Ulahas’ means happiness and cheer, and is the core idea of the design of the new residence designed by Studio Next. The family is accustomed to living in a bungalow in Chandigarh, and the design attempts to create a similar experience in a smaller and dense urban site of Gurgaon. The design resonates with the bungalow typology of larger volumes and seamless integration of outdoor and indoor living spaces.
The site located in Gurgaon within a gated community, is flanked by plotted development on both sides of the house. The residence being G+2 integrates with the physical context around as well as resonates with the psychological context of a bungalow that the client is used to.
It is a contemporary five-bedroom residence with ample interactive spaces for the family to socialise and mingle. Large green lawn in the front, backyard, sunken courtyards and large terraces on the upper floors engage with the spaces on the inside via large openings and doors. Double height entrance lobby on the ground floor leads into the contiguous family and dining room. Basement, as a formal gathering space, has sunken courtyards and is seamlessly connected with the upper floors by an open and well-lit staircase. Bedrooms generally located towards the rear of the residence on the upper floors provide much-needed privacy.
Ample daylight, cross ventilation, projections, terraces achieve a comfortable environment in the residence and enhances the happiness index of the family. LED lights, low-flow sanitary fixtures and energy efficient equipment are used in the residence. These solutions are not only low on carbon footprint, but also reduce overall operations and maintenance costs.
Traditionally, abodes used natural materials and are adorned with local arts and craft as decorative elements. In this residence design as well, use of natural materials such as marble, Jaisalmer stone & mosaic for the flooring and Jaisalmer stone for the wall cladding reflect this longstanding tradition, but in a contemporary manner. Herringbone flooring has been used in the living and dining room similar to bungalow flooring in India. Eclectic furniture, local art, modern lighting and accessories create a contemporary interior environment for the family that is rooted in our local traditions.
Project Details
Name of the firm: Studio Next
Principal Architect: Tarun Kumar
Plot Area: 4,500 sq-ft
Built-up area: 7,000 sq-ft
Structural Consultants: ST. AR. Consulting Engineers
Photographs: Places and Spaces
