The family home designed by reD Architects captures a modern essence with adaptable spaces and versatile room configurations. The client, a globe-trotting couple with college-aged children, envisioned a bright, airy and simple house with flexible spaces. They wanted a family home in Mumbai, a city where every inch of space is valuable. The design needed to accommodate their dynamic lifestyle with spaces that could be integrated or used individually as required. The design team created sliding walls between the den, living and dining areas, and an additional bedroom. This solution allowed natural light to penetrate even the darkest part of the house—the den, and ensured the adaptability of the rooms according to the time of day and the family’s needs.
The design theme aimed to capture a modern essence without feeling generic. Upon entering the house, the high ceilings and open expanse immediately stand out. The furniture and textures are harmonious, contributing to the overall character of the home. A consistent motif of horizontal and vertical lines is evident throughout—the grooves of doors, sliding walls and the spatial perception of each room—upon entry.
Maximising natural light and ceiling height was a priority. The air-conditioning system was designed to avoid visible side throw grills in the living areas, creating a unified and lofted ceiling across the integrated living spaces. The bedrooms, accessible through a semi-private threshold, feature floor-to-ceiling windows on at least two walls, offering sweeping vistas of the city.
The bar area is a cosy niche adjacent to the living space, defined by its black fluted panelling and custom-designed metal and tan leather bar. This space catches the soft rays of the setting sun, highlighting the intricate design details. A custom art piece designed in collaboration with Vinayak, who works with ceramics in Bali, serves as a backdrop. The ceiling, asymmetrically low to accommodate the AC unit, features a cloud light by Olie Lighting, resembling a beautiful monsoon cloudburst.
Attention to detail extends throughout the home. The doors, designed without handles, feature a grooved pattern with inlaid slate pieces where needed to push, protecting the veneer from staining. The flexible spaces described earlier illustrate the smart space planning solutions implemented to meet the client’s dynamic requirements.
The primary challenge was layout planning for the ever-changing requirements of the clients. The adaptable spaces, achieved through sliding walls and versatile room configurations, addressed this challenge effectively.
The material palette includes quiet riverwashed marble floors, textured white walls and sliding walls that provide a perfect backdrop for unique lights and furniture pieces. Black slate, tan leather, rattan and metal are used throughout the house. The sofas by Minotti contribute to the modern look, while accent pieces like a custom-made coffee table by Demuro Das in quartz stone and antique brass add uniqueness. Dining chairs by Length Breadth Height, handcrafted in Canaletto walnut veneer, complement the Italian dining table. Concrete side tables with splashes of colour by Crio flank the large, deep navy sofas.
The overall colour and material interplay within the home is subdued yet sophisticated, highlighted by the owners’ fabulous art collection, creating a muted but highly refined atmosphere.
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FACT FILE:
Design Team: Maithili Raut (Principal Architect/Designer), Devika Solkar
Area: 5,000 Sq ft
Year of Completion: November 2023
Photography by: Ishita Sitwala
Styling by: Sam Wadekar