Patterns don’t discriminate, at least not at this Thane villa by We Design Studio

Sometimes patterns can be found in the most amusing places. But the most astonishing of them all is nature. Who planted it so perfectly is a question that lingers for all. Easier to answer for believers and a tad bit difficult for others. But the beauty is, these patterns don’t discriminate. This Thane villa by We Design Studio embodies these patterns with its multiple cantilevered terraces that overlook the neighbouring national reserve. It offers a view of nature’s patterns while immersing its residents into its intricate, self-contained designs.

This solitary villa began as a skeletal framework, consisting solely of its concrete shell. The owners’ sought to create a minimal abode (like many, but you’ll see how different this minimalism is in a moment) that permitted abundant natural light and airflow. We Design Studio aimed to leverage the villa’s standalone nature by elevating the landscape to a central role. This was realised through a design featuring four storeys, each with cantilevered terraces extending outward, leading to a patterned dialogue with the surrounding scenery.

The team sought materials that would complement rather than distract from the surrounding greenery. Thus, they selected finishes that allowed the natural environment to take prominence. The floors, walls, and ceilings were adorned in soft, warm pastels, creating a subtle backdrop. Burma teak was used for the furniture, doors, and windows, providing a rich counterpoint. Meanwhile, carefully chosen artworks and accessories introduce vivid bursts of colour, accentuating the understated grace of the neutral base.

The metal louvered gate guides one in. A lush landscape within the compound walls insulates the space from the city’s frenetic pace. The entrance porch, crowned with its coffered wooden ceiling, serves as a commanding focal point.

On the ground floor, one will find a double-height living area, a kitchen, and a guest bedroom. The living room’s barrel-vaulted wooden ceiling lends an air of grandeur to the space. Yet, the pièce de résistance of the design is the dog-legged staircase, which links all the floors. Clad in recycled Burma teak, this staircase stands as the villa’s crowning feature.

On the first and second floors, each featuring two bedrooms with expansive attached terraces, the villa offers private retreats for the family. The third floor boasts a communal terrace designed for barbecue parties and intimate gatherings. Generous walk-in closets in each bedroom and wide doors seamlessly integrate public and private areas. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the home ensure abundant natural light and ventilation, while also forging striking visual links to the surrounding landscape.

To establish the desired ambiance, the team employed a warm color palette throughout the villa. Light beige cement tiles adorn the floors and bathrooms, subtly accentuating the teak wood finishes throughout the home. Glass railings encircle all the terraces, enhancing the sense of openness and drawing focus to the red Agra stone used for the flooring. The harmonious blend of soft pastel hues with the deep brown of the teak wood creates a cohesive connection with the surrounding lush greenery.

Given the original construction’s subpar quality and rigidity, the team had to undertake meticulous structural and civil adjustments to craft this bespoke home tailored to the family’s needs. Surrounded by verdant foliage and overlooking the national reserve, the residence is aptly named the House of Terraces.

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FACT FILE:

Name of the project: House of Terraces

Design Firm: We Design Studio

Location: Thane, India

Area: 6,000 sq ft

Principal Architect/Designer: Nupur Shah, Saahil Parikh

Design Team: Nupur Shah, Saahil Parikh, Devyani Negi

Photography credits: Studio Kunal Bhatia