The Long House

By Marina Correa

Photoghraphy: Subhash Patil; courtesy Sunil Patil & Associates 

Read Time: 2 mins

The Long House (inset) Ar. Sunil Patil

Sunil Patil & Associates designs-and-builds a simple and warm bungalow by connecting two square plots within a bungalow complex on the outskirts of Pune…

Contextually rooted, with one of the longer sides (South side) of the plot facing the road, east side overlooking a sugarcane farm and north side - the neighbour’s garden, the planning takes advantage of this green view, carving out a landscaped garden on the same side, visually continuing the schematic as well as providing a large foreground to the bungalow. 

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This three-level program opens out to this garden with the double-height living and courtyard drawing in glorious green views. In addition, vertical gardens dramatically complement the landscape. With form following the site, the length of the plot is reflected in the 7,720 sq. ft. built-up area - making it an elongated mass. This long effect is further augmented by horizontal slabs, deliberately dwarfing the house to meld in with its surroundings as neat clean lines anoint the contemporary façade made of plastered walls and wooden louvers.

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The architects were challenged to come up with a plan that embraces diverse functions yet fosters a warm and homely vibe. This is accomplished with aplomb by splitting spaces on different levels from lower ground floor to first floor. Each of the interior spaces seamlessly flows into another bringing about a grand sense of spaciousness and transparency. A subdued colour palette predominantly comprising greys, browns and whites with hints of colour coming through paintings, partitions, natural views, highlight walls etc. 

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Besides astute planning, the firm possesses the ability to cull out unique walls, corners and niches. For example, a standout feature is the triple-height mural wall behind the staircase made of sari-printing blocks! Another interesting area is the pebble courtyard, where skylights create animated chiaroscuro elements throughout the day. 

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Maturity in handing minute details is evident throughout. For instance, furniture continues the austere theme in architecture with in-built seating enveloping common areas, whilst flexibility of spaces is emphasized in the multi-purpose family room that can even turn into a guest room. Furthermore, visual continuity is asserted viz. vertical wooden louvers that run from the home theatre to the living – dividing spaces yet maintaining a connect; likewise, the kitchen-and-dining form a continuous space separated only by a bold yellow breakfast table!

  

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With the client desiring a simple and cozy abode, both the exterior and interior articulate this sensibility, devoid of any flamboyant elements – anointing simplicity as its hero!

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Fact File: 

Client: Sunil Desadla

Design Firm (Architecture, Interior Design & Landscape): Sunil Patil & Associates

Principal Architect: Sunil Patil

Project Team: Ar. Sunil Patil, Ar. Anuja Pandit, Ar. Sanjay Patil 

Site Area: 6,940 sq. ft

Location: Pune