Soulful Design

Entrusted with the design of a bungalow in Gurugram belonging to a two generational family, LAD Studio creates a warm and nature-filled space which is full of Aanandam.

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Bharat Aggarwal; courtesy LAD Studio

Aanandam Residence designed by LAD Studio is set in the tightly-knit urban setting of Gurugram. The house was designed for two generations of a family, and the only brief from the clients was “for a house that is more than just a place to live.” Therefore, the architects decided to create a joyous, elegant sanctuary that which is stylish, luxurious and exuberant. “We wanted the clients to relish a sense of discovery and a feeling of intimacy in the intentionally carved out cosy spaces,” inform Bharti Sikri and Chander Kaushik, principal architects, LAD Studio. The highlight of the house is the seamlessness between the indoor and outdoor areas which creates a beautiful harmony, and a sense of peaceful living.

Spread across three floor, the 2,370-square-foot house consists of a garden area, formal and informal living, dining, an open kitchen, four bedrooms and a terrace for family get-togethers. The house has seamlessness between the indoor and outdoor areas, creating a beautiful harmony and a sense of peaceful living in the living quarters. Landscaped greens convince the family members to visit the outdoor space for their morning chai and yoga sessions. Separate entries for guests and family members help in creating segregation between public and private spaces. The guests walk through the landscaped garden with subtropical plants to approach the living room; while the private entrance of the house opens into the dining space, where a teak wood ceiling guides the family to their private spaces.

The double-height dining space integrated with skylight anchors the entire built space — keeping the interiors well-lit, and forming a visual connection between the two floors. A mini jungle was cleverly introduced by utilising the service shafts. This feature refreshes the ambiance and builds a relationship with nature in an urban scenario. The captivating metal staircase with contemporary art forms at intermediate landings unfolds a distinctive experience and a sense of lightness within the house.

The bedrooms are kept minimal with neutral shades and natural materials. Natural textures of wood, Indian stones, and a neutral colour palette with accents of pigeon blue, yellow, brick red, and burnt orange create an elegant ambience. Another prominent element on the first floor is a 6’ wide balcony attached to the son’s bedroom which faces the east. This balcony features a metal screen that casts beautiful patterns on the floors and walls. The design is further enhanced by embracing and highlighting the exteriors with the meticulous composition of horizontal and vertical lines delivered in form of louvers. These louvers along with plantation cut the direct sunlight, allowing the filtered natural daylight inside. The bold black stone supplemented with 20’x15’ wide projection supported on a point load gives the structure a prominent identity.