Fact File
Location: Uttarakhand
Size: 420 sq m
Principal Architect: Monish Siripurapu
Photography by: Jaidev Venkata & Anirudh S
‘In the Mountains’ by Ant Studio is an idyllic residence, one that sinuously navigates the contours and slopes of the alpine terrain and seamlessly integrates them into its form. Maximizing the breathtaking panorama of the Himalayas, the spatial composition features courtyards, openings, and ramped terraces, strategically placed to allow the confluence of natural vitality and architectural detailing. An abode where one can commence each day with a view of the first ray of sunlight hitting the pinnacle of the Himalayas and culminate with a warm tangerine glow basked over is the charming imagery which forms the crux of the recently completed residence by Ant Studio. With the intent of complementing the rugged beauty of the Himalayas, this residence derives its form from the contours and slopes of the surrounding mountains, while seeking to become a part of the terrain. Posing for a spectacular view inculcated with twinkling lit houses at night, the scenery seems to be a heavenly imitation.
The brief stipulated the client’s desire to inhabit a space from which the stated panorama could be visible from every part of the house. To supplement this, the design team created a scheme revolving around integrating the essence of nature within the frame of the residence. The resultant planning presents courtyards, openings, and ramped terraces strategically placed to allow the confluence of natural vitality and architecture. While imparting a distinct experience on account of its design, each of these courtyards seeks to provide thermal comfort and peeking views of the spectacle. An inclined bridge, superseded by an open terrace, marks the entry, through a lobby presenting a play of wooden textures. Further, a flight of stairs leads to a magnanimous living cum dining area, which has been laid out at a lower horizontal. Designed to allow an inflow of natural light and amplify the innate volume, the living room showcases full-height windows and a partially glazed roof. Dark wooden flooring with nude shades of furniture and light-toned blue walls; create a perfect mix of contrast and compliance.
An accentuating feature that subtly draws a line between the living and dining is a classic fireplace, concocted with luminous golden oak wooden framing and vertical stone cladding. An intimate bar setup showcases an edgy contrast of wooden textures and shaded stone surfaces. Harmoniously designed with pastel-toned furnishing, the dining room also encompasses an organic-shaped mirror as a feature décor. The adjoining kitchen provides a zest of colour with its red wall tiles and black granite countertops. A full-height door then leads the way to the private quarters of the hill habitat. From a common space, two bedrooms resonating with the mystic jungles and the tranquil oceans appear to the user. The attached bathroom spaces maintain a touch of affluence through golden detailing while remaining true to the textures of brick and wood. Accessible from a peeking entrance lobby staircase, the elaborate master bedroom showcases a muted grey backdrop with a combination of white walls and dark wooden flooring. “In the mountains,” in the architect’s words, “blurs the lines between landscape and built” and poses as the “habitat nirvana” that their client desired.
Image caption, harmoniously combine two usually distinct indulgences
The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”
The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”
Image caption, harmoniously combine two usually distinct indulgences
The choice of materials and finishes was in keeping with this chromatic landscape. “Through the moodboard we visualized the allure of the space,” explains Pennesi. “An interplay of alternations between more or less tactile surface textures, contrasting colors and opaque and translucent finishes that create intriguing peep-through effects.”
This led to the choice of stoneware tiles by Ceramica Sant’Agostino, which deck the floors and bar counter with their dense and uniform speckled pattern and bind together the different areas into which the space is divided, wth laminates from Arpa Industriale and Kaindl, used respectively for the support surfaces and the structures of the bespoke furnishings.
“We chose these materials for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Aesthetic because this type of semi-finished product has color ranges that enabled us to make choices consistent with the palette we created; and practical because they are wearproof materials and ensure easy sanitization. In particular, Fenix, a special laminate we used to coat the counter top, with a surface that has a non-porous outer layer, makes the material easy to clean and suitable for contact with food as well as fingerprint-proof and pleasant to the touch.”
Even the lighting was curated in detail, helping create a pleasant and richly detailed environment. Bellhop cordless table lamps designed by Barber & Osgerby for Flos, illuminate the tables with their discreet light. Suspended above the bar counter is a spectacular suspension composition created with a series of “leaves” in Diphy polycarbonate. Designed by Mirco Crosatto for Stilnovo, it was inspired by a fascinating Japanese plant, whose flowers turn as transparent as crystal in contact with water.
