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
Visit: Illusion Design Studio
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
Firm’s Facebook Link: Illusion Design Studio
For Similar Project>>Classic Palette of Yellows and Greys Working in Harmony for this Café Design in Hyderabad
Editor’s Note: There’s something truly special about homes crafted with thought and care—where every corner and detail speaks to its users, becoming part of their memories. For siblings Akhila and Kaushik, Sona Reddy Studio brought this vision to life in One Summer House, a rustic farmhouse tucked within the vibrant city of Hyderabad. Designed with […]
Editor’s Note: Matharoo Associates created this unique expression of design, where textured concrete façades hide quietly behind the surrounding landscape that has been carefully retained. With thoughtful deliberation, they achieve a perfect balance where practicality, creativity, and functionality come together seamlessly. As sunlight falls across the surfaces, it creates an intangible texture, almost like watching […]
This southwest-facing bungalow, with golden accents in its interiors, is a refined expression of contextual and climate-responsive modern architecture. The home embraces its orientation with an intelligent façade design that balances aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. With the sun’s harshest rays hitting the structure in the latter half of the day, the architects incorporated a […]
This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]
An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]
The design of the house prioritises connectivity to nature by incorporating green elements like vertical gardens or landscaped courtyards. This is achieved through various means, such as large windows framing scenic views, outdoor living spaces seamlessly merging with the surrounding landscape. The emphasis on connectivity to nature creates a serene and harmonious environment, fostering a […]
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. Editor’s Note: “Viraam is not just a house, it’s a pause. A place to […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]