DRAW A DISTINCTION _Opolis Architects create a magical, minimal home in Mumbai.

What happens when you allow high quallity materials and the design to shine? A spectacular space that is functional yet appealing.

All it took was a minimal approach and clever spatial planning to create magic. The project involved the remodeling of a rowhouse, within a gated bungalow community situated in Deonar, Mumbai. The 244 sq m (2626.39 sq ft) site is the last in a row of houses. While the plot is tight, being the last one it has three sides open while sharing a common wall with the adjacent plot.

The existing structure was in a dilapidated condition with ground water seepage and leakage form the RCC sloping roof slab. The existing roof, staircase and parking slab were demolished. The new footprint was extended in the front and back with additional columns introduced. The additions to the home are done in steel as seen on the first level. A lightweight steel roof structure with zinc sheeting replaced the heavy RCC slab. This unified the

upper level with a higher volume which is connected to the lower level by an exposed concrete staircase.

The living, dining, kitchen and guest bedroom spaces are located at the ground level. The entrance vestibule is designed as a pause space while entering or leaving the house. It is separated from the guest bedroom by wooden louvers. A sliding folding door separates these spaces from the main living and dining areas. This gives an option of creating smaller spaces within the larger floorplate when required lending an element of flexibility and providing privacy. The living room opens into the rear court thus providing a connection between the inside and outside. Existing Ashoka and coconut trees have been retained. The upper level has two bedrooms and a common space for the family.

The double height glazing on the east façade provides a visual connect to the greenery outside. Morning sunlight filters through the greenery. Operable wooden louvers provide ventilation and vertical steel fins at the top act as sun breakers. The double height glazing and greenery is experienced each time one moves up and down the staircase.

Exposed plank finish concrete is seen in the external façade, with additions in steel. The concrete walls are further carried on to the compound wall giving the house an understated yet elegant presence on the street.

OUT AND ABOUT The exterior of this house is as stark as it is stunning

OPEN SPACES This staircase makes a bold statment indoors (left); the living cum dining room opens into the kitchen, complete with a breakfast counter (below); the living room has floor to ceiling glass windows (right)

Architects Rahul Gore and Sonal Sancheti started _Opolis, a Mumbai and Pune-based, multidisciplinary design practice, in 2001. The firm prides itself in having stayed away from a signature style but believes that most complex and beautiful solutions are often the simplest. www.opolis.in