Nestled in the town of Ahmednagar, this linear classic design house is a contemporary idea designed for a Christian family of four. While simplicity is the driver of design, innovations in construction and form elevate the project envisioned by the us. The whole project is a symphony of geometrical shapes and volumes that play around with light and shadows, adding movement to the built form.

Symphony of Classic Design Elements creating Dramatic Sciagraphy | Illusion Design Studio

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The site itself inspired the concept and design. Since the linear orientation restricted the horizontal play of space, the vertical axis was explored. Designing for light, ventilation, and openness while maintaining privacy was a challenge since residential structures blocked the longer edges of the narrow plot. Courtyards within the house and effective use of setbacks mitigated this issue. North light was invited in, while the south facade was covered with cavity walls and dead walls to cut harsh sunlight.

The first glimpse of the house is an enormous triangular MS grill, framed by exposed concrete. The grill is not only aesthetic but also functions as a privacy and safety barrier. An alternative to typical windows, it ties the elevation together. The patterned gate opens onto a landscaped front garden. Shades of green complement the neutral tones of the built, guiding the onlooker inside the house.

The ground floor has the servant’s living quarters and a parking bay paved with a beautiful floral inlay. A dog-well staircase leads up to the first floor, where the family resides. Upon exiting the stairwell, the double-height courtyard space greets one with a mesmerizing play of light and shadows that dance in through the grill opening.

The entire house rests on sunken slabs with upturned beams. This innovative technique played a pivotal role in the success of the project. It maximized the openings in all rooms, and also provided a clean conduit for electrical and plumbing services. By using plywood shuttering for casting instead of metal framing, a smooth finish for the exposed concrete was achieved.

Muted tones adorn the house-exposed concrete, white, and a pinch of beige, with the occasional splash of pastels in the bedrooms. The embellishments in engraved veneer are another creative innovation. A happy accident, we noticed that the singed CNC cut veneer fit perfectly with the color scheme. Done for the first time in the city, this engraved veneer is revolutionary in its installation.

The project stays true to the nature of the materials and grand without being opulent. But as architectural exploration runs wild, the house does not forgo its basic intent. Built with wonder, and brought together with love, the Linear House stands tall – a home for the family, for generations to come.

Fact File

Designed by: Illusion Design Studio

Project Type: Residence Architecture & Design

Project Name: Linear House

Location: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

Year Built: 2022

Duration of project: 2 Years

Plot Area: 3000 Sq.ft

Project Size: 5500 Sq.ft

Project Cost Appx: 2.40 Crore

Principal Architects: Shashank Pawar & Shruti Somani-Pawar

Team Design Credits: Tanvi Gugale

Photograph Courtesy: Parthavi Yadav Studios

Consultants for the Project

Civil: Sachin Khisti

Structure Engineers: Vivek Apte

Products & Materials: Finishes: Asian Paints and ICA | Construction Materials: Brick and Fair Face Concrete | Lighting: Lafit and LedLum | Sanitary ware: Aquant | Flooring: Nexion and Simpolo | Paint: Asian Paints | Artefacts: Orangetree, Nestasia, Best of Bharat, The White Teak | Hardware: Hettich, Hafele

Firm’s Instagram Link: Illusion Design Studio

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