Villa Serene by IDIEQ

Overlooking the mighty Garhwal Himalayas and due south of the mighty Chaukhamba, Kamet, Trishul and Nanda Devi Massif lies Villa Serene, near the town of Ranikhet. This contemporary property captures the essence of avant-garde living in a traditional mountain setting - a quiet reflection of modern lifestyle steeped in traditional values. Inspired from simple forms and native bearings, it seamlessly blends modern design elements with a rustic yet sophisticated texture palette.

The Clients, Anu Alagh & Rahul Monga wanted a combination of harmonious coexistence with nature and a desire of utmost privacy and the design philosophy echoes this brief. The residence captures the essence of this harmony with nature and softens the boundaries between the inside and outside through layouts, placements and an extensive use of glass. Light and air permeate throughout the property, and cherubic clouds occasionally waft through the living spaces. The property blends in the landscape and a casual observer would pass by, barely noticing its existence.

Rustic yet sophisticated texture palettes takes centre stage in this residence, reflecting Anu and Rahul’s requirements of a non-urban dwelling. The villa is asymmetrical and modern, while its interiors dovetail traditional Indian design. The deliberate dominance of local material imparts a sense of authenticity and rootedness to the design. The facade is built using an elegant randomised combination of stone and brick with two round glass windows which capture the southern light.

As you step inside the residence, you're greeted with a study area on the right side. A mango wood study table and a tan leather recliner abut a white wooden bookshelf with hundereds of books. On the left a well stocked bar overlooks the living area. The piece de resistance is an antique bar table which uses old wooden railway sleepers as structural elements. The living area features an antique cast iron fireplace, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind. Large embroidered day beds complement the pine wood flooring. The strong presence of these rich textures is counterbalanced and thoughtfully broken down by glass fenestrations. The strategic placement of glass allows natural light to permeate the spaces, creating a gentle play of shadows and reflections that adds depth and visual interest.

The master bedroom on the west is strategically placed to avoid bright light in the morning. It features a jut-out sitting area opening towards the deck, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Further to the west and visible through the floor to ceiling glass is an organic vegetable garden where the clients grow crops as a part of their plan to source local.

The roof which slopes towards the south is covered with shingles and integrates two large skylights - one over the master bathroom and the other over the kitchen. The house harvests all the rainwater it gathers from the roofs and surroundings, and recycles all grey-water into flush tanks making it an eco-friendly and sustainable. All appliances are energy efficient and extensive use has been made of insulating materials.

A standout feature of this villa is the integration of an open-to-sky bathroom, interwoven seamlessly with a vernacular material palette. The master bathroom features a walk-in closet which is separated by a heavy wooden log frame from the shower and closet area. The wide skylight allows natural light to flood in. Full-length glass windows provide a seamless view of the snow-capped mountains while taking a shower. The bathroom also features double wash basins and roll-down blinds, providing privacy when needed.

A significant consideration in the design of this residence was the sensitivity towards the privacy of the residing members in the presence of extensive glass elements.
Public areas, such as the living room, kitchen and a guest room are positioned towards the east - and are seamlessly connected to the surrounding garden. A powder room is strategically placed central to public places towards the right of the corridor that leads up to the kitchen. Wooden decks run along the entire northern frontage and open up to a swimming pool, private garden, golf putting green and a natural pond.

The kitchen features a skylight, and the island below serves the purpose of a work and dining table. Modern appliances have been integrated for the convenience of the clients and feature a straight line layout for efficiency of work. A utility area adjacent to the kitchen features frosted glass towards the south, providing a greenhouse effect that helps tackle the dampness in the storage areas.

A spiral staircase at northern side, right outside the connecting corridor leads up to an open terrace, making it a perfect spot for star gazing while experiencing gushing cold winds.

Villa Serene beautifully embodies the principles of quiet reflection on modern lifestyle and vernacular nuances. The solidness and wholesomeness of stone and brick elements are skilfully balanced with lightweight textures and elements, creating a harmonious interplay between solidity and lightness.

This deliberate juxtaposition adds a dynamic and contemporary touches to the design while ensuring a connection to nature. Anu emphasised that as one walks into the interiors of Villa Serene, the focus should remain on the surrounding natural beauty. Therefore, the design exudes boldness without overpowering the form of the building, allowing nature to take centre stage.

The interiors serve as a backdrop, providing a serene and inviting atmosphere that showcases the beauty of the external environment. Careful attention has been paid to select materials, textures, and elements that complement and enhance the natural surroundings rather than competing with them. By utilising neutral colour palettes, natural textures, and subtle design elements, the interiors seamlessly merge with the outdoor landscape, creating a sense of unity and tranquility.

The choice of material reflects the desire to strike a balance between durability and visual appeal. Elements such as warm woods, natural stone accents, and organic textures contribute to the overall aesthetic while maintaining a connection to the earth. These materials not only provide visual interest but also evoke a sense of authenticity and timelessness. Villa Serene strikes a delicate balance between solidity and lightness, showcasing the versatility of materials and design elements. By maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature, creating an intimate atmosphere, and exemplifying the evolving landscape of modern architecture, the design ensures that the created spaces do not steal nature's limelight. Instead, they serve as a backdrop, allowing the external environment to shine and providing a serene and grounded retreat for the inhabitants.