Anantham, unlimited and infinite, is an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life; it is a place of refuge and relaxation. Is a second home designed to accommodate a small family of three.
Studio Name: Studio KE Architects
Design Team: Karan Danda, Esha Tipnis
Area: 7,500sft
Year: 2019
Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
The house, which is tucked away in the midst of a green hill, features two radically different architectural styles that delightfully interact with one another.
One which is the entry façade, Aksharam, is designed to be a strong, impenetrable wall that protects the house from the elements. The material of choice for this façade is quartzite, which is a hard and durable stone that is strong enough to withstand the harsh weather in the region. The wall is cut and chiseled to create a jagged and uneven texture that is reminiscent of a cave. The wall also houses niches and alcoves that aesthetically support the exterior aesthetics of the house.
The other expression is the opposite; Parisudham is a tranquil space within the house that combines both modern and traditional elements to create a space of peace and serenity. Natural sunlight streams in through strategically placed windows while the natural foliage and fragrant flowers around the room add to the peace-giving atmosphere. The placement of the seating and minimal yet graceful furnishing serve to ensure that visitors feel a sense of calm.
The playful integration of materials – including concrete, quartzite, wood, and glass – and a dimensional approach to the internal layout create a bold statement, full of contrasting tones and textures. This visual language facilitates a sense of light and airy spaciousness in the living areas, and warmth and intimacy in the quieter bedrooms and bathrooms.
The house has been designed using several simple elements interconnected to create a tightly-knit architectural harmony that blends two distinct spaces of different functions and yet complement each other. The lighter main living spaces and adjoining areas benefit from plenty of natural light and ventilation, whereas the heavier sections use darker materials and volumes for a more intimate, relaxing atmosphere.
