Simple solutions that go the mile

By Annie Agarwal

Photography: Vibhor Yadav; courtesy Renesa Architects

Read Time: 2 mins

Sanjay & Sanchit Arora of Renesa Architecture Design Interior Studio

The Khurana residence in New Delhi designed by Renesa Architecture Design Interior Studio seeks a duality. It aims to impress with an alluring image, whilst it resonates a homely feel…

Breaking away from the atypical floor plate ideology that most buildings follow, principal architects Sanjay and Sanchit Arora create an intriguing play in the elevation, making for an interesting façade in a neighbourhood that is accustomed to run-of-the-mill edifices.

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The ever-increasing space requirements of a growing family are met by four floors on stilt, a scheme common in the capital neighbourhood.  Combating this mediocrity and attempting to create a geometric play, Renesa architects design the façade as a volumetric play of masses, in white, almost instantaneously adding an element of intrigue to an otherwise regular dwelling.

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The balconies are enclosed within protruding frames on alternate levels, which effectively act as sun-shading devices on the west-facing façade, protecting the balconies from the customary Delhi heat. At the same time, the schema appears to break away from the monotonous balcony-over-balcony housing typology.

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The white volumetric frames are a pleasant contrast against the vertical dark grey metal lattice and dark metal planters and railing, which offer scope for a tinge of greenery to the otherwise austere facade. The lattice also functions as a veil for the air-conditioning units. Cove lighting of the framed balconies and vertical lattice further accentuates the massing.

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The planning within takes maximum advantage of the only two shorter open sides of the rectangular plot, adjoined by residences on both the longer sides. The bedrooms all open into balconies on the shorter sides, while the public zones - the living and dining occupy the central space in the house naturally lit by a lighting duct.  This completely dissolves the floor-wise rise of the interior spaces, creating a unified homely feel.

Sketch development ideology

Overall, the facade doesn't fail to impress passers-by with its subtle nuances of a play of contrasts - steel against white painted concrete, horizontality of the framed floors against the verticality of the lattice enclosed service core. A simple elevational magic that transforms an apartment block into a singular home!

Fact File:

Client: Mr. Hitesh Khurana 
Design Firm: Renesa Architecture Design Interiors, New Delhi

Structural Consultant: Mr. Devender Damle

Area: 2300 sq. ft.

Location: New Delhi