Working on a relatively tight plot, 4th Axis Design Studio create a contemporary light- and air-filled home.
Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Hemant Patil; courtesy 4th Axis Design Studio
The site
The 4,050-sq-ft plot area is located in the dense core of Nanded city. The site faces a street on the north side. All the other sides are surrounded by houses. The dwelling is designed for a couple with one son.
The brief
This house is designed to meet the desires and needs of each family member. “We believe a home must be a reflection of one’s persona,” state architects Sagar Mundada and Amit Kasliwal, founders, 4th Axis Design Studio. ”Here, understanding the family needs was more important, but keeping the aesthetics in the focus. The narrative is sophisticated, and each space is a reflection of the family’s aspirations for a modern and luxurious lifestyle.”
The design intent
“The studio’s perspective focused on climate-responsive style keeping in mind the site’s surroundings,” reveal the architects. “Experiencing the onsite situation, we felt the need to bring the natural outdoor landscape inside the built envelope in order to allow the family to enjoy surroundings without stepping out.”
The planning
The site has a main entrance gate from the north side which opens up in the parking area. The parking area is bordered by a landscape, and is designed such that it can be used for gatherings. The parking area further leads to an office space in the west and a servant room on the south west.
The first floor comprises the courtyard (near the entrance), dining area, kitchen, two bedrooms and living area. The slab of the living room is elevated to make it look luxurious and grand. The living, dining and bedrooms overlook the courtyard at different levels. The courtyard has a perforated terracotta brick wall on the east that brings in plenty of natural light and ventilation.
A metal staircase connects to the second floor, with the master bedroom on the south-west, a guest bedroom on south-east, a library/family area on the east, and a home theatre on the north-east side. The master bedroom and master toilet overlook the private courtyard that provides them with natural light and ventilation. An interaction space designed in front of the home theatre brings the family together. The terrace on the second floor overlooks the terrace on the first floor. The third floor performs the function of an entertainment zone, and features a gym, pool table area, rest room, steam room and a Jacuzzi.
The material palette
The built-form features micro-concreting with linear profiles on the dead facade, a ceramic brick jali with MA frame structure and a concrete finish tile on the compound wall. The material selection of the interiors includes marble (floor), WPC louvres (ceiling), stone laminate panelling, natural stone and rustic tiles. The staircase is rendered from a micro-topped MD plate and concrete texture on the wall. The bedrooms feature WPC panelling, large-format tiles for the bed back and TV unit, and leather-finish sofas and beds. An MS frame pergola, rustic stone-finished tiles and glass mosaic (pool area) form the materials of choice for the terrace.
The highlights
The soaring proportions of the living room endow the volume with a certain grace. The courtyard was placed near the entrance to create a wow factor right at the outset. It also provides light and ventilation to the rooms on both levels.
Fact file
Project: Ishatvam
Location: Nanded
Area: 7,750 sq ft (built-up)
Principal architects: Sagar Mundada and Amit Kasliwal
Design team: Shriya Sonawane, Prashant Rapanwad, Zeeshan Khan, Srushti Mahajan, Sneha Roda and Sunil Waghmare
Structural engineer: Abhay Lokmanwar
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