Homes
The House Of Verandahs by groupDCA transports you to an European countryside
SEP 30, 2024 | By Pooja Prabbhan Srijith
Truth be told, there’s nothing remotely prosaic about the House of Verandahs. An ethereal profusion of European-inspired architecture, influences and refined elegance; the sprawling 20,000 sq ft Delhi residence’s design sensibilities mirror traditional planning principles with climate-appropriate strategies.
“The home breaks away from merely imitating a classical design aesthetic and instead shapes a home that adapts to Delhi’s tropical climate, through shaded balconies that allow residents to truly enjoy all seasons,” shares Amit Aurora, Principal Architect and Co-Founder, groupDCA.
Timelessly elegant, yet rooted in tradition
Besides spatial utilisation being at the core of this home’s design, every nook within the residence feels interconnected by a classical theme—echoing a unique timeless character. “From the bespoke rattan style furniture to the cooling lily pond at the entrance, each corner of this residence is an extension of our ideology and is reflective of our deep respect for traditional craftsmanship,” he says.
Well-manicured landscape garden near the entrance and a well-thought-through design map makes ample room for natural light to permeate into the interiors. All rooms—including the bedrooms, dining area and kitchen on the upper floor—are furnished with balconies and look out to verdure views.
Shielded by overhangs, the windows permit the ingress of daylight while limiting heat and glare, reducing the need for mechanical cooling and artificial lighting. Clearly, a home that’s designed to foster communion and feelings of togetherness, the residence features multiple areas like the foyer, alfresco dining area and the central lounge.
Deep green and red coloured walls, parquet wooden flooring and vintage wooden furniture, upholstered in printed and textured fabrics, contrast pleasantly against the monochrome canvas. “We utilised custom wall panels and artwork to personalise the spaces, while chandeliers and modern lighting highlight bespoke furniture and upholstery,” adds Rahul Bansal, co-founder and principal architect, groupDCA.
Verandahs aka dedicated nooks for self-reflection
The verandahs of the home stand as a testament to the homeowners’ love for spaces that allow for one to pause peacefully and unwind. Unsurprisingly, it also happens to be the designers’ favourite. “We really enjoyed designing the defining feature—the verandahs, the most,” reveals Aurora.
Interestingly, these semi-open spaces wrap around the home, with each bedroom opening out to a verandah or a balcony, enabling a seamless connection to the outdoors. “Each room is attached to verandahs and all balconies are designed in accordance to sun path studies. They allow soft winter sunlight to filter in, while shielding against the harsh summer sun, creating a haven where residents can witness nature in its full bloom,” he explains.
While it’s tough to put a finger on what arouses maximal visual intrigue at the House of Verandahs; it’s best to describe the home as one that’s rooted in a design philosophy that places convenience and living well above all, evoking feelings of warmth and visual awe in equal measure.
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