In today’s increasingly urbanised world, the significance of imbuing urban homes with character and fostering a connection with the outside environment has never been more pronounced. Homes that serve as sanctuaries, reflect individuality and provide respite from urban chaos, embody the true essence of luxury.
Located in New Delhi, A45 is nestled amidst a lush vegetation of Gulmohar, Neem, Ashoka, Jamun, and Banyan trees on two sides. This bachelor pad belongs to Sandeep Barasia, a logistics management veteran who established the base operations for the consultancy giant Bain and Company in India and propelled the growth of Delhivery as its CFO for over nine years. The home was born with the intent to create a comfortable home that could lend itself to intimate gatherings while also functioning as a jewel box for his extensive collection of art. The penthouse is spread over an area of 5900 sq.ft and provides access to a conservatory, terrace, and pool area through an internal staircase.
The home is organised in a linear program, exaggerating the length of the plot. A central, sinuous spiral staircase separates the shared spaces of the living area, dining space, semi-private study, and piano nook from the owner’s private quarters, facilitating a seamless transition from the open living space to the bedrooms. The entire space is housed within a glass box that is modulated to bring in light and capture views of the building context, creating a seamless connection with the outdoors, an element often missed in modern multi-storey homes.
Breaking away from the interior’s rectilinearity, the curved staircase forms a focal point, standing out with its sculptural simplicity and leading up to the terrace. The white marble staircase appears to gently curve around a suspended Crescent Pendant light by Lee Broom that, in turn, brings focus to an iconic ‘Head’ sculpture by G. Ravinder Reddy. Light filtering in from the upper floor cascades along the steps, joining forces with the staircase’s white tones to spotlight the structure.
A largely monochromatic interior scheme with warmth brought in through wooden flooring creates a subtle, well-crafted backdrop for the owner’s collection of art to take centre stage. Each portion of the living space is further designed around statement pieces of art — a low-seater sofa with an extended ledge celebrates a large contemporary brass lamp by Beyond Design while also forming a gentle transition between the formal and informal living spaces.
The dining area is treated with the reigning theme of softness; a circular, seamless, monolithic marble table, rounded chairs and a Smithfield pendant light by Jasper Morrison balance the linear profiles of a contemporary painting and fluted timber wall panelling in the backdrop. The colours of the stone and chairs harmonise with the warm timber flooring. The ducting is exposed in line with the modern theme of the dwelling.
The piano nook features a sculpture of monkeys in striking red, a work of designer Arun Kumar. The sculpture and the Binic lamp by Lonna Vautrin contrast the glossy black of the piano, yielding a distinctive aesthetic to this corner. Basked in natural light filtering through a bay window, the timber-infused study area beyond the piano nook creates a comfortable, focused environment. The study desk and chair are tucked within the bay window, offering views of the verdant landscape. The natural oak flooring of the adjacent living room seamlessly flows over into the study area, establishing a sense of continuity. This area, too, like all the other spaces of the home, is a container for the owner’s treasures—photographs depicting his family heritage and antique pieces hold prominence, with the furniture and materials unfolding around them.
A unique junction of glass partitions in a zig-zag profile envelops the shared space of the home, mimicking the rhythm obtained when curtains are drawn across windows. A combination of clear and fluted glass creates a dynamic modulation of natural light entering the space with views that connect the internal space to the surrounding treetops. The residence’s harmony with its environment is further enhanced by long balconies generously populated with potted plants.
A marble corridor leads to the home’s private quarters, which comprise a master bedroom, two guest bedrooms, and a staff quarter, each furnished with a balcony. The flooring, composed of three types of stone—Carrara, Swiss white, and Thassos—is laid out in an argyle pattern. The tonal difference in the shade of the stones creates the impression of a weave, lending the floor the intricacy of a carpet with the sophistication and durability of marble.
Characterised by a restrained palette of chevron-patterned wooden flooring and white walls, the bedrooms feature details such as cornices that add a layer of depth to the pristine white walls. A contemporary reinterpretation of an antique bed, reminiscent of the owner’s Calcutta roots, serves as the room’s focal point. The master bedroom, with its sliding glass partition, opens out to a banyan tree, reflecting the owner’s affinity for nature.
The home’s terrace, developed as a space for recreation, houses a British-style conservatory– a glass box with a relaxed gathering area. Various details have been incorporated into the design, and the layers unfold upon closer inspection. The glass facade is separated into vertical elements similar to that of a Georgian bar window. Glass bricks utilised on the Southern facade allow a playful flow of natural light into the lounge area. The home’s material palette extends into the conservatory as well—thermally insulated ash timber flooring is laid in a herringbone pattern in the lounge area. While the lower floor of the residence comprises a mix of new and old furniture, the upper floor utilises an eclectic mix of re-upholstered and reused furniture.
The transparent box is designed to withstand the scorching summer heat and capitalise on its surrounding views. Insulating glass with jute liners prevents heat ingress and regulates temperatures during peak summers. The insulated corrugated metal roof is also punctured with a skylight and fitted with exhausts for further cross-ventilation. As opposed to the physical boundary of a parapet, the terrace builds its boundary through a stepped plantation and herb garden, fostering a sense of being connected to the ground.
The facade emulates a layering of elements— the earthy palette consists of brown-textured paint, brown-tinted glass, and antique brass railing and harmonises the structure with its context.
A45 transcends the conventional notion of a luxury home, evolving into a personalised sanctuary that authentically reflects its owner’s identity and his penchant for art. The motley of elements, such as the iconic light fixtures and the white marble and wooden flooring, set up a harmonious composition. The residence’s scheme produces a prismatic box that blurs the boundary between the indoors and the outdoors, seamlessly integrating design, art, and environment to embody the true essence of luxury contemporary living.
Location: New Delhi, India
Team: Akshat Bhatt, Heena Bhargava
Area: 5900 sq. ft.
Completion: Dec 2022
