Design by: Charged Voids
Location: Chandigarh
Site Area: 440 square metres, Built-Up Area: 480 square metres
Principal architect: Aman Aggarwal
Photography by: Javier Callejas
Home to three generations of a joint family, this sprawling home in Chandigarh demanded a layout that ensured connection while also meeting the privacy needs of the family. Overcoming challenging zoning and height restrictions, architectural firm Charged Voids designed a modern structure that features a masterful progression of public and private spaces in response. “The resulting structure juxtaposes multiple solids and voids to create segmented layers of privacy and openness,” explains Aman Aggarwal, principal architect of Charged Voids.
The facade of the structure features an arrangement of monolithic walls in alternating finishes of plain white or neutral stone. Within, the house is segregated into distinct private and public zones, which are connected by a central open space featuring a courtyard that extends vertically. The open space, along with punctures in the built form, are aligned with the wind flow pattern in the area, and facilitates natural ventilation and lighting throughout the house. “The layout of the house is centred on the idea of connected living. This also includes a strong connection with the outdoors which is established through internal courtyards, with the interior spaces framing sunny views of the landscape” explains Aggarwal.
The central courtyard is framed by sliding glass doors from ART–N-GLASS on the ground floor
The house features a central open space featuring a courtyard that extends vertically to the terrace
Furniture for the interiors have been sourced from Alla Rakha and Durenzo, while paint is from Asian Paints
The house comprises three levels. On the ground floor, an open-plan, double-height communal space surrounds the central courtyard. This incorporates the living room as well as dining areas. Separated from the courtyard through sliding glass doors, these spaces were designed to establish a connection with nature that extends beyond the visual. “This was achieved by introducing the sound of gently flowing water, floral fragrances from the plants in the courtyard, and the breeze that the punctures in the built form encourage, owing to the locally prevalent wind flow pattern,” adds Aggarwal. Further, the dining area features a wooden cladding that is distinct from the stone finish used elsewhere in the house. Two bedrooms, meant for the elderly members of the family, are also at this level.
The second level, which can be accessed via a floating staircase or by elevator, features two additional bedrooms.
An open kitchen that overlooks the courtyard is also situated on this floor. The kitchen also features a curved wall with a large opening, which creates a slim well of light that allows additional daylight to enter from the roof above. “Elements of nature—bright daylight through the skylights, floral fragrance, the gentle sound of quietly flowing water — are introduced with the intention of visually and spiritually invigorating the space and its occupants,” says Aggarwal.
The floating staircase extends to a third level, which features an open bar and terrace that serves as a space for gatherings.
The material palette utilised by Charged Voids for this structure is minimalistic. Interior walls and flooring make use of the same stone that is used for exterior finishes. The colour palette for the home also keeps with this theme – dominated by beiges, whites, as well as the warm colours of the millwork and furniture. “With this project, we endeavour to continue the search for the original form of space — imbibing the fundamentals of simplicity and efficiency while rejecting superfluous ornamentation,” notes Aggarwal.
Front elevation plan
Rear elevation plan
Story by Sridevi Nambiar
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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.
