search
  • The Tapered House: An Individualistic Illustration of Rustic Architecture | Studio Mohenjodaro

    “If we learn to build with local materials, we have a future.”- Francis Kere

    If we were to ever learn a refined definition of rustic architecture in general and rustic homes in detail, The Tapered House emerges as an individualistic case study. The depiction of two major contrasting yet strongly interlinked characters of this residence become the protagonists rendering different stories to visitors, neighbors, and the residents. With its exterior appearance, construction is sought in harmony with the natural surroundings which speaks of its labor-intensive construction techniques and conscious avoidance of certain classicist attributes. Interestingly the interiors of this home exhibit a comprehensively warm and unpretentious environment, enabling a sense of closure with elements like bricks, tapering concrete roof, wooden battens, motif flooring, and soft furnishings. This transition of perception of “rustic” has evolved over the course from something that was unfinished and needed to be concealed into something virtuous that’s nostalgically comforting. ~Yamini Vaswani (Editor)

    The Tapered House: An Individualistic Illustration of Rustic Architecture | Studio Mohenjodaro

    Visit: Studio Mohenjodaro

    One of the most challenging aspects is the architectural controls and constraints that one needs to abide by while designing in Chandigarh. The city has very stringent rules which act as a template for everyone to follow.

    From the exposed brick façade to the butterfly roof, the house has an aura of timelessness. The house, recessed from the streetscape and its adjacent buildings, does not instantly come into sight. It takes its time to gradually invite and hold the passer-by. The recess is also an important element in the design to provide privacy and a sense of cocooned comfort to the residents.

    I believe the most satisfying aspect was resolving the design of the wood battens on the façade. On the outside, the delicate wooden battens are affixed to the soffit, giving an illusion of holding the hulking roof slabs in place. These unassumingly simple, equally spaced battens are sacrosanct in principle to stitching the overall elevation together. The entire glazing design, from the placement of mullions to the size of doors and windows, is aligned with these battens overhead, thereby determining the size of openings in walls. We must’ve spent days trying to resolve such minute details, which got frustrating at times but eventually it was the most gratifying process when piece by piece all of it fell in place. 

    As one approaches the main entrance, the stark contrast between the muted exteriors and vivid interiors becomes apparent. A double door painted in a vibrant shade of pastel green gives a glimpse of what unravels beyond. The green hanging bell on the right side is from Fabindia.

    We were working with an unconventional design palette with the concept of rustic architecture that was extremely labor intensive as the local construction teams weren’t used to working in exposed brickwork or in-situ flooring anymore. To top it all we had to finish the construction in a stipulated time frame in the midst of Covid restrictions following all guidelines and protocols.

    The beautiful wall plates were sourced by Mrs. Sanjivini Gupta (Homeowner) from “The Vanity Box” and the custom-designed chair with the u-shaped legs was fabricated by Mr. Mobin Ahmed Ansari of Woodmakers India.

    Old furniture was refurbished and reupholstered in a distressed finish with colorful fabric offsetting the neutral tones of the ceiling and the walls. The sloping roof adds to the dynamism in the volume of the space. The standing lamp is sourced from “The Vanity Box”.

    The Dining Room with windows on all sides has scenic views of the front lawn, which makes for a calming place to enjoy a warm meal with the family. The Dining Table is a customized wood and epoxy resin table with interlocking V-shaped legs. Furniture fabricated by Mr. Mobin Ahmed Ansari of Woodmakers India.

    The sense of openness escalates as one steps out onto the large terrace with its beautiful plants, ornate railings, and modest flooring, ideal for enjoying a cozy cup of tea with the setting sun in the evening. This residence that screams of soft rustic architecture dramatizes the materials beyond its currently perceived abilities.

    Visual continuity is maintained, not just horizontally but vertically as well, with louvered windows from the living area above, overlooking the central courtyard below. This perceivable dialogue between both floors ties the different spaces holistically. 

    Fact File

    Designed by: Studio Mohenjodaro

    Project Type: Residence Architecture & Design

    Project Name: The Tapered House

    Location: Chandigarh

    Year Built: 2021

    Duration of project: 15 Months

    Plot Area: 4500 Sq.ft

    Built up: 2250 Sq.ft

    Project Size: 5000 Sq.ft

    Project Cost Appx: 1.25 Crore

    Principal Architect: Tarunpreet Singh Bhatia

    Team Design Credits: Eshita Verma, Ashima Gupta & Sukriti Gandhi

    Photograph Courtesy: Purnesh Dev Photography

    Consultants for the Project

    Structure Engineers: Structure Solutions

    Contractors: Woodmakers India

    Products & Materials: Sanitary ware: Jaquar | Furniture: Woodmakers India | Flooring: Indian Marble, Sandstone, Jaisalmer, and Kota

    Firm’s Website Link: Studio Mohenjodaro

    Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio Mohenjodaro

    Firm’s Facebook Link: Studio Mohenjodaro

    For similar Project>>>Workplace Design that Favors Creativity, Flexibility and Sustainability

    This 4000 sq ft House Design Unfolds Calm Lifestyle | Avani Mudra Design

    “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. This 4000 sq ft House Design Unfolds Calm Lifestyle | Avani Mudra Design Reimagining […]

    Read More

    This Indian Contemporary House Design is a Tranquil Retreat | DESIGNEX

    The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]

    Read More

    This 5 Storey Building Takes Inspiration From Haveli | SJK Architects 

    This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]

    Read More

    This Residence Embraces Tradition with Stone Clad Walls | Gaurav Deore Architects

    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 […]

    Read More

    This Load-Bearing House Embeds Original Integrity with Contemporary Design | Studio Kosha

    This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]

    Read More

    This Modern Approach Redefines Indian Temple Architecture | Karan Darda Architects

    Redefining Indian temple architecture, the relocation of the existing shrine due to a new residential project presented an opportunity to design a space that seamlessly integrates tradition with contemporary needs. The given 400 sq. ft. site was envisioned not merely as a shrine to Lord Datta, a local deity, but as a vibrant community space, […]

    Read More

    This Compact House Design is Rooted in Tradition | Design Matters

    Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]

    Read More

    This Multi Generational Home Blends Aesthetics & Functionality | Design Consortium

    This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]

    Read More

    Farmhouse Designs in India: 15 Inspiring Styles To Know

    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 […]

    Read More

    50 Best Pillar Design Ideas And Inspirations For Indian Spaces

    Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]

    Read More
  • Workplace Design that Favors Creativity, Flexibility and Sustainability | Empatio Architecture

    Modern Residence Accentuated with Ethnic Motifs | Sunrise Group