Creative studio DesignAware constructs Ribbon House within a dense residential neighborhood near the historical Qutb Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad, India. The structure sits at the top of a steeply-sloping lane, surrounded by houses sharing walls on three of its sides. The minimal narrow plot and the buildings enclosing the house impose challenges and limitations throughout the design process concerning the spatial layout, natural ventilation, and privacy factors.
The project follows a vernacular architectural vocabulary and integrates Scandinavian design principles paying homage both to the region’s rich heritage and the client’s background. Drawing from traditional local houses, the architecture arranges a courtyard, a verandah, and a jaali reinterpreted to the minimalistic aesthetic. Embracing the concept of an inward-looking design, a central open courtyard stands as the heart of the home preserving an existing pair of neem trees and allowing natural lighting within the space.
The spatial layout forms around the atrium. A perforated light-weight concrete block wall is designed in the shared space with the neighboring house ensuring privacy and ventilation. The Peekaboo wall uses computational design in an intricate play with angles of rotation of each concrete block creating an undulating geometric surface. The reinterpreted jaali skin over the front facade provides access to the greenery in the front yard through the internal balconies and large bedroom windows, while securing privacy from the lane. White ribbons of folded steel cover the origami-like facade and wrap around the side of the house, casting fractured shadows and allowing strips of light to cast on the walls and floor.
he ‘ribbonesque’ facade is designed through various iterations of paper folding and cutting, creating an interrupted and intersecting folded surface. The steel bands explore folding as a means of fabrication. The screen allows residents to view the lane while restricting visual access to the interior from passers-by. On the upper levels, balconies from the front bedroom overlook the internal front garden and the lane. Hydraulic-operated shutters on each level allow for balconies to open up toward the lane or remain closed, creating a dynamic facade. The design team proposes the adornment of the metal strips with flowering vines and the plantation of the rooftop garden over time.
The practice of repetition and patterns is evident throughout the design. At every level, the front bedroom headboards are customized to reflect the folds of the facade at that level, while the master bedroom arranges a larger tufted headboard that mimics the grid of the Peekaboo wall. Opposite to the sleeping zone is Fold, an origami-like foldable partition between the master bedroom and the dressing area. Due to limited area, several space-saving measures are adopted in this house, such as built-in wardrobes and convertible side tables in the front bedrooms.
The staircase, featuring sleek metallic handrails and compact storage underneath, elegantly connects the two floors. The juxtaposition of openings allows for a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors, fostering a sense of continuity and rhythm. The home showcases Jaisalmer marble and Kota stone, extensively carpeted with detailed elements of highlighters placed at intervals. As one moves through the different zones of the home, the walls are adorned with wooden décor, and the furniture, customized with artwork that harmonizes with the flooring, adds visual interest to the spaces.
The private zone of the house, particularly the bedrooms, showcases the individual personalities of its inhabitants. The master bedroom features heirloom furniture with an authentic Kerala traditional fusion design. The essence of this space lies in the ingenious use of materials and a minimalist, stylish approach. In contrast, the kid’s room is designed around their interest in the colour green, with customized furniture and artwork enhancing the space. Each area of this bungalow in Calicut radiates elements that blend authentic Kerala aesthetics with modernity, creating a perfect balance. This thoughtful integration ensures that every space feels both timeless and contemporary, providing a unique and welcoming environment for all.