The Shah Residence by Fadd Studio

After understanding the client’s personality, we knew that a home with a Zen theme would be perfect for him. We decided to use a warm and earthy palette. Even the choices of materials were natural. The whole shell is an unobtrusive beige-grey color in an amour coat (a wall finish that is made with sand, cement, stone bits, etc.). The floor is a simple grey concrete finish tile.

Once inside, the entrance wall is clad with thin vertical slats in natural teak adding instant warmth to space. The first thing seen from the entrance is the minimal and straight-lined living space in sunset orange and ocean blue that opens out to a raised platform that houses the tea table and is right under the double-height area. The platform is clad with solid bamboo flooring and the tea table itself is designed with elements from nature infusing hand painting and the local craft of marquetry.

Above the table is a magnificent custom-made origami chandelier made in backlit fiber that continues over from the lower to the above floor. The whole setting is set against the curtain-less glazing which allows the rays of the sun in during the day and allows you to gaze the stars at night. The above floor has a fish tank in place of a railing. The rays are refracted in the water and enhance the space with a play of light and shadow with the movement of the fish. On the right side of the entrance is a piano room that is clad with a natural wooden mosaic.

A seat carved out of a monolith of travertine sits near the piano and again the mosaic wall. The bedrooms are simple and cozy in warm colors and use local elements such a Channapatna lamps, local woven fabrics, and cane furniture. The whole home uses minimalism in color, balance in form, and harmony is shaped.