ARCH HIVE
Abhishek Patel
16/06/2023
What’s a weekend home without a healthy dose of green!
The central portion was the subject of quite a change in our refurbishment of this weekend home. It earlier used to function as a courtyard with passages running around it. On one side, it has the main door and exactly opposite it is a large window, like a cut-out in the wall, framing the view outside. We thought of blocking the openness to bring in a bit of privacy — without fragmenting the space. So we turned the court into a waterbody and placed a planter inside with a beautiful Champa. The tree not only blocked the view but also added a natural element in the space. Now because of the temple tree, people entering the house actually pause to enjoy the space before moving on to either the living space or the dining room. The brick walls belong to the original structure, while the flooring is black slate. We also place casual seaters in the corridor — transforming it into a spill-over space of the living and dining rooms.
Green at heart! A frangipani seemingly emerging from a waterbody forms a cooling, serene heart for the weekend home. The exposed brick walls seem to envelope the soothing element in a warm embrace.
An intimate congregation space at the weekend home. Next to the long meeting table is a small seating area created in the alcove. Together, they act like an arrangement where friends can gather around and sit. The art behind the table features endangered animals, metaphorically painted encased within glass jars. Different materials come together harmoniously: the flooring features brown Kota, the counter-top is made in black granite, while the walls are finished in Limo coat. The counter apron is ornamented in a teakwood chevron pattern, rendered almost like a weave.
Originally a semi-covered verandah, this area became the main living room overlooking the garden after we regenerated the program of the weekend home. The area was enclosed with teak wood and glass sections on either side and sliding-folding doors on the garden side which allowed the room to be fully opened to the landscape. The material palette is earthy and organic: black slate flooring, a ceiling clad in chattai with teak wood slats for character and the exposed brick of the original structure. Some of the furniture is custom-made, while some pieces are imported. On the right (behind the long sofa) is a Zen garden, and on the left is the swimming pool.
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