Hello design enthusiasts! Anand here, and today I’m thrilled to delve into the intricacies and creative vision behind the Jor Bagh House, a magnificently designed residential project by Studio Lotus. This architecture studio is renowned for their innovative and sustainable designs, and this project is a testament to their expertise and dedication.
Introduction
Jor Bagh House is an architectural marvel located on a quiet trapezoidal corner plot in New Delhi. This home, completed in 2023, blends modernist ideals with nostalgic elements to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Designed by a talented team led by Ambrish Arora, Anusha Pulapaka, Christopher Gerhardt, Harsh Vardhan Kumawat, and Adhiraj Miglani, and photographed by Ishita Sitawala, this project brings together form, function, and emotion in a way that few homes manage to achieve.
Key Design Elements
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s lay out some of the key design elements that define Jor Bagh House:
- Architectural Style: Bauhaus-inspired with smooth, curvilinear surfaces.
- Material Palette: Combination of oil-finished timber, metal, stone, concrete, and natural fabrics.
- Layout: Open, interactive format with three separate apartments spanning four floors.
- Lighting: Innovative use of light wells to permeate daylight throughout the residence.
- Furniture: Bespoke millwork and furniture, blending family heirlooms and new pieces.
Architectural Style and Inspiration
The architectural style of Jor Bagh House pays homage to the Bauhaus movement, evident in its smooth, curvilinear surfaces and the white sweeping profile of the front façade. The design vocabulary embraces rounded terraces and bevelled edges, which borrow from the façade of older buildings in the neighborhood. The result is a harmonious blend of modernist principles and timeless elegance.
The front and rear of the residence feature trapezoidal voids, a clever architectural solution that addresses the narrow front façade and allows for ample natural light and cross-ventilation. These voids also integrate the skew of the plot into the overall courtyard shape, adding depth and dimension to the design.
Material Palette and Interior Design
The interior of Jor Bagh House boasts a clean, neutral material palette designed to create a monochromatic canvas for the bespoke millwork and furniture. Deep, black, leather-finished Hyderabad granite flooring contrasts beautifully with the lighter tones of the exposed concrete ceiling and white plastered walls.
The bespoke furniture and millwork are a delightful blend of family heirlooms and new pieces, lovingly crafted by Mangrove Collective. Each piece tells a story, adding layers of lived memories and emotion to the home’s ambiance.
Layout and Functional Design
Jor Bagh House is divided into three separate apartments, each occupying different floors. The lower two floors each house a single apartment, while the third unit spans the top two levels. This division allows for both privacy and communal living, with each floor featuring a generous drawing room, deep verandahs, and dining areas flanking one side of the courtyard.
The family room and master bedroom connect to the east-facing courtyard, further connecting to two additional bedrooms. Each bedroom features private balconies, ensuring that every room benefits from natural light and fresh air.
Lighting and Ventilation
One of the standout features of Jor Bagh House is the innovative use of light wells, which permeate through the center of the residence. These light wells ensure that daylight reaches even the lower floors, creating a bright and airy environment throughout the home. Additionally, the negative volumes in the front and rear façades enhance cross-ventilation, keeping the interiors cool and comfortable even during the hot Delhi summers.
Strengths
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Bauhaus-inspired design and the smooth, curvilinear surfaces of the façade are visually stunning.
- Functional Layout: The division into three apartments allows for flexible living arrangements and privacy.
- Material Choice: The use of a neutral palette with contrasting elements creates a sophisticated and timeless interior space.
- Lighting and Ventilation: The innovative use of light wells and negative volumes ensures ample natural light and ventilation, enhancing the livability of the home.
Conclusion
Jor Bagh House by Studio Lotus is a remarkable example of how modernist design principles can be seamlessly integrated with contemporary living needs. The thoughtful use of materials, the innovative layout, and the emphasis on natural light and ventilation come together to create a home that is both beautiful and functional.
If you’re as inspired by this project as I am, I encourage you to explore more of Studio Lotus’s work on their website. Their portfolio is filled with projects that push the boundaries of design and sustainability, offering a wealth of inspiration for anyone interested in architecture and interior design.
Stay tuned for more deep dives into fascinating design projects, and feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
Project Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Architectural Style | Bauhaus-inspired with curvilinear surfaces |
| Material Palette | Oil-finished timber, metal, stone, concrete, natural fabrics |
| Layout | Three separate apartments over four floors |
| Lighting | Innovative light wells for natural daylight permeation |
| Furniture | Bespoke millwork blending family heirlooms and new pieces |
| Location | Quiet trapezoidal corner plot in New Delhi |
| Completion Year | 2023 |
| Design Team | Ambrish Arora, Anusha Pulapaka, Christopher Gerhardt, Harsh Vardhan Kumawat, Adhiraj Miglani |
| Photographer | Ishita Sitawala |
| Sustainability | Potential for additional features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting |
I hope you enjoyed this exploration of the Jor Bagh House. Let me know your thoughts and what projects you’d like to see covered next!
