January 12, 2006

Qurratulain Poonawala visits a house which is a perfect example of simplicity in which quality spaces are not dependent on adornments but rather on the energy of the dwellers

The turn of the century witnessed among other advancements, a growing awareness towards the arts in general and architecture in particular.

As the concepts of design changed, people created living and working spaces more indicative of their personality and taste. Keeping this view in mind, Zahida and Naeem Qasim had their house designed by an architect in a way that would truly reflect their personality and lifestyle.

The moment you enter the large wooden gate, the two-storey house unfolds before you indicated a small garden to your right. The focal area of this landscape is a fountain which adds harmony to the exterior. Two steps above is a small pergola covered patio laid out with an informal arrangement of wicker chairs. To the left of the patio is a frosted glass- edged entrance to the house which opens up into a double storey entrance foyer lit up by two large square skylights. To the right is a partition wall with slits to display decoration pieces while at the same time allowing filtered view into the living room, behind it which is a step down from the foyer. The living room is arranged around a large engraved wood table and overlooks the garden outside. The open planning of the major part of the house gives informality as well as a sense of spaciousness to the house.

The granite floor of the entrance foyer meets the immaculately polished wooden floor of the drawing room to the left. The off white upholstered sofas with wooden edging give a simple elegance to the formal layout. Beyond the seating arrangement is a large dining table for formal dinners.

In line with the drawing and dining room is the state-of-the-art kitchen which in itself is a symphony of materials with cabinets clad in mahogany coloured wood, black granite floor tiles and stainless steel kitchen equipment.

A staircase to the right, with a wooden handrail held in place by steel rods, becomes the pivot for the ground floor planning. A further set of stairs leads to the basement which has a large entertainment area complete with a large flat screen TV, electronic piano and other musical instruments.

The upper floor has three bedrooms and another large family lounge right above the living room, which has access to a small paved terrace overlooking the duck park outside. A spiral staircase stands in the corner, acting as a sculptural form and at the same time leading to the terrace.

The whole house reverberates with partition walls, which give a sense of geometry to the layout.

Being effortless in design, the house is a perfect example of the charm of simplicity where the quality of spaces is not dependent on adornments but rather on the energy of the dwellers who have custom-designed the house to perfection. n

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