SNR house, located in Islamabad as a corner plot, is an iconic yet modern single-family residence that celebrates the idea of playing with levels through massive geometric volumes. These volumes in turn are tamed down with the intelligent incorporation of landscape design to celebrate the spirit of green architecture in residential spaces.
Project Name: SNR HOUSE
Office Name: DB STUDIOS
Office Website: https://www.db-studios.com/
Firm Location: 12 Nazim-ud-din Rd, F-6/1, Islamabad, 44000, Islamabad Capital Territory
Completion Year: 2019
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2): 9000 square feet.
Project Location: DHA, Islamabad.
Program / Use / Building Function: Single Family Residential Unit
Lead Architects: Saifullah Siddiqui
Photo Credits: Rafay Anwar Creative Studio
The client, who is a retired colonel, living with his children, wanted to create a living space that would connect all family members yet give them their own privacy. Initially, a large expanse adjoined as two plots, the architectural design intelligently put forth a well-connected household by splitting the floor plan by creating multiple levels to divide the family spaces. In addition to this, a central atrium was created that served as the anchor point of the house with a central staircase that established a connection between the two main voids of the entire residence.
Simplified zoning of spaces within the house through the interplay of levels, resulted in a playful circulation of areas internally that kept the family connection alive, a very necessary requirement of the client. The house also enjoys double heightened spaces to promote nature ventilation and daylight within. The monotone color palette of the house is contrasted with the use of timber which gives a warm and earthy feeling to the interior of the house. This paired with the indoor green pockets further enhances the idea of an iconic yet tightly-knit family space for the client and his family.
The recessed form in combination with a monotonal façade has created a visual hierarchy of spaces in the form of terraces that have been converted to planters. The visual drama and play of light through the placement of the voids as per the interior levels created inside the house enhance the elegant aesthetic of the architectural style that has been executed. Moreover, the element of texture as a design element has also been highlighted here with vertical grooves to enhance the push and pull play of the massive concrete volumes that give the cube a sense of being encircled by a denser network of the surrounding cubes.
The main spaces of the house include a verandah connected to the main living room and a master bed on the lowest level with accessibility to accommodate the retired colonel and his wife. Adjacent spaces such as a formal zone to accommodate guests include a study area, dining room, drawing room, and a guest bed. The first floor is designated as the Colonel’s son’s living unit that includes a master bed, bedrooms for his children, and private terraces acting as buffer spaces for relaxation.
