Verve by Naav Studio

Amidst the bustle of the ever-busy Jubilee Hills, on a rock nestles a magnificent, yet cosy three-storey house. A conception of Principal Architect Niharika Veerabommala, this structure, previously a bungalow, embodies the fusion of Indian and contemporary architecture styles like none other.

This house has come to be through an extensive renovation process, and innovative usage of the existing columns and beams. The vertical expansion, while compensating for an unavailability of land, shines strikingly through the facade. The solid and granular textured walls visually bifurcate the house while the double-height spaces create an illusion of a larger volume. The mild steel members and glass used to create a pergola further augment the height, connecting the various balconies of every level. Symmetrical rectangular openings splayed throughout the house bring in ample sunlight and ventilation, using the park facing side of the house to its full advantage. All these elements work together in perfect harmony to add depth and dimension to the space. 

The foyer entrance captures the grandiose of the house in its true essence. The Armani grey marble flooring and sleek mild steel console stand out against the antique monolith installation, expertly balancing the modern and Indian elements. The foyer is adorned by a statement hathi chair, sourced from DeMuro Das, and framed by a colourful rug. The space also hosts a handcrafted brass wall installation inspired by ikat pattern. The minimal use of furniture in this room ensures free flowing interaction between the foyer and the living room. The creative play with shapes can be seen in the curved sofas using space 

optimally while making it feel intimate and welcoming.

The curvilinear furniture language is carried forward in the living room on the first level by the partition made of wooden reapers and brass to host the TV unit. Boasting of a customised hand-painted ceiling art by Ram Kishan, the dining hall functions as the perfect feature room, connecting the two spaces together. Inspired by a botanical theme, the ceiling art which extends as a canopy to the outside bar area, amplifies the vibrant colours in an otherwise neutral room. The stained wood and the metallic elements of the dining table and railing along with the chandelier enhance the space without taking away from the ceiling. 

Across the first and second level, while the greyscale scheme is maintained, the bedrooms use different explosions of colour. From the tones of green in the master bedroom to the beige and grey in the others, the bedrooms play with different patterns and colours. The use of teak wood for the beds, fluted panelling, and marble flooring contrast against the antique carved pillars and the Indian patterns, combining the two styles together. 

The entertainment floor on the third level, however, juxtaposes the theme of the rest of the house. The seating in the balcony challenges conventionality, speaking to the tastes of the younger generation at home. The use of crazy cut wall cladding in black granite and green Indian marble continues to the floor. The wicker foldable partition in the media room complements the open plan of the rest of the house. 

The house celebrates Indian elements while maintaining a contemporary feel. Using bursts of colour against an achromatic theme, it plays with various colours, shapes, materials and textures. It tells the story of the union of opposing elements.