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
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