When did weekend homes become a thing in India? Studio Hive’s Delhi home lays out key pointers for designing one

The 2000s? As we Indians were done liberalising and urbanisation surged, along came the idea of a weekend home. Initially, and to some extent still, it was the countryside homes owned by our forefathers. Sometimes, however, it is city homes, like this one in Delhi by Studio Hive, that are designed afresh to meet modern tastes.

From the moment one approaches the minimalist gate, the grandeur of the estate subtly asserts itself. One doesn’t have to wait. The lush canopy of foliage immediately envelops you. The landscape, conceived with an organic sensibility, is lined with pathways and terraces that delineate the pool area. This naturalistic approach, wherein the built environment gently coexists with its surroundings, creates a prelude to the architecture within.

The strategic placement of art becomes immediately apparent. Each piece has been meticulously chosen to engage the observer. Manjunath Kamath’s seminal piece is adroitly positioned on the staircase landing, each step disclosing its fresh dimension. This discerning approach is paralleled in the dining area, where grandiose artworks ensnare attention and kindle intrigue.

The design mandate was clear: to create a weekend retreat that is not only luxurious but also fosters a profound connection to nature and personal interests. The new design was required to accommodate social gatherings.

The home embraces the duality of inward and outward connections. It mirrors the resident’s passion for photography, wildlife and hosting.

The design incorporates Italian and French influences, evident in the choice of furniture, while infusing Indian and Japanese elements through curated artworks and personal artifacts. This eclectic mix fosters a space that feels both globally inspired and intimately personal.

The use of lime-based paint provides an artful backdrop, enveloping both walls and ceilings in a singular, harmonious hue. Metal cladding and aluminum are employed in door portals and panels.

The outdoor serves as a dual-purpose venue for both family enjoyment and social gatherings. The area is defined by carefully designed paths and decks surrounding a custom-made bar. The green-tiled pool, accent furniture by Ethimo and unique Belgian clay pots contribute to a smooth indoor-outdoor transition.

The owners’ travels are very well charted through the space. A striking eucalyptus log bar, finished with the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, alongside exposed brick walls adds a rugged, very rustic elegance to the space.

The project faced limitations due to the existing structural framework, which constrained alterations to room sizes and bathroom layouts. To address this, the design team creatively introduced connecting spaces within the existing structure, ensuring that the modifications did not compromise the building’s integrity.

Amidst the confluence of art, nature and the walls that speak “quite luxury” is this weekend home veiled in its lush foliage.

FACT FILE:

Name of the project: RMD House

Firm Name: Studio Hive

Location: Delhi

Area: Site- 2.5 acres, Built-Up- 12,000 sq ft

Photography credits: Abhay Khatri