Brass Wall House by Studio Lagom

This 4BHK, 2550-sq-ft apartment had to be transformed into a home for a family of six: a senior couple, a junior oouple and the latter’s two young children. The brief wasn’t elaborate, but its pithy content spelt out the entire design direction: a luxury that is sensed rather than overt, and a home with an Indian heart.

With this as a guide, the decision became to create a design with clean, simple bones, and then overlay this contemporary base with material applications that were subtle yet striking. Materiality was articulated as reclaimed teak, metal (coated and natural), and tactile fabrics such as velvet. The chromatic direction remained on the neutral, earthy side (with the exception of the children’s room), accented with black. The finishes were consciously kept matte, rather than glossy, to strengthen the concept of effortless and timeless luxury. 

Toeing the line of ‘just enough’ became critical to the success of this project. Luxury was interpreted as a luxury of materials, detail and traditional spirit rather than mere ornamentation, So while the material applications are generous, they are minimal, and entire volumes or expanses are delineated in a single material. Most of the entrance foyer, for instance, is lined in reclaimed teak wood (which is the timber used throughout the house), and extends, quite literally, a warm welcome. One wall is clad in brass tiles, as a contrast and complement to the organic beauty of wood. The same material unfurls its burnished beauty on the 35-foot-long wall which spans the living room and the kitchen/dining functionality — establishing singularity of volume. However, an arched wood-and-cane screen achieves functional segregation while maintaining visual permeability. The ceiling was maintained in its exposed state, so now the concrete expanses lend a brutalist and solid counterpoint to the narrative that unfolds beneath. Soft furnishings are natural and detailed: quilted bed linen or velvet upholstery introduce tactile comfort and soft sensuality. Throughout the home, potted plants, small and large, add inimitable freshness to the spatial experience.