Calicut’s pulsating heart is home to Villa 15, a residence conceived by Studio Uli that is structurally unique and aesthetically vogue. In this architectural tale, Studio Uli didn’t just design rooms; they sculpted experiences, celebrating the everyday moments of laughter, creativity, and repose.
Crafted for a family of four, the designers deftly embraced the challenge laid out in the client brief. The task? To seamlessly integrate an expansive array of spaces within the home’s modest footprint. How did they conquer this feat? Through the masterful play with different levels, a testament to their skillful navigation of the design landscape.
Villa 15’s crowning features are the daring cantilever slabs, boldly supported on one end. These slabs have been skillfully employed to create striking overhangs and extensions, that simultaneously serve as picturesque outdoor living spaces, often used for their social gatherings, and provide shaded respite for intermediate areas. The design is further enriched by the integration of varying levels, contributing depth and dimension to the villa. This harmonious blend of structural elements maximises the use of a compact urban footprint while moulding a luxurious and functional living environment.
As you step through the threshold of Villa 15, the design narrative extends beyond its skeletal attributes, where a myriad of textures and patterns breathe life into the interior spaces. “The clients outlined their vision, desiring a modern and contemporary feel with an essence of minimal elegance”, explains the Studio Uli team. This aspiration became the guiding force for the design of the entire interior layout, where the juxtaposition of rustic charm and glamour takes centre stage.
On the ground floor, two living rooms—one formal, the other informal with a TV—find their balance with a miniature indoor garden acting as a natural separator. The dining area, fluidly part of the open plan, is draped in a neutral palette, satisfying the occupants’ preference for restraint. However,a twist unfolds as 3D tiles grace the walls, injecting flair and texture into the sleek setting, elevating the space into a dynamic canvas of understated luxury. In a meticulous curation, chic lighting fixtures provide ambient lighting, while plush upholstered furniture offers comfort. Each element contributes subtly to imbue the spaces with a distinct sense of flair.
A consistent design language of muted tones and textured surfaces smoothly transitions into the private areas. Bedrooms prioritise simplicity with subdued hues and natural materials such as wood and stone. In contrast, bathrooms reveal a touch of sophistication with accent-coloured embossed walls and flooring, their charisma heightened by tactically set gentle cove lighting behind the mirrors.
Studio Uli’s careful attention to spatial configuration extends to leveraging liminal spaces as supplementary areas for relaxation and entertainment. This includes a home theatre equipped with effective acoustic treatments and a barrier-free chandeliered living space on the first floor adorned with a stylish diwan and wicker baskets as wall accents.
Another key preference highlighted by the prospective occupants was the cohesive integration of indoor and outdoor realms, all while upholding privacy. In response, the design incorporates strategically positioned expansive windows that serve as portals for abundant natural light. This commitment to harmonising the two environments extends to artful landscaping, with native tropical plants delicately dispersed indoors, creating a soothing and vibrant ambiance. Outdoors, the balconies host a thoughtful arrangement of kitchen garden plants, offering a verdant sanctuary right at the doorstep.
With its ingenious design, Villa 15 epitomizes a contemporary haven where form meets function. In every corner of the dwelling, Studio Uli has composed an architectural melody, delivering a familial haven that is both captivating and supremely efficient.
FACT FILE :
Name of the project: Villa 15
Firm Name: Studio Uli
Design Team and Designation: Ar. Mohammed Fazil (Principal Architect), Safwan KC , Mohammed Shijil
Website: http://studio-uli.com/
Location of the project: Calicut
Area (Sq.ft): 4500
Photo courtesy: Justin Sebastian
The author is an Assistant Professor at School of Design and Innovation, RV University, Bengaluru