Streetscape Homeliness

By: Marina Correa

Photography: Deepshikha Jain; courtesy the architect

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Metaphorically ushering in the streetscape indoors, has given rise to a feeling of ‘living on the street’ in a plush apartment in suburban Mumbai...

Dhaval Malesha, principal architect, Studio SOUL (Search of Urban Language) has underscored the importance of residual spaces of navigation and the interfaces between different objects in his design of a contemporary home in suburban Mumbai. “Just like in architecture, the street binds various buildings, activities and people, and generates a unique character, the meandering space of any house lends its interiors a unique character,” he muses. 

Entrance door

Entrance lobby

Absolutely engulfed in the metaphorical allegory, the experience starts right after you step out of the elevator - where a green paned window above a canary yellow seating unit exudes a street feel. As you walk into the home, the dining table slices across from the kitchen into the living area — changing the way one uses the island table; and Greens seen at every corner and a topiary ball in a high pedestal planter make the street come alive within the confines of the home. 

Dining area

View from living room

The juxtaposition of walls at different planes subtly demarcates different zones yet enhances a spacious feel through the use of material, texture and colour. A strong reinforcement of the street concept is aptly executed via a window grill on the inside, providing a feeling of being on the outside.

Kitchen wall abutting bedroom

Activity room

The décor is graced by a subdued colour palette comprising whites, greys and browns complimented by veneer, metal frames, glass panes and marble in terms of materials. The only room that deviates from this colour palette and theme is the activity room, where a burst of lime green walls and various objects d’art displayed on a wall unit make it seem rather disjointed from the rest of the house.

Master bedroom

Overall, the space is clean and cutter-free; almost subconsciously emphasizing the focus on the circulatory spaces (voids), resulting in a rather open, warm space. What starts off as a streetscape inspired design sensibility is finally in direct contrast to the hustle-bustle of our streets.