A Private Residence for an International Artist,

Sundernagar, New Delhi, India

The existing property was a large scale 1950’s two storey house, finished in white stucco and displaying the European architectural influences of De Stijl from the 1920’s and 30’s, typical of its immediate neighbourhood in New Delhi. 

It was decided to demolish the house due to structural instability and years of neglect, and redesign it to suit the needs of the current owner.

While the original design placed emphasis on privacY AND SHADE, the new one inclines toward an open plan layout, allowing greater communication between the living areas and garden. Generous internal volumes are made possible by the permitted tall roof line. Large recessed windows opening onto the gardens are shaded by cantilevered ‘chajjas’, and sliding screens designed to facilitate cross ventilation while controlling direct sunlight. Two substantial roof terraces on the top floor have been designed for flexible use, accessed by staircase or elevator, with two independent covered spaces allowing use as a personal studio annex, or for private social events. The facades of the new building retain the vernacular of the surrounding neighbourhood, while maintaining the elegance and attention to detail integral to the original facades. Separate staff quarters have been retained in the new design.

The construction detail employs new and traditional building methods in an effort to meet the evolving standards of environmental sustainability, and LEED certification.