Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Penthouse Delight

By Marina Correa
Photography: Courtesy the architect

India Art n Design features penthouse in Mumbai by SSA Design Studio
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A sprawling 6000 sq. ft. of inhabitable area and an expansive 3,000 sq ft terrace gets a ‘bungalow-like’ makeover at the hands of principal architect Sandeep J Shah of SSA Design Studio.

Materially rich, roomy, well-appointed and easy-on-maintenance are keywords that define this penthouse in suburban Mumbai for a compact business family.

India Art n Design features penthouse in Mumbai by SSA Design Studio
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India Art n Design features penthouse in Mumbai by SSA Design Studio
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India Art n Design features penthouse in Mumbai by SSA Design Studio
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Accentuating the positives viz., high ceilings and vast terrace and rising to the challenge of transforming an old load-bearing chawl layout into a bungalow, Sandeep began the exercise by equipping each bedroom with an ensuite restroom, besides enhancing the master bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes. Maximizing on the view and the open terrace space, the guest quarters and a well-appointed bar are positioned on the upper floor, while the family bedrooms and living areas are relegated to the level below. 

India Art n Design features penthouse in Mumbai by SSA Design Studio
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India Art n Design features penthouse in Mumbai by SSA Design Studio
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The architect plays with juxtapositions veering from the traditional to the avant-garde as he camouflages the many ‘I’ beams into the ceiling design, interestingly playing traditional elements against a modern vocabulary. For instance, creating a spotlight, wooden rafters are juxtaposed against glass on the ceiling along with an arresting chandelier in the entrance lobby and dining area. A skeletal glass staircase raises a toast to the two duplex levels and sliding folding partitions act as space dividers and enhancers. In a similar vein, a softly landscaped terrace flooring acts as a bold contrast against the old world charm of a Mangalore-tiled sloping roof; exuding a distinct character.
 
India Art n Design features penthouse in Mumbai by SSA Design Studio
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India Art n Design features penthouse in Mumbai by SSA Design Studio
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India Art n Design features penthouse in Mumbai by SSA Design Studio
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A sumptuous materiality defines spaces. Ubiquitous use of marble variations; elaborate floor patterns; intricate jaali and fenestrations on partitions and dividers; fancy terrace tiles inlaid with artificial grass – bring about wholesomeness to the design and décor of this abode.
 
India Art n Design features penthouse in Mumbai by SSA Design Studio
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And peering at the technicalities behind this tastefully attired abode, we see skylight and sloping roof augmenting the structural and environmental vocabulary as do the light-weight walls crafted out of Siporex and marble dividers instead of brick. LED and plenty of natural light are complemented by solar power for the green experience, all-in-all packing in a punch that gives the home an all-time appeal.

7 comments :

  1. Congratulations Sandeep and Anita

    ReplyDelete
  2. Randall S. Randall Randall S. Principal Designer, Treffen & Co. Interior DesignJanuary 24, 2015 at 6:47 PM

    It's always easy to be critical of a project from an arm chair. There are many factors and personalities that go into the final material and decorating selections. For me, Architecture is the form. It's level of harmony and grace sets the tone for what follows. A less than spectacular form is difficult to dress up- although it can be done very well. Great form can also be so covered up and hidden with incongruent material details- that the space is rendered much less than it's potential.

    For me, this project uses way too many different types of materials that do not support each other, (or work in harmony), much less bring out the best in them when put all together. Look to nature for inspiration. Look to the beauty of Indian art, architecture, and music for instance......they have a very developed, sophisticated esthetic. in response to IAnD's discussion thread, "Can the use of an extravagant material palette define an elegantly designed home?"

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  3. Shaheen QASIM MBBS,FRACP,WHS C 4 &DIPLOMA WHS Shaheen Shaheen QASIM MBBS,FRACP,WHS C 4 &DIPLOMA WHSJanuary 24, 2015 at 6:47 PM

    Very nice . Thank you for sharing .

    ReplyDelete
  4. Paul Judd Architectural and Interior designer. Alternative Energy consultant, Structures for telecommunications and wind energyJanuary 24, 2015 at 6:49 PM

    There is no harmony in this design. Using expensive materials does not automatically produce good design in response to IAnD's discussion thread, "Can the use of an extravagant material palette define an elegantly designed home?"

    ReplyDelete
  5. Shaheen QASIM MBBS,FRACP,WHS C 4 &DIPLOMA WHS Free Lance Health professional, work health and safety , Public Health , art and design , policy' implementation BloggerJanuary 24, 2015 at 7:24 PM

    There is no disharmony either . Beauty in the eyes if the beholder !!!!!!! Thank you .

    ReplyDelete
  6. Shaheen QASIM MBBS,FRACP,WHS C 4 &DIPLOMA WHS Free Lance Health professional, work health and safety , Public Health , art and design , policy' implementation BloggerJanuary 24, 2015 at 7:25 PM

    By the way . UTZON got similar comments for the opera house . The sail in Dubai is fabulous with no harmony as far as the interior is concerned . To me the architect has done a fabulous job .

    ReplyDelete
  7. In the process of building a new house so I am on design blog overload at the moment but what I have decided that I want more than anything in my new house is - I want to love every single thing.

    ReplyDelete