A simplistic abode that nurtures nature and holds a special place in the heart was the requirement of the
client. All he wanted was a cozy home for him and his family, that they could proudly call their own. To create this very dream home, they approached Shripal and Venkat Architects, who gave them no reasons to complain with their seamless design.
Following the theme ‘The House of Earth, Sky, Water and Prana(cosmic energy)’, the home is a spectale
to look at. The fundamental idea behind the design of the villa was to strike a balance between nature
and architecture. Abundant natural light and fresh air seep in through large openings, and uninterrupted
views of the ocean and the sky lend serenity. This villa is a place where the elements earth, sky and water are in perfect harmony. Conceived as a pavilion nestled between the east and west halves of the
sprawling one acre site, the single-family villa follows the mantra of ‘less is more and less is good’ in all aspects.
The vastu compliant home is planned simplistically as well. Rooms are placed around a central axis between lawns and openings placed strategically aid cross ventilation. The refreshing landscape design features a cantilevered timber deck that hovers over the pool on the sea-facing lawn. The facade is a visual treat in a combination of post tensioned slabs and shear walls. Without the clutter of perimeter beams and big columns, the villa has cantilevered floating planes that act as terraces and family breakout zones. The fluid layout of the home makes for a perfect union of the outdoors and the indoors.
Not a single room requires artificial light during the day. After dawn, muted glows mimic the warmth of the sunlight and accentuate various elements. “Articulating the architectural language of graceful surfaces and slender profiles, the interiors are characterised by a seamless flow of spaces with selected focal points and feature planes,” says Partner and Principal Designer Shripal Munshi. Hand-picked original artwork sourced from India and Bali contrasts the subtle colours.
The kitchen by ALNO offers a view of the vanishing vistas of the ocean.The home has a number of high points. The terrace on the first floor with an open to sky void, beautifully captures the omnipresent connection with nature. Another highlight is a 3 tonne solid granite seat carved like a pebble created by a master stone sculptor in Chengelpet that floats above the ground, leaving one awestruck.
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