Private Residence, Delhi |
Project Area : 15,000 sq.ft
The brief for this stunning Delhi bungalow was to design a space that could connect the two robust concrete structures, and ensure that the landscape blended seamlessly with the built form. It wasn’t just about visual coherency, but creating a conceptual thread, which is best achieved by thinking of landscaping as storytelling. Taking the approach of weaving together a narrative gave way to three distinct spatial experiences that flow into each other and bind the space into one cohesive whole.
Coming out of this private zone one encounters the garden room, enclosed on three sides by a crisp Malpighia hedge. Nestled in the hedges are tiny brass birds. “To me this area is so special, it feels like it’s taken straight out of a fairytale; a nook full of secrets and charm. It borrows from my own childhood memories of playing in the garden, and I wanted to evoke a sense of nostalgia and play in the users of the space,” Maniar explains.
The confines of this room and the calming sound of the water in the birdbath create an environment conducive to introspection. A bench is placed on either side for the clients to sit at and enjoy the intimate setting. Walking out of the room into the courtyard garden, one has a transient experience of liberation from confinement.
Right outside the living room sits a larger than life concrete monolith that is fondly called, “The Shanti Bench,” alluding to the name of the Delhi locale, “Shantiniketan,” which means ‘abode of peace. ’ Its pristine white colour encapsulates the ideal of “shanti,” and exudes qualities of tranquillity and surrender. Interestingly, an inspiration for this minimalist form was the subtle curvatures in Lord Shiva’s trident. This sun kissed sweet spot in the home faces the east, where one can meditate in solitude, or spend time with family.
The monotony of lawn space is broken by a sunken seating area- a cosy gathering space around the bonfire that serves as a pit for good conversation and laughter. It acts as a focal point in the courtyard and one gets this beautiful vista of the green lawn at eye level.
Standing in the courtyard, you have fire on one side, water on the other, the earth below your feet and of course, air all around you, exemplifying how soulful landscape design can reconnect people to the elements.
Image Credits : Gajendra Mandrekar
