Homes
Aparna Kaushik Design Group nurtures this palatial villa with elegance, amidst enveloping nature
JUN 26, 2021 | By Saloni Rege
Nestled amidst expansive lush enclaves, the horizontally dominant villa dialogues with the surrounding nature and is elegance personified. Fashioned by Aparna Kaushik Design Group, the inward looking residence is coined as The Oasis—a perfect reflection of a serene demeanour that envelops the palatial home in a verdant landscape.
Situated on a 1.25 acre property at Ansal Villas in New Delhi’s Satbari area, the L-shaped house imposes a ground footprint of 9,300 sq ft and lends another 5,300 sq ft area to the first floor. The brief was to design a subtle home with simple materials and large spaces that draw abundant daylight in and interact with the outdoor greens.
“Our design philosophy centers around clarity of purpose and simplicity. We plan to accentuate the natural qualities of a space; amplifying its particular aesthetic through seamless functionality and unique form,” reveals Kaushik, founder and architect of her namesake practice.
Simple geometries and clean lines fashion the abode’s exterior silhouette. Upon entering through the foyer, a view of the open courtyard greets the scene and the space leads to the living room and bar area. A wooden partition divides the living and bar zones in a connective manner while expansive windows frame the stunning landscapes and drench the indoors in natural light and ventilation.
A study area settles on the opposite side of the living room and exudes a colonial mood-board with an eclectic mix of accessories. Wood panelling coupled with timber shelving renders a sense of warmth to the cosy nook, ideal for reading a book while sipping a cup of coffee.
A dining area that looks out to the enormous and charming pool is accessed through a walkway that runs along the periphery of the building blocks. Tucked in a corner next to the billiard room is a kitchen, while a semi-covered front verandah creates an interplay of light and shadow. Apart from the family lounge, entertainment room and home theatre as well as a prayer room, the ground floor also houses two bedrooms—a guest room and a parent’s room.
Both the bedrooms are placed at one end of the house, extending out to the leisure of the pool and cabana. Additionally, they face the upper-level balconies and terraces that soak in panoramic views of the neighbouring landscape, similar to a Mediterranean oasis. The element of infusing luxury through well-lit spaces and indoor-outdoor spatial narratives is highlighted throughout the residence.
The colour and material palette primarily boast natural materials and earthy hues that impart sophistication. The exterior stone cladding translates the language of a traditional farmhouse design but with a contemporary spirit. Beige and white marble, wooden flooring as well as panelling and POP mouldings dress the abode in a classy layer.
A semi-curved staircase that separates the private and communal areas on the ground level becomes an exciting mode of traversing up and is paired with a statement chandelier. As we amble up, the first floor comprises a family lounge, main boudoir, son’s bedroom, daughter’s room and a pantry. While modish furniture and artwork balance the POP induced traditional tinge, neutrals and florals bedeck the bedroom interiors, which display wallpapers from Elan and Glamora.
“Experimentation is certainly a part of our design but we majorly integrate the client’s explicit requirements and preferences in any project. The way we perceive design is in a holistic manner, evidently showcasing the concept. Furthermore, to reduce the carbon print in construction practices—we’ve used locally sourced materials and resources that are native to the region,” shares Kaushik.
A testament to intricate details, subtle charm and interactive spaces, the villa pays ode to simplicity of design that’s alluring and effective in appeal.