This 4BHK penthouse project was a challenge that they were excited to take on. Spread over two levels, the client desired the main floor to be open, airy and unrestricted. Now picture this: an imposing column (overlooked by the client while finalizing the duplex), right in the middle, extending all the way up to the upper floor ceiling, disrupting the harmony of the living and dining area; leaving our client disheartened. On the other hand, this obstacle fueled our excitement, and opened up possibilities of turning this situation into a striking design element.

Instead of hiding this column with some other material to make it look better, which would eventually make its presence more evident, we decided to ignore its appearance altogether, and rather focus on incorporating meaningful experiences around it. So much so that it not only became a relevant part of the space, but also played a pivotal role in dictating the design language of the entire house.

Our first instinct was to create a dialogue between the two floors, resulting in an informal seating-cum-puja area made in teak wood and veneer, overlooking the double-heighted living room, wrapping the dining area ceiling and extending all the way till the passage end. This bold intervention, seemingly supported by the infamous column which also holds the suspended dining table and a seating, is the protagonist of this 3 generational homes.

Surat,Gujarat,India

Architects : TACT Studio
Area : 2100 sq. ft.
Year : 2022
Website : https://www.instagram.com/_tactstudio/?hl=en

Living room of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Living room of Shivkunj by TACT Studio

The entrance vestibule, with a framed hand painting of Goddess Gayatri, welcomes one with a breezy embrace and ample light filtered through the large windows, and a sneak peak of the upper floor and the terrace beyond. The entire house has a calm and neutral material palette, rendered in tones of wood, greys and ivory that come together to give a warm homely feeling. Even the tan colored sofas merge effortlessly with the setting. The living room corner has a back paneling of Michelangelo tile that complements the veneer alongside. The overall design idea was to retain as well as emphasize the expansive volume, with a minimal layering of elements and materials. Well-thought lighting along with plants and customized artwork further enhance the space.

The common area on the upper floor has been designed to accommodate the puja and a multi-functional space that can be used for religious gatherings, for informal relaxed conversations, for work from home setup or as a quiet reading corner. The tropical wallpaper on the opposite wall forms a fresh and lively backdrop for display of books, achievements and other collectibles.


Living room of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Dining of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Kitchen of Shivkunj by TACT Studio

Adjacent to the dining area is the open-plan kitchen. Again a combination of ivory and gray, with clean lines and a sleek look, it effortlessly blends efficiency and functionality with modern aesthetics. The cabinets are structured to precisely fit in the appliances in order to achieve a modular clutter-free appearance. The swivel countertop works as a dry platform, and also as a breakfast counter. It is a great space saving element that can be tucked in when not in use.


Kitchen of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Pooja area and Reading area of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Reading area of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Bedroom of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Bedroom of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Bedroom 2 of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Bedroom 2 of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Bedroom 2 of Shivkunj by TACT Studio

The master bedroom on the lower floor is immersed in gentle hues of soft pastels creating a beautiful contrast against the teak wood veneer of the bed and the wainscoting. Following a similar color palette, the parent’s bedroom has an elegant paneling in a wooden-feel laminate that acts a backdrop to the upholstered bed in creamy white. The white wall, layered with this symmetrically proportioned panel forms a visually pleasing juxtaposition. A voluminous bedside drawer on one side is balanced by a slender one on the other. The corner dressing unit is an ensemble of shapes and forms, and inconspicuously hides the sliding window shutter. In harmony with the overarching theme, the son’s and the daughter’s bedrooms on the upper floor embrace the soft, subtle and mellow ambience experienced throughout the house. 


Bedroom 3 of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Bedroom 4 of Shivkunj by TACT Studio

The design of this house is an extension of our design aesthetics where they strive to be sensitive to the client’s visions and aspirations of a home and give it shape by translating it into their architectural language. Every detail and moment is tactfully orchestrated with a sense of authenticity to craft a personalized living space. 


Bedroom 4 of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Foyer of Shivkunj by TACT Studio


Entrance of Shivkunj by TACT Studio




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