As the year draws to a close, *Architectural Digest* takes us on a journey through some of the most stunning residences in India, designed by AD100 architects.
These homes are not just structures; they are heartfelt homages to vernacular design, modern minimalism, and sustainable architecture. Each residence reflects the designers’ ability to merge functionality with artistry, creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and intimately connected to their surroundings.
From a cozy home in Thrissur to a luxurious farmhouse in Maharashtra, these homes showcase the best of Indian architecture.
Earth Home in Thrissur
Designed by Mohammed Afnan of Humming Tree, the *Earth Home* in Thrissur is a testament to the owners’ love for travel and rustic aesthetics. Jacob Pulimootil and Anekha Joseph wanted a home that felt lived-in, cozy, and far from precious.
The architects responded with a design that incorporates:
- Muted black and wood flooring to camouflage spaces
- Custom shelves for travel souvenirs
- Roman-inspired side tables crafted by Kerala-based artisans
The decor is clean and uncluttered, pairing geometric lines with plain walls, leaving ample circulation areas between objects.
Design Philosophy
The *Earth Home* embodies a sense of calm and serenity. The architects kept the decor minimalistic, ensuring the home felt both functional and artistic. The design seamlessly merges different spaces, making it difficult to discern where one area ends and another begins.
Gurugram Residence
Architect Iram Sultan designed a luxurious 6,500 square feet residence in Gurugram, reflecting a shared love of books with the owners. This multi-generational living space features:
- Rows of color-coordinated books
- Artworks acquired from various auctions
- Lush green houseplants
The design prioritizes functionality, tucking away private rooms while opening up common areas. Personal touches like a Buddha statue and abstract sculptures turn this house into a home.
Creating a Personal Space
Sultan’s design philosophy emphasizes that a home should speak to and about the people who live in it. The Gurugram residence is a perfect example of this, with its intimate and personal touches that make the space uniquely theirs.
Maharashtra Farmhouse
Designed by Pashmin Shah and Satyajeet Patwardhan of Amoeba Design, this farmhouse in rural Maharashtra is an homage to the peaceful life of our ancestors. Sprawling across 12,000 square feet, the home is built primarily with brick and wood, featuring:
- Two courtyards allowing natural light to filter in
- Shared living areas and multiple bedrooms
- Materials that agree with the local climate
The courtyards are the pièce de résistance, designed as an extension of the landscape. A swing in the connecting passage allows for an enjoyable experience of each courtyard.
Architectural Elements
The farmhouse incorporates elements like toggle switches and louvred windows, reminiscent of old homes. The design aims to create a serene environment, blending modern amenities with traditional aesthetics.
Mumbai Home
DeMuro Das designed a sophisticated, warm space in Mumbai, inspired by the city’s Art Deco heritage. The home features:
- Curved walls and openings to minimize boxy room qualities
- An extensive collection of modern and contemporary Indian art
- Purity of material and finish, showcasing Indian craftsmanship
The design is described as *international Indian*, subtly referencing nuanced Art Deco elements.
Balancing Modernity and Tradition
DeMuro Das managed to blend the interior seamlessly with the furniture and art. The design softens the apartment’s hard edges, creating a harmonious living space that feels both modern and rooted in tradition.
Shereen Bhan’s Forever Home
News icon Shereen Bhan’s home, designed by Vir.Mueller Architects, required extensive renovations. The architects opened up the north wall with windows, each emphasized with granite window boxes.
The home features:
- A bedroom next to the dining room for her parents
- A room dedicated to aerial yoga
- A rooftop terrace as a meditative green space
The overall look is clean, simple, minimalist, and elegant.
Renovation Challenges
Transforming the home while maintaining its original charm was a challenge. The architects managed to create a space that feels both new and familiar, blending modern design elements with traditional aesthetics.
Rama Greens in Raipur
Designed by Sandeep Khosla and Amaresh Anand, Rama Greens is a development featuring 90 plots and a shared clubhouse. The project includes:
- A large pitched terracotta-tiled roof
- Uninterrupted views of exterior greenery
- Interiors contrasting with the orthogonal, linear architecture
The library features slatted oak screens that curve through the space, morphing into bookshelves and fixed seating.
Architectural Harmony
The design ensures a harmonious blend between the interiors and exteriors. The use of local materials and traditional design elements make Rama Greens a standout project in Raipur.
Modernist Home in Ahmedabad
Restored by Kunal Shah, this modernist home in Ahmedabad is a reminder of classic domestic architecture. The home features:
- Original terrazzo floors
- Complementary small cut kota stone in the veranda
- Spaces allowing for informal postures
The design reflects a refined minimalism, keeping in mind the Gujarati way of living.
Timeless Design
Shah’s design philosophy emphasizes simplicity and being rooted in domestic rituals. The home allows for a gentle pace of life, making it a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
Art-Centric Home in New Delhi
Designed by Pranav Naik of Studio Pomegranate, this home in New Delhi is centered around the client’s art collection. The design includes:
- No white walls
- A series of works by Zarina Hashmi as the focal point
- A calming shade of seafoam green and teal blue walls
Art and Architecture
Naik’s design philosophy emphasizes the importance of art in creating a home. The art-centric design ensures that the home feels both personal and aesthetically pleasing.
For more information on these stunning residences, visit the Architectural Digest website.