembhavi of Kembhavi Architects. According to him, a bathroom can be totally opened to a green space if the green space is walled in.
Novel appealHe further adds, “The bedroom too can have a novel appeal by connecting the space vertically to the outdoors where a glass sky light is linked visually to the sleeping area, evoking the feel of sleeping under the stars.”
By bringing in such visual connect within the interiors and thence to the green spaces outside, the residence not only ushers in an earthy appeal and warmth but also gives the feel of a single unit of space where the individual functional zones actively partake in the varied activities of the household.