By Zoya
Photography: Tejas Shah;
courtesy the architect
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.
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.
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”.
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 |
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.
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