Studio Dot stay true to context while designing the interior of this Gurugram home

Nature and man-made create a syncretic, wholesome spatial experience.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Studio Suryan//Dang; courtesy Studio Dot

Located in the lush greenness of Nirvana country, Gurgaon, Aangan is a residence well-endowed with a colourful, calming, and invigorating context. The brief was a true design challenge, centred around separating public and private functions in an existing structure. This was tackled with the aim of preserving the integrity of the built-form, while creating a welcoming space, generating greater amplitude and a plethora of natural lighting.

“The questions we asked ourselves were: How does one manifest the comfort and familiarity one feels in their abode? How does one create a space that enables a human being to leave all worldly woes aside and revel in the glory of their understanding, being, and serenity?” say Shubhit Khurana and Anmol Arora of Studio Dot. Thus, the intent became to invite the pleasant rays of the morning sun into the rooms; include melodious birdsong in the spatial experience; create a visual unfolding of soothing, subtle colours as one returned to roost after a stressful day; and weave a quirkiness into the narrative for a playful environment. “The aim of this project was to delve into the nuances of the user’s days and simplify it in a space that promoted peace and serendipity,” state the architects.

Staying true to Studio Dot’s design ethos across various genres, the design mirrors the ambience of the outside in the interiors. Materiality treads the minimalistic path, allowing the components to revel in their truest form. The clean, white space is periodically punctured by a multitude of wooden finishes: the shades and textures complementing each other’s form. Each room is provided with a subtle personality through a shift of styles, a careful selection of dark, well-stained stones, and hints of brass and coated mild steel elements. This effortless blend is energised further with a light sprinkling of bright fabrics.

The well-detailed nature of the design is evidenced by the main gate itself, created as a semi-permeable casing following gentle curves. The foyer allows a peek into the show-stopper of the house: the double-height dining area, crowned by a skylight with a circular design that casts dynamic shadows through the day. These curves are echoed by ring-like light fixtures that hover above the dining table. Such attention to detail continues throughout the house, especially in the form of furniture elements such as statement legs and a meticulous blend of materials. With its simple techniques and bold statements, Aangan aims to give space the opportunity to play with time, while allowing the heart of architecture to fulfil its task of making the users come in sync with themselves.