The young enthusiastic designer duo at ‘a+t associates’ put their best foot forward to create a residence that can be recognised for its innovative and experiential quality achieved through simplicity interlaced with elegance.
As young designers, whenever Tanvi Rajpurohit and Archis Patel are flooded with a flush of new ideas, the words of Scott Adams come to their rescue, “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is to know which ones to keep!”
Founded in 2010, the firm has already received many accolades for their refreshing designs. Hence Mr. Kamlesh Palan positively decided to rope in these zealous designers to help convert his property in Baroda into his dream house.
The first look inside the house and one knows there is no overdose of pompous embellishments or quirky décor. It is purely young, neat and soothing. The firm has an unparalleled flair for modern simplicity or classical minimalism. The design aesthetic is marked by clean, simple and sophisticated lines, a palette of neutral colours and interesting textures. It possesses a basic seriousness with an injection of freshness.
“Understanding the existing architectural language was the precursor for our design concept. The structure with its varying volumes and playful levels made a bold and strong statement. We therefore decided to have subtle and humble interiors to avoid any overdo and to visually as well as spatially connect all the public spaces. Use of glass panels for partitions and railings along with a uniform colour palette helped achieve this idea,” elaborates Archis.
The house has many levels and every change is highlighted with a change in flooring. Composite marble is used wherever the floor level changes. The rest of the spaces have 900 x 900 mm glossy beige vitrified tiles. Such a selection gives the house a very spacious and grand feel. The staircase, which can be viewed from all the spaces, is given an artistic expression with wooden treads and glass railing. This not only makes it beautiful but also sculptural.
The overall theme of the house is subtle and elegant and the basic idea of avoiding any ostentation is evident. The existing bathrooms were moderately sized and to avoid the claustrophobic feel, it was a conscious decision to make them simple yet comfortable. A smart storage beneath the basic counter serves aptly.
The heart of the house remains the central double height dining space. The intricately carved circular metal mirror at the washbasin here catches the eye. Highlighted with a chic display panel, the space synergizes and holds the entire house as one. Viewed from all the spaces of the house, this 4’ x 11’ graphical panel was custom made from waste plywood available on the site and then covered with a fabric full of vivacious colours.
“Our stern principle of practice is to generate spaces that reflect its occupant’s personality and aspirations. We are truly dedicated towards designing spaces that are not only aesthetically appealing but also analogous to its function and context,” elucidates Tanvi. The bungalow primarily consists of three bedrooms, each of which has a distinctive ambience to fit the user’s personality.
Owing to its moderate size, the parents’ bedroom on the ground floor is done in neutral colours with simple furniture that allows more storage. It is evident that here the concern is more about comfort than style.
In contrast, the daughter’s room on the first floor is modern and invigorated. A few civil changes for its existing huge, angled window overlooking the double height dining space gave way to a new rectilinear opening. The window is further detailed to create a low height sitting adorned with a glass backrest. Its sliding wooden louvered shutters render a chic look. A custom-made graphical panel that symbolises life and youthfulness is specially designed to reflect the daughter’s likings. This display is mounted on a painted wall done in a grey tone. Use of bright colours for the soft furnishings and artifacts adds spunk.
The imperial master bedroom radiates mellowness with its rich leather headboard and warm decor. The wooden flooring is in accordance with the overall theme of the room. As the bedroom cheerily opens into the balcony, the ambience turns energising.
Only a few civil changes such as an addition of a new dressing room for the master bedroom and construction of the servant’s bathroom on the ground floor were undertaken. “Executing the available financial resources to their fullest efficiency is of prime importance in our perception. Over burdening the client is never intended,” explains Tanvi. One of the key strengths of this project is the meticulous attention paid towards the execution of the design details; this ensured a high level of finesse in the final outcome.
Text By Kruti Choksi
Photographs Courtesy Tejas Shah
Contact
email: atassociates.05@gmail.com
