Dramatic Flourishes

In this charming bungalow in Surat, Design Ritmo has succeeded in creating a sense of grandeur by cleverly incorporating theatrical design elements. The outcome does complete justice to the client’s main requirement of ‘a simple but dramatic ambience.’

- Ramya Srinivasan

Excellent use of natural light, an imposing spatial volume and a dramatic ambience characterise this elegant residence in Surat. Sitting on a south-east facing plot, the house had the natural advantage of access to ventilation and lighting from two sides. This set forth the process of maximising the use of daylight and channelising it to every corner of the house.

The design team has implemented the lighting strategy using a few strategies like the ceiling to floor glass façade on the south has helped bring in copious amount of natural light. To offset this glaring brightness, grey slate stone has been used to clad the walls while the steps have been covered with dark polished wood. Wood plate lights arranged with an intentional randomness on the wall not just work as foot guide lights in the evening, but also bring in an old-world rustic charm to the narrow spaces.

Another interesting approach to illumination is the use of sky lights in the library on the second floor. Designed with a double height ceiling, the library has the illusion of opening up to the magnificent sky. There is a lot of theatre going on in this cosy library space - adjoining the book shelf is an exposed brick wall against which a comfy white-and-grey couch rests.