A residence shaped by light, privacy, and layered living within the urban fabric of Urbana NRI Complex, Kolkata.
Situated within the landscaped environment of Urbana NRI Complex, Kolkata, The Layered House of Light is a contemporary ground-plus-three residence that explores the relationship between light, climate, privacy, and family life. Conceived as a vertically layered home, the project responds to the openness of its surroundings while creating a carefully controlled sequence of spaces that balance social interaction with personal retreat.
The Layered House of Light Shapes Contemporary Family Living in Kolkata | Epsilonarch
Occupying a generous north-facing plot, the residence takes advantage of consistent glarefree daylight and expansive views toward the township’s green corridors.
Rather than treating regulatory constraints as limitations, the design transforms setbacks, height restrictions, and coverage requirements into opportunities for terraces, gardens, and transitional outdoor spaces. The result is an architecture where built form and open space exist in continuous dialogue.
The house is organized as a vertical gradient of privacy. At the ground level, a dramatic triple-height entrance volume forms the heart of the project. Defined by a sculptural circular staircase and a reflective water body, these central void functions both as an arrival experience and a climatic device, drawing natural light deep into the interior.
Parking and service areas occupy one side of the floor, while a wellness zone comprising a gym, spa, and ancillary facilities extends toward the rear garden, creating a strong connection between interior and landscape.
The first floor serves as the primary living level. Elevated above the street, it accommodates expansive living and dining spaces illuminated by generous northern glazing.
High ceilings and open planning create a sense of spatial fluidity, while subtle material transitions define individual zones without relying on physical partitions. A private master suite anchors the floor, offering a quieter and more intimate retreat.
The second-floor transitions into a family-oriented domain. Bedrooms for family members and guests are arranged around the perimeter, each benefiting from natural light and access to terraces.
A central family lounge overlooks the triple-height void, reinforcing visual connectivity throughout the house. A dedicated home theatre introduces an enclosed and immersive environment within an otherwise open spatial composition.
At the uppermost level, the architecture culminates in a leisure-focused retreat. A lounge, bar, and pantry open onto a landscaped terrace shaded by a pergola, creating an ideal setting for entertainment and relaxation while offering panoramic views of the surrounding urban landscape.
Natural light acts as a primary design material throughout the project. Large openings on the northern facade capture soft daylight, while perforated screens, recessed openings, and layered envelopes on the southern and western sides mitigate heat gain and provide privacy. The central atrium functions as both a light well and a passive ventilation chimney, enhancing environmental performance and occupant comfort.
A restrained palette of white surfaces, warm wood-toned cladding, stone, glass, and metal reinforces the architectural language. Together with carefully integrated landscaping, these materials create a residence that is simultaneously elegant, climate-responsive, and deeply connected to its context.
More than a luxury bungalow, The Layered House of Light is a framework for contemporary living—an architecture shaped by light, space, and the evolving rhythms of family life.
Fact File
Designed by: Epsilonarch
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Layered House of Light
Location: Kolkata
Year Built: 2026
Built-up Area: 35327Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Bipratip Dhar
Design Team: Bipratip Dhar, Jayati Mondal, Niharika Valechha, Devyani Jaiswal, Jilmil Rajkhowa Bose
Photograph Courtesy: Fabien Charuau
Landscape Architecture: Inscape Design Studio
Engineering & Consulting > Structural: Adroit Consultant
General Construction: Raj Trimurti Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd.
Firm’s Website Link: Epsilonarch
Firm’s Instagram Link: Epsilonarch
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