02, The Hidden House by A+T Associates is a geometric composition that integrates optimal functionality in an elegant, uncluttered form. The design concept is a direct response to context—the house abuts an 18-meter wide road—featuring a distinctly engraved exposed concrete wall that not not only forms the main feature of the elevation and privacy, but is also a wonderful graphic element. Contemporary minimalism meets timeless aesthetic in a palette of browns and greys for the interior spaces, where a centrally located staircase enwreathes a bespoke artwork cast in liquid metal.
“Since the house was facing the 18 meter wide road, you have to be very careful with the kind of privacy issues it will face, the sound and the dust that comes over with lots of vehicular movement,” explained the architects. “To resolve this issue we came up with this idea of introducing a huge 31.5 ft tall exposed concrete wall which conceals almost all public and private spaces of the house. Towards the end, it converts into individual free standing angular walls,” they said. The distinct graphic pattern engraved on the surface serves to soften the impact of the imposing structure and form an interesting visual element. A singular cube form of the home’s facade remains visible from the front.
Speaking on the interiors, the architects said, “The look needed to be upbeat and timeless, yet refreshingly modern. We were very clear about the material palette from day one. We used warm and earthen tones in form of teak wood, brass, browns in furnishings and greys on walls. All the common connected spaces have a uniform theme, but each individual room has a character of its own as per the personality of the user.”
The living, dining and kitchen areas are located on the lower level, along with the parents’ bedroom (to save the aged couple the trouble of navigating the staircase) and pooja room. The home theatre or entertainment zone is also situated on the ground floor, and is partially detached from the primary block, but remains accessible from the garden area. The first floor features the remaining bedrooms, with a study/library. The spa and Jacuzzi room is located on the second floor, adjacent to a semi open lounge space.
While large openings throughout the home ensure a visual connection with the greenery in the exterior spaces, a central staircase with a large skylight ensures that the interior is entirely bathed in natural light. A bespoke art installation comments on the restoration of cultural values, and is cast entirely in liquid metal.
Image caption, harmoniously combine two usually distinct indulgences
The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”
The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”
Image caption, harmoniously combine two usually distinct indulgences
The choice of materials and finishes was in keeping with this chromatic landscape. “Through the moodboard we visualized the allure of the space,” explains Pennesi. “An interplay of alternations between more or less tactile surface textures, contrasting colors and opaque and translucent finishes that create intriguing peep-through effects.”
This led to the choice of stoneware tiles by Ceramica Sant’Agostino, which deck the floors and bar counter with their dense and uniform speckled pattern and bind together the different areas into which the space is divided, wth laminates from Arpa Industriale and Kaindl, used respectively for the support surfaces and the structures of the bespoke furnishings.
“We chose these materials for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Aesthetic because this type of semi-finished product has color ranges that enabled us to make choices consistent with the palette we created; and practical because they are wearproof materials and ensure easy sanitization. In particular, Fenix, a special laminate we used to coat the counter top, with a surface that has a non-porous outer layer, makes the material easy to clean and suitable for contact with food as well as fingerprint-proof and pleasant to the touch.”
Even the lighting was curated in detail, helping create a pleasant and richly detailed environment. Bellhop cordless table lamps designed by Barber & Osgerby for Flos, illuminate the tables with their discreet light. Suspended above the bar counter is a spectacular suspension composition created with a series of “leaves” in Diphy polycarbonate. Designed by Mirco Crosatto for Stilnovo, it was inspired by a fascinating Japanese plant, whose flowers turn as transparent as crystal in contact with water.
