Axis House: Crowning Skylight and Staircase Are The Jewels of This Nagpur Bungalow

Axis House is an apt description for this 6-bedroom Nagpur home, whose grand modern facade gives a hint of the architectural brilliance in staircase and skylight design that lies beyond. Having said that, this contemporary home with characteristic intersecting sloping roofs belies the spacious interiors. Designed by tHE gRID Architects, the two-storeyed bungalow with a basement is home to a large family of 3 generations living harmoniously under one roof.

About the project:

Location:   Nagpur – India 

Completion date:  2019 

Area :   Plot area – 15000 sq ft , total built up area – 8769.07 sq ft. 

Architecture & interior design :    tHE gRID Architects 

Design Team: Snehal Suthar and Bhadri Suthar, Vishvajitsinh Hada, Keyur Patel, Aanal shah

Photo Credits:   Photographix India 

The contemporary home in Nagpur is designed by The Grid Architects for a large family spanning three generations. The home makes room for a living, family room, dining, kitchen, office, pooja, library, six bedrooms, store room, and servant quarters over three levels and a basement.

Oh! Did I mention that it is all designed around a central axis on which rests the central staircase and skylight filling the double ceiling family room on the lower level with natural light.

Bhadri says,”

All the bedrooms and all the rooms are connected to the outside and greenery. We consciously incorporated several local species in the landscaping. The whole design and layout revolves around the staircase and the axis; its angles of skylight was a challenge. 

There are too many focal points to count in the ground floor of this house – the most remarkable being the double height family room neatly nestled between the pooja and a bedroom with access to an envious deck. The two bedrooms on the ground floor is a thoughtful addition to make it convenient for seniors.

The staircase from the ground floor takes you to the library on the first floor providing access to a balcony. The staircase of the Axis House is positioned at the meeting point of the two roofs, pitched at different planes, and is crowned by a linear skylight. It forms the heart of the house around which are deployed different functional pockets; it also works as a light well.

The design is clever yet aesthetic as the spaces are deliberately positioned to facilitated unhindered movement across rooms, aid in conversations considering the vastness, and yet provide privacy. Full-height fenestration and glass expanses that replace walls, contribute to a sense of ‘freedom’ within the space.

In addition, the landscape planned around it brings in tranquility, emphasized by the natural sunlight through the skylight and ensures a strong connection to the green.

Elaborating on the choice of materials, Bhadri explains,

The material palette leans towards the earthy end, and features natural stone, timber, exposed concrete and copper. Strategic applications are driven by the need to heighten individual contrasts and beauties.

The first floor is home to the remaining four bedrooms of the house. There is a conscious attempt to open up the living spaces to the outside through balconies, patios, and decks to enhance the living experience beyond the built form.