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Desert Song - Society Interiors
(2003)
JHUNJUNWALA farmhouse near Delhi is a celebration of desert
architecture in the midst of green acres. |
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Joyful functionalism, play of colours and an
eye for detail characterize the jhunjhunwala farmhouse at
Bhati mines off South Delhi. As the architect Pradeep Pathak
who worked closely with the jhunjhunwala family to translate
their aesthetic sense into brick and mortar, puts it, “The
style that has evolved has traditional nuances interlaced with
a modern look. |
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The coming together of different aspects of
folk art and crafts placed in a contemporary layout has
resulted in a stylish yet functional ambience.” Since the
Jhunjhunwala family hails from the Shekhawati region in
Rajasthan, they were keen to reflect their cultural moorings
in their farmhouse, which is designed like a haveli. So
keen were they on authenticity that Pradeep visited their
native land to get a first-hand experience of the cultural
ethos and see the wall frescos for himself. “I traveled
extensively with my wife to places like Churu, Bissau,
Jhunjunu and Mandawa before beginning on the project. |
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We kept the basic Rajasthani concept
in mind and included modern amenities for the family’s comfort.”
Reveals the architect. He further explains that a farmhouse should
be rigorous in both concept and usage. As it’s a place one shares
with friends and family, it should have all amenities for a
comfortable lifestyle. Also, it should be low maintenance since
the owners would visit only occasionally. “In this case, the
clients’ requirement was for a two bedroom residence on their
14-acre farm in the Arvalli hills. The brief given to us also
specified that the actual built-up structure should not impose on
the surroundings fruit orchard and herb garden,” he says.
The Pathaks came up with a design
concept inspired by mud architecture with minimal use of wood. The
design greatly relies on using traditional materials and methods
of construction and craftsmanship, integrating the interior and
architecture as one. Stone thresholds (chowkhats) are
combined with RCC jaalis and the façade has been given an
uneven rustic finish by contouring the bricks and given the effect
of mud plaster.
Even inside the house, you feel
surprisingly connected to the external greenery as the various
fragrances from the garden waft in while the dawn and dusk echo
with birdsong. Pradeep’s design embraces the one-volume concept
with uncluttered interiors where the spaces flow into each other.
Yellow Jaisalmer and black Cuddapah stone flooring imparts a warm
and earthy glow. “In an open-plan design,” explains Pradeep,
“there is often a need to delineate areas and still keep the
promise of a fluid and spatial flow,” Therefore, a linear stepped
divider was planned between the living and lounge, dining and open
kitchen. A small partition across both sides of the main door
creates a there-but-not-there physical barrier, allowing the
family to greet guests at the door without taking away from the
open feeling of the room. A seating alcove with a working
fireplace built behind one partition acts as a cosy family corner,
while another partition finds the open kitchen behind it. These
stepped partitions also display artifacts. |
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The Jaipur blue-tiled swimming
pool has been placed in the middle of the farm and becomes the
focus of attraction as all the rooms maintain visual contact
with the pool. The free-flowing open spaces defy all norms of
conventional living. Playing with a rich palette of natural
materials, the whole house vibrates with coloured glass on
doors, windows and built-in light fixtures. With the exception
of the wrought iron dining table, all the furniture – the
beds, seating, study tables and low-height Indian seating – is
built in. |
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Niches carved into walls with light
fixtures to highlight the artifacts within and vibrant
furnishings, add to the ethnic look of the house. The pool cools
the interiors naturally and the same water is later used for
irrigation. Emphasis has been on maximum ventilation where breeze
and natural light filters throughout the house. |
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The house celebrates the
elements of nature. It welcomes the sky, the breeze flows
through unhindered, rain splashes into the pool and the green
grass enriches the lawn. Whether it’s the delicious northern
winter, heat of summers or the steamy deluge of monsoon rains,
each season can be enjoyed sitting inside this
environment-friendly home away from home. Indifferent to the
traditional rules of décor, this home doesn’t dwell on
glamour. What is does instead, is capture your senses with its
thought-provoking simplicity. |
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