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- December 14, 2020
- 7:42 am
PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS
Project name: Veranda on a Roof
Architecture Firm: Studio Course
Website: www.studio-course.com
Facebook Link: www.facebook.com/studiocourse
Contact e-mail: studiocourse@gmail.com
Principal Architect: Kalpak Shah
Project location: Sopan Bagh, Pune, India.
Completion Year: 2017
Gross Built Area: 50 Sq.M.
Photography credits: Hemant Patil
Societal culture has unknowingly been part of Architectural practice in the history of mankind. The impression of social/political image, arts or literature appreciation comes from the way city fabrics and architecture veil themselves around us to embrace these experiences differently. In traditional Indian Architecture this vibe was indeed nurtured by the presence of a simple ‘veranda’. A veritable “town square” of sorts, where family and friends broke bread over social gatherings, where debates concluded, and the arts were appreciated.
What’s unique about reviving this concept in today’s real estate climate where space is such a premium, is the immense value a veranda still has for a large demographic of Indian people. One such project embraces the bygone charm of the ‘veranda’, by incorporating it on the rooftop of a duplex apartment in a 12-storey building. Designed by ‘Studio Course’ Architects, the intervention attempts to embrace millennial societal culture within a contemporary facade and minimalist approach.
‘Veranda on a Roof’, is designed to create an idyllic escapade for the clients escaping from routine activities of the main house below. It accommodates a covered library that spills out into a sunkissed court with reading nooks set amidst green landscape. A fully equipped canopied pantry sits perched alongside the terrace to cater to longer spells of social affiliations or ponderings in solitude.
Although the terrace may seem magnetic visually, the library is in fact the “pièce de résistance” of the intervention. It’s artistry to shun away from the limelight is indeed eye catching in itself. Sporting a rustic base palette of cement textured walls, polished cement floors, and teak wood ceiling; the space is tastefully furnished with a ceiling-to-floor teakwood library console, and brass metal fixtures gives the space a certain scintillating finesse. A granite stone staircase leading to a store room above, is suspended by stainless steel cables set against the library console enhancing the space in the third dimension. This space is sparsely accessorized with few pieces of teak wood furniture and art decor. The composition of the library is veiled from the terrace by openable wood framed glass partition walls that dissolve into the scenery of the court. Stitching the spaces seamlessly into one entity.
The zen and rustic environment of the library trickles into the terrace, rendering a sensually tactile experience. Amidst lush potted greens, ample sunshine and ventilation, the gravel flooring adds a certain sense of definition to the theme.
Like the library the design of the pantry follows suit, retaining a neutral palette with wood toned accents.
The design also gets into the finer details of the spatial composition to stay true to the concept, by adding custom designed door handle fixtures, drawer handles etc that indeed match the setting.
The veranda becomes a versatile inward and outward looking space not only by the anatomy of its composition, but also doubles as a vantage point of a vast race course beyond. Translating into a unique escapade, a sanctuary for the family to cherish and nurture.
A place to reflect and just ‘be’.
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