Pixel House | The Grid Architects
The antipodal requirements of privacy and togetherness drove the concept and development of this villa, which was to be the home of an extended family spanning three generations. With three couples and two children forming the members of the closely-knit unit, the design had to make room for seclusion and solitude, and shared areas that would allow congregations of different sizes.
Visit: The Grid Architects
Inspiration for design can come from the most unexpected of places, and this one took off from that most fundamental building block of digital imagery — the pixel. And while this may be so, its spirit is rooted in nature, as the home emerged from an intent to embrace natural conditions, taking advantage of views, orientation, and form.
To create an understated presence and the appropriate levels of privacy and separation, the architecture was developed as a series of setbacks and stacked volumes to create a stepped form. Besides creating small congregational areas, this staggering also gave the design team opportunities to expand the amount of garden space within the internal spaces.
The material application strategy respects this ‘geometricity’, with large areas of (seemingly overlapped) surfaces featuring natural stone, exposed concrete, and paint, a palette which also helps in maintaining the thermal mass. The architectural form explores the idea of sheltered balconies, overhangs, and spaces-under-spaces in a bid to allow each room to face the front (north) garden, as a response to the region’s hot, dry climate. The result is a structure that is gently extroverted yet retains enough privacy.
The most emphatic manifestation of the pixel concept is seen at the main entrance, which features an exposed concrete canopy perforated with a series of square cut-outs in varying sizes. The large custom-made MS lamps that are suspended within this sheltering element echo this effect.
The entire composition creates a certain sense of arrival, intensified by the wonderful play of light and shadow that is enacted through the day. The internal spatial experience is centered around a feeling of contentedness — to the outside, and also within, through a seamless orchestration of volumes.
Stepping within, you first encounter a vestibule/lobby, a simple, graceful space that hints at the design narrative within. The visitor is then ‘released’ into the main volume, the highlight of which is the staircase block, lined with exposed brick and crowned by a skylight.
The stepped form of the architectural envelope gets mirrored here in a miniature fashion, as a series of stepped planters that lend a sense of security to the railing-less staircase. The greenery makes the upward journey a pleasant one, as the overlapping plants invite you to touch them, creating a pleasurable sensation of walking in a garden.
As with the architecture, material expression in the interiors, too, is minimal and aligned to the natural direction: stone, wood, and exposed brick are teamed with simple lime-plaster to render a classic envelope that is then overlaid with contemporary groupings of furniture, art, and accessories to create an environment geared for modern living.
FACT FILE:
Marble house designs in the Indian context constantly change and upgrade with time but never go out of style. Marble a timeless and versatile material, finds its application in various settings ranging from flooring to ornamentation. If you are looking for marble house ideas to add a touch of quality and luxury to your home, […]
In small bathroom layouts, every square inch counts. Without a thoughtful plan, a small space can quickly become cluttered, making it feel even more cramped. The right bathroom layout not only enhances functionality in interiors but also creates a sense of openness. Think about it—how frustrating is it to move around a bathroom where the […]
Creating a TV unit design in bedroom requires the right balance of functionality, optimization, and aesthetics to enhance the space. Apart from cots and wardrobes, TV units in a bedroom play a pivotal role in captivating an individual’s attention. Keeping in mind, the design theme and concept of your home, the TV unit design in […]
In the serene countryside of Vaiyampatti, an Indian retreat nestled amidst the vast expanse of paddy fields stands a humbly placed farmhouse exuding quiet grace and rustic elegance. It is a perfect setting, reminiscent of William Wordsworth’s “Solitary Reaper”. Editor’s Note: “Inspired by the timeless charm of Nalukettu architecture, this Trichy residence is enveloped by […]
Nestled in the serene locale of Banswara, Rajasthan, the exquisite interior design of this 6500 sq.ft. house epitomizes elegance and functionality, which the designer and now the house owners call is “sukoon.” Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this 3 BHK home seamlessly integrates a library, a rejuvenating jacuzzi, a modern gym, and an inviting […]
Ekam Retreat is a renovation project amidst the scenic terrains of Amboori, Trivandrum, Kerala. The project aimed at breathing new life and nature into an abandoned house. The walls of the house had significant damage and were left to the forces of nature. Editor’s Note: “The renovation of this residence in Trivandrum is a harmonious […]
20 MM marble has become the industry standard used by architects, designers, and builders alike, though there are many options for what material to use. It is not an accident that it is rapidly becoming the global number one. This thickness in marble provides special advantages, with 193 of the 195 countries using only 20 […]
This 5,735 square-foot house in Amritsar whispers the timeless grandeur of Indo-British architecture with a quiet yet commanding elegance. The residence and its elegant and subdued design pays homage to a regal past, offering a subtle yet impactful narrative through its carefully curated interiors. The house in Amritsar essence captures the delicate balance between heritage […]
Beautiful interiors blends with the aesthetic and functional house design, creating spaces that are visually appealing and comfortable. Featuring a harmonious colour palette, thoughtful lighting, a mix of textures and materials, and personalised touches. Elegant furniture arrangement and smart storage solutions further enhance the overall design, making each room both inviting and practical. Creating a […]
In this Baroda house project, we bring together a blend of two seemingly different styles – contemporary and ethnic – to create a unique and visually stunning space bathed in understated luxury. Interior design is all about creating spaces that reflect the individuality and style of the homeowner. The client Yashwant bhai Shah came to […]