Spectacular Sanctuary
Three different construction systems, a unique design language between the indoors and outdoors and a celebration of craft, this weekend retreat by Studio Lotus is designed to be a sight for sore city-bred eyes
The Earth and Glass House, a weekend retreat in Sultanpur, Delhi by Studio Lotus is all about interconnected volumes that establish a dialogue between the indoors and the outdoors. Designed for a family looking to host friends and relatives to unwind and move far away from the chaos city life; it is situated on a two-acre rectangular plot with one half is for hosting events.
The house is surrounded by farmlands on three sides and a dense urban settlement on its eastern edge. “Breaking rank with conventional construction, the Earth and Glass House unites three construction systems: a mild steel framework, load-bearing walls made of rammed earth, and exposed RCC slabs. A key design challenge was to develop the requisite joinery and junction details to cohesively unite these three distinct structural systems,” says architect Sidhartha Talwar, principal, Studio Lotus.
“The entrance porch is shaded by a ten-metre long cantilevered volume resting on a load-bearing rammed earth wall and a pair of V-shaped columns. The building form appears almost weightless, suspended above grade like a floating box,” adds Talwar. The entryway has a double-height, sky-lit courtyard. “The entrance court is punctuated by a helical staircase that features a custom-made brass railing emulating twigs and branches of the nearby trees as a nod to nature,” he says.
Designed in the form of a pavilion, the living area has large glass windows that ensure the interiors remain lit throughout. “A Jenga-inspired brass bar, articulated in concrete and brass, serves as a node between the living and dining areas,” says Talwar. Beyond, the dining extends into the kitchen and utility spaces. The bedrooms are housed on the upper level of the cantilevered block, where each bedroom is outfitted with bespoke furniture. “The scale of the home is almost monumental; the extra-high ceilings, large doorways and expansive sky-lit bathrooms as well as the generously sized custom-designed consoles and furniture are a stark departure from convention,” he shares.
“The home is an unbridled celebration of craft and sculpture, characterised by sinuous curves and playful geometry,” says the architect.
By not following a conventional design philosophy this weekend retreat manages to provide a sanctuary for its residents, allowing them to truly wind down and connect with the outdoors.