The design of 2×2 has multiple meanings in this project but primarily signifies the “double duplex”, a concept that this house originates from. Today’s family in the Indian context is one that advocates for independent-living, yet the tradition of a joint-family is what makes our culture so closely-knit. Privacy yet togetherness – a key balance is what this project tries to facilitate for one such 4-generation family in New Delhi. Translating this architecturally – the design of the duplex house consists of 2 apartments that are further zoned internally into separate “units”. Semi-private spaces provide vertical connections, both physical and visual via internal staircases and double heights respectively, stitching these units together.
The Design of the Duplex House Advocates Privacy Yet Togetherness | ABD Design Studio
Editor’s Note: “With a staggered layout and monochromatic colour palette, this residence in New Delhi embraces minimalism. The captivating play of volumes along with the detailed grooves and lines evokes a sense of contemporary design. With cornices, mouldings and chesterfield sofas, the design combines classic elements within a modern setting. The interiors follow the same language and embrace luxury and comfort.”~ Simran Khare
The design of the duplex house exterior also resonates with the familial diagram of the project. The front facade distinguishes 4 floors each as a separate entity that combine harmoniously to form an overall balanced composition.
The rear facade takes this one step further to highlight the double duplex by utilizing repeating elements on alternate levels.
The contrast of the two facades, on the other hand, reflects the internal functions as governed by the principles of Vastu as well as the context each facade faces.
The solid front gives privacy to the bedrooms and blocks the harsh sun, while the transparent rear opens out to the landscaped park behind the house. Timeless finishes such exposed concrete and dark metal further compliment the simplicity of the facade form.
The interiors of the upper duplex are all about bringing in contrasting styles together in a harmonious blend.
Classical elements like cornices, mouldings, chesterfield sofas with their symmetrical proportions are put together in an overall contemporary setting.
The blings of gold and a loud flooring pattern appear subdued and rather pulled back with the help of a muted, largely monochromatic theme.
The double-height family lounge is the central hub of this duplex thriving on vertical connections, both physical and visual, stitching the two levels together.
The minimal yet sculptural staircase with its solid railing and wooden details is what really facilitates this connection with its apt location.
The floating volume above the seating is reminiscent of the exterior facade in terms of language and materiality, creating an interesting interplay in this space.
As you climb up to the upper level of the duplex, the language changes to a more modern contemporary theme.
The palette includes contrasts of white and dark grey along with the warmth of oak wood and accents of blue.
The ceilings and wall treatments are clean and minimal, which gives a homogenous background in this open-planned layout.
Basement
The expansive basement of dwelling 2×2 provides an immersive experience 16 feet underground. The two arched windows grab immediate attention upon entry and bring plenty of daylight into the space via a sunken courtyard.
The volumetric double height is further accentuated with a mezzanine level and an open-riser staircase. Finishes like brick veneer, exposed concrete, textured limewash & dark metal complete the desired contemporary industrial aesthetic.
Furniture, decor and light fixtures here again act as floating sculptural objects, yet at the same time they define the seating area within the expanse.
Fact File
Designed by: ABD Design Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design
Project Name: Dwelling 2×2
Location: Anand Niketan, New Delhi
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 3 Years
Built-up Area: 12,000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Samarth Syal & Saurabh Syal
Photograph Courtesy: Exterior: Ekansh Goel / Interior: Jeetin Sharma
Products / Materials / Vendors: Lighting – Merish; Vibia Lighting / Sanitaryware – Grohe, Vitra / Facade Systems – Metaguise / Windows – ALCOI India Pvt. Ltd. / Furniture – mostly self-production; some selected pieces from Demuro Das; Molteni&C; Cattelan Italia / Flooring – Dee Pearls; Klay / Kitchen – Terra Interiors / Paint – SKK (exterior paint); Dulux Velvet Touch (interior paint) / Artefacts – miscellaneousMEP & HVAC Consultants – Reagan Inc
Consultants for the Project: Structure Engineers – P Arora & Associates Pvt Ltd / Environmental & Sustainability Consultants -Contractors – SL Construction
Firm’s Instagram Link: ABD Design Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: ABD Design Studio
For Similar Project>> This Six Bedroom House Design Offers an Experience That is Refined
In a landscape where aspiration quietly waits, Granthalay emerges as a circular building and sanctuary for learning—gathering people, knowledge, and place into a shared civic moment. Granthalay is conceived as a civic institution that extends beyond the conventional idea of a library, responding to the acute lack of educational and community infrastructure in the district […]
A dilapidated old manor house in Jaffna peninsula, with warped roof beams, warped door windows and many structural defects were presented to the architects for refurbishment- by clients- to be refurbished as a retirement home for themselves who were returning to Sri Lanka after escaping to overseas due to the 25 years old North East […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
Design, when it emerges as a living tapestry, turns the experience of living into a vibrant everyday narrative. Baldota House in Alandi, Pune by ARCHOS accommodates three generations under a single roof in the area spanning 7500 Sq. Ft. Spearheaded by the family’s desire for a generous space and a theatrical essence along with balanced […]
Few homes are celebrated for their iconic interiors, while some are celebrated for their open layouts. True to its unique context and subtleties, this home with a monochromatic palette, designed by Ar. Saumya Khanna & Ar. Sudhir Ambawata Co – founders & principle architects of SSDA Architects brings the essence of volumetric design and a […]
Adopting sustainable living today, both in design and daily life, is crucial for reducing our environmental footprint and preserving resources for future generations. In the design of this bamboo pavilion, this means using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and creating spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. In daily living, sustainability involves mindful consumption, reducing waste, conserving […]
Tucked into the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Aashiyana is a residence that balances context, climate, and craft. Designed by architect Srijit Srinivas, this bungalow is conceived as more than a tropical retreat-it is a spatial journey where bold colour, filtered light, and thoughtful materials orchestrate a distinctive atmosphere. Nestled Amidst Lush Landscape Aashiyana Balances Craft […]
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
Project 1374 is located in one of the plotted developments in the north of Bangalore, characterized by well-demarcated plots, open spaces, spacious roads, and organized infrastructure. Trees flank the wide streets, dividing the plots with dense canopies offering shaded avenues. Abutting the plot stood a cluster of trees- a quiet presence. We borrowed these trees […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]