From Jaipur’s lavish City Palace to the spectacular symmetry of the subcontinent’s most celebrated structure, the Taj Mahal, and the Group of Monuments at Hampi, buildings across the redolent peninsula of India evoke romance and mysticism.
But these qualities aren’t exclusive to ancient marvels. Contemporary projects excite the senses in equal measure — just like this stunning family home on the outskirts of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat.
Designed by German architecture and design firm Blocher Partners, the arresting abode is set amid a vast garden and has been built according to the age-old architectural philosophy of vastu shastra, which translates literally to the science of architecture” and promotes the integration of nature into the design of a building.
While the striking angular facade of the villa might initially seem to have more in common with the modernist architecture of Le Corbusier or Mies van der Rohe than age-old building customs, it’s in fact a fusion of contemporary materials and traditional Indian natural stone and wood.
Upon entering the residence, you’re greeted by the soothing sound of an unseen water fountain bubbling in the background – a symbol of energy and the flow of life, according to the principles of vastu shastra.
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The warm welcome continues into a double-height entrance hall with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens, through which light streams in and illuminates the polished marble flooring. Appointments are minimal throughout the home, employing a union of modern Italian and custom and antique Indian furniture, with artworks by emerging contemporary Indian artists.
The lobby leads to the family’s private quarters on one side and communal spaces on the other. Offices, guest apartments and open-plan dining and living areas are located on the ground floor, as well as an exquisite home cinema. Enveloped in resplendent red velvet with mid-century-inspired sofas in a rich cinnamon shade and flanked by circular brass side tables arranged on three tiers, the movie room belongs in the whimsical cinematic world of director Wes Anderson.
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A sense of 1950s glamour is found in the family room, which is dominated by an inviting L-shaped couch. Fronted by large glass windows, the space is at once connected to the exterior and sheltered from it. Set back from the garden by a veranda that casts dramatic light and shadows, and surrounded by a shallow pool that lends a cooling effect, the home has been carefully realised to minimise the need for energy-consuming air conditioning, even at the height of India’s notorious scorching summers.
In harmony with vastu shastra, the master bedroom is situated at the southernmost point of the abode, with views of the garden’s shimmering lily pond and looking out across the treetops. Brushed concrete walls endow the space with a simple elegance that’s complemented and elevated through clean furnishings and organic shapes. Assorted textiles and rugs add texture and warmth, while a large-scale art piece in the same desaturated palette adds even more visual appeal.
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Lighting plays an important role throughout the dwelling. Warm tones emanate from statement pendulum lamps and uplights cast a delicate golden glow, while certain areas benefit from sizeable skylights that allow natural light to pour in. This all helps to establish a balance that’s not only central to the practices of vastu shastra, but also to the success of this home – one in which ancient customs and modern approaches unite to create this family’s stunning sanctuary.
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A version of this article appeared in our February 2017 issue.
The post East Meets West in a Sumptuous Mansion in India appeared first on Home Journal.
