May 19, 2005

An intelligent interior layout with well-defined areas is highly important for comfortable living. Tasneem Bandookwala’s house is one such place that mixes the set-up for social gatherings and the space for practical family living without disrupting the privacy and peace of the latter.

Though the entrance is the same, the ingress to the entertainment area is separate from the main living space. A narrow red bricked passage leads to a wide courtyard with an accommodating capacity of more than 150 guests. In this space the owners organize musical evenings and barbeques.

The same red-bricked flooring pattern is followed here as well. In the centre there is an elevated platform serving as the stage with grilled windows draped with ajrak for a traditional touch.

Plants have been kept at various corners and the vibrant green of the leaves in contrast with the dull red creates a very eye-catching ambience. This is further accentuated with the brown of the rockery against one of the walls. The sound of the water flowing through the rocks has a soothing effect on the mind. The floor around the rockery is slightly elevated to create a seating space for the guests.

Mellow light emanating from niches, corners, trees and the rockery has been done to avoid a harsh glow. Sometimes diyas are used to create the mood for a ghazal evening.

Against one of the walls, under the shade of a tree is the children’s playing area with swings. The owner wanted greenery and shade, but couldn’t plant trees inside the boundary walls as this would have limited the seating space. So she planted them right outside the boundary wall with their boughs serving the purpose.

Two doors on each side of the platform open into the drawing and the dining room. In front of one of the doors is a serving counter for refreshments.

The walls in the drawing and the dining room have been painted with a conventional light shade used in most of the houses in the city. Colour is brought up with paintings and upholstery. For subtle lighting ample use of candles and lamps has been made.

Both the rooms are a single entity separated only by a Bridge table in the centre. These rooms lead further inside the house to the main living space. If the doors are closed, the entertainment area becomes an entirely separate wing.

Exuding warmth and congeniality and serving as a perfect spot for social gatherings and intimate parties, Bandookwala’s house is definitely a rarity.

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)