Perforated Screening House | Spacefiction Studio
Hyderabad is one of the fastest growing cities in India. The old city is space stagnant and the development is rapidly moving towards and happening around the new city, which has the space to absorb it. The soaring land prices around here are a direct result of this. The families are tightly knit in India, often staying for generations together.
The clients are one such family of three generations (and a probable fourth in the near future) moving to this new part of the city. The land parcels available here would mean they would have to depart from the spacious, horizontal lifestyle they were so used to before, and move into a more vertical settlement.
The site is a modest 60 feet by 75 feet, in a dense layout of apartments five stories tall. It is abutted by roads on the North and West, these were the only sides not having buildings in close proximity.
The idea since inception has always been to keep the connection between the generations alive now and in future. The general notion of an apartment is to allow privacy between its units.
We had to mutate this idea into a model of the apartment which provides privacy, all the while keeping the family connected. This was achieved by opening up living spaces into large open courts which are of double height in nature which offer connectivity between levels preventing social isolation with the family. These reduce the scale of the building visually and open on the corners with most frontage: on north-east and north-west.
The stilt is left for parking and servant rooms. The oldest generation is allotted the lowermost, first floor with the next one on the second floor. The youngest generation has the last two floors to themselves with the space left for a probable future generation used as recreation spaces for now. Every floor has access to a green court.
These are covered with metal louvers and perforated walls to create privacy from adjacent properties. Through these spaces, one can walk out on to the balcony; converse with a family member reading paper, all the while taking in the aromas of food being prepared in the kitchen below. These courts also have large projections in them which act as spaces for yoga, waiting, prayer or dining; depending on the level.
The lower two and upper two levels are open within themselves also, connected through large double height central spaces. These contain the internal staircases leading to the upper level in each. The walls are kept stark white to enhance the spaciousness, with a turmeric yellow or earthy orange highlighting some walls to create visual depth and contrast.
The doors and windows are Indian teak deco painted white. The vast polyurethane based concrete flooring has lighter pigmentation for lower and darker pigmentation for the top two floors.
The furniture is kept to the bare minimum to avoid cluttering inside. Most of the interior palette is light in nature except the bedroom on the fourth level with wooden flooring which has a skylit court of its own.
The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]
Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]
Winterfell is a work of camouflaged design, an organic house that melds seamlessly with the terrain, rolling into the vibrant green landscape and naturally positioned boulders. Set in the scenic village of Shoolagiri within the Sanctity Ferme community in Tamil Nadu, Winterfell offers an idyllic retreat from urban life—a place to live close to nature. […]
The design concept of Tipu Villa embodies a harmonious balance of boldness and sophistication, crafting spaces that exude refinement and elegance, resulting in a true heritage home. Key design elements include exclusive use of Indian-sourced materials, including Indian teak wood, veneer, natural Kota lime stone, and yellow lime stone, promoting cultural charm and heritage. Tipu […]
Office spaces are often defined by uninspired, industrial aesthetics—endless rows of cubicles, glaring fluorescent lights and austere décor. It’s easy to become desensitized to the potential for beauty in these environments where we spend so much of our time. And with the demands for extended work hours becoming an accepted norm, the line between work […]
Nestled amidst the serene outskirts of Bangalore, this 1.25-acre modern farm house embodies a seamless fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities. Every detail of the property reflects an unwavering commitment to creating a space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while honoring heritage. This Modern Farm House Reflects Harmony with Nature and Heritage […]
The client envisioned a home that embodies openness and fluidity through interior contemporary design. He is drawn to expansive volumes and dramatic spatial experiences, including double-height ceilings and multiple floors. Each family member should have a distinct, personal space, yet all areas must remain visually and spatially connected to foster a strong sense of togetherness. […]
The Brahmaputra riverfront rejuvenates a natural water lily pond, creates a new river edge, and seamlessly connects the site to the adjacent heritage museum, fostering public interaction. Editor’s Note: “A combination of contours and current, the design of the Brahmaputra riverfront unfolds like a living memory. Quietly celebrating time and terrain, every curve echoes the […]
Located in the coastal village of Pererenan, Bali, House Terra is a contemporary response to tropical living, designed by Biombo Architects as a family retreat. The project balances built space and landscape, creating a strong connection between architecture and nature while offering shelter from the island’s monsoon climate. Editor’s Note: “House Terra, more than a […]
Located on a 15′ x 95′ ancestral plot in a pal village, Surat, India, this residence is designed for a multi-generational family of seven. This minimal home interior design solves light and space challenges within a narrow plot. The family wanted to stay connected with their community and preserve their cultural roots. The site has […]