Form follows function. This philosophy is precisely what guides the anatomy of this grand duplex in Mumbai sketched by principal architect Naved Patel of his eponymous firm Architect Naved Designs (AND). Wrapped in the allure of modern minimalism the home reflects the discerning lifestyle of its homeowners.
Engulfing five bedrooms, the residence combines a spatially-forward layout of 15th and 16th floors in a high-rise.
Functionality at the core
“The careful spatial planning optimises natural light, while monochromatic colour scheme, deliberate contrasts, strategic material selection and suspended dual throw track light system ensure a harmonious ambiance throughout,” explains the architect.
An artistically carved panelled double shutter entrance door ushers one into the expansive living area on the fifteenth floor flanked by a staircase on the right and a pixelated multicolour mirror wall on the left doubling up as a backdrop.
The kitchen and dining area that sit behind the monolith staircase, occupy the remainder of this floor. A central foyer on the sixteenth floor leads to a media room on the right, while on the left is the master bedroom. Another bedroom and a pantry occupy the front area. The wrap-around balconies clad in off-white clay brick canvas encompass all the bedrooms.
Monochromes and layouts
The 30ft long window offering a seamless inside out unobstructed view of the city skyline is unarguably the highlight. Equally eye-catching is the terracotta liquid concrete scooped wall surface with customised lights.
The dining area meticulously planned in close proximity to the kitchen with pocket sliding doors ensures ease of circulation and simultaneously affords privacy.
The extensive use of solid wood with engineered 4mm thin solid wood sheets in varying textures and forms with non-hazardous application of water-based coating products instead of solid wood blocks promotes sustainability.
The master bedrooms on each floor come with a private lounging zone cleverly separated from the bed area and a bathroom connected through the closet section. The dual-tone textured and polished marble flooring renders the use of floor rugs redundant.
“The entire process of material selection and organisation was based on positive and negative algorithms of spaces. Where the ash wood panelling, lime finish paint on curved moulded walls depicts positivity. On the other hand dark wood surfaces, stone floorings and high-reflective surfaces like mirrors and metal portray negativity of surfaces, colours, materials and contrast,” informs Naved.
The matter of balance
The see-through, carefully designed, common family lounge that doubles up as a media room, proves to be the perfect hub for leisurely family sit outs.
With form and function in pristine balance alongside free-flowing spaces touched up with contemporary hints, Naved sums up, “For this project, the idea of function refers to the right ergonomics, space proportions and the ease of flow for people, from one space to another.”
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