Art & Interior Architecture

By Zoya

Photography: Tejas Shah; courtesy the architect

  

Luxury amidst the skies

‘Art can be a very integral part of one’s lifestyle statement’ proves Ar. Dipen Gada as he carves this luxurious penthouse with vast spaces in synch with each other and with art in a seamless soliloquy…

Manish Patel’s 10,500 sq. ft. penthouse in Baroda is no less than a villa.  Giving his architect Dipen Gada a carte blanche over carving out the perfect personalized spaces for the family, has rewarded him with an openness to new ideas and experimentation, as Dipen weaves a narrative, surprising with colour and integrated works of art in almost every area of the home.

 

Terrace Lounge

Pockets of lush living

“Art is the most important factor of any project,” ponders Dipen; and so the penthouse, an art piece in itself, is divided into two levels with an additional third level for a terrace that is designed as the perfect getaway to unwind amid a lush green garden and smart seating - mostly in white to add lavishness to the open air lounge.

Sculpture from Ashit Das’ Parchaai series

Taking you through:  The main door with its patina-finish brass plate and sheesam wooden battens with a carved-in handle hints at the details and customization that the project explores. Inside, a dramatic sculpture from Ashit Das’ Parchaai series, alongside a vertical glass with a female figure etched on it alludes to the male-female equation. As you venture forth, the mirror on one wall of the small foyer alludes to a larger space as a prelude to the eloquent double-height living room.

 

Ceramic art by Vinod Daroz

Large windows allow maximum daylight, while artificial lighting is used to create a perfect ambience and to highlight the works of art. Dipen pays key attention to materials used. A coating of burnt granite on the wall in living area, for example, takes the  form of a canvas for installation of nine ceramic pieces by Vinod Daroz that leave one pondering on the subject; while the seamless blend of matt and glossy finishing across the house is metaphorically “full of life”.

 

Essaying narratives everywhere

Artistry is imbued into the design. A combination of drop lights and creepers in glass holders customize the dining area with the mother-of-pearl inlaid dining table opening out to the terrace. The exposed concrete wall forms a formidable backdrop along the staircase, as intriguing human figures “mount the journey of life”.

Balancing light sources

Simplicity & Elegance

Crème walls, vintage lamps, ethnic showpieces and meaningful art add depth to a beautifully designed home that takes the dual onus of being warm and welcoming as well as engaging and thought-provoking.