By
Savitha Hira
Photography:
Sameer Chavda; courtesy the architect
Ar. Harish Lakhani plays on a restricted
colour palette and an understated material palette to usher in simplicity, expanse
and comfort into Dr. Ramakrishna and Dr. Sunita’s home in Hyderabad…
When a high-profile working couple seek
refuge in their home, however little their waking hours here are, they almost
naturally opt for serenity, comfort and a pleasing ambience. This doctor couple
too had a similar straight-forward brief.
Uncluttered, wide expanses, functional,
comfortable and aesthetically appointed, their apartment on the 21st
floor in Kukkatpally is an exercise in simplicity and keeps all aspects of relaxing
and socializing in mind. Enveloped in a shroud of white - walls, flooring,
furniture as well as the works of art – the home comes alive like a breath of
fresh air; glossy surfaces juxtaposed with matt soft furnishings; mirror and
glass vying for equal attention as wooden surfaces; clean straight lines
cutting across soft contours… in a shell that plays upon a colour palette of
blacks, grays, and browns, and of course, the ubiquitous white; with understated
splashes of bright hues anointing select artifacts and soft furnishings!
Working with the provisions of the
builder,
which included the flooring, toilet fixtures and finishes, some part of
electrical fixtures, air conditioning system and automation systems integrated,
the biggest challenge that the architect faced was creating the expansiveness,
since the structure was primarily made of shear walls (RCC), which cannot be
touched and very few walls were done in brick masonry. However, keeping interventions to a minimum,
the original home theatre room is now the open dining area, which extends to a
niche bar space too. Living area is divided into two pockets; facilitating
comfortable grouping while entertaining.
The
entire living area with its set interludes of functionality enhances the
spaciousness and highlights the magnificent view of the skyline via an oblong
deck spa in the balcony. Not only does this add an element of interest to the
apartment, it also serves as the perfect relaxation therapist for the
homeowners.
The
apartment, which boasts of a luxurious feel strikes its ultimate note through
its choice works of art – a cement mural of Kalpavriksha,
the Tree of Life with silver leaves in the private lift lobby; a stone Radha Krishna mural and a
intriguing eye-shaped mirror installation in the formal living areas, apart
from others in the bedrooms and that flanking the dining area. What stands out
is whilst we generally observe colour stealthily entering the ambience through
the works of art, here the use of colour is minimal and the art too, follows
the neutral tonality of the entire schematic.
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