Rangoli Farmhouse, Delhi

A long meandering driveway slopes uphill to the upper level of the structure. A strong primitive need to be one with nature is the central theme of the design; A deliberate deviation from the grandiose scale of mansions that dot the entire neighborhood on the outskirts of the city.

Tucked away into the lush green 5 acre landscape, a sense of intimacy can be felt throughout the house in spite of its large area. With all rooms opening out onto little private gardens or sunken courtyards, the line between indoors and outdoors is blurred.

The built form of the structure comprises of clean lines and linear spaces in simple load bearing brick walls. Earth bermed lower floor (where family rooms are located) ensure insulation from the harsh Delhi summers. Cavity walls further moderate internal temperatures, while providing a backing for exposed brickwork. An Internal water body with its exposed brick arches overlooking the family den provides natural air cooling inside the house.

The 40 feet wide span of the lofty vaulted ceiling over the indoor swimming pool is spanned with curved beams to withstand the weight of the roof garden above. Large skylights flood the space with daylight. Cool blue oceanscape on the floor and the built in spa and jacuzzi make it an irresistible retreat for the family.

The architecture is a combination of traditional earthy elements such as intricately patterned exposed brickwork walls, slate tiles on the roof and wooden lean-tos over verandahs. Locally available green, red and white marble stones in simple geometric patterns on the floor attempt to symbolise the traditional “rangoli”.