Bhausaheb Sadan | VAST Design Studio | Latur
The Tetris House is an innovative architectural concept inspired by the popular video game Tetris. The design aims to optimize space utilization and energy efficiency in a unique and visually appealing manner.
The design also promotes natural light and ventilation, contributing to a healthier and more energy-efficient living environment. By incorporating elements such as solar panels, skylights, rainwater storage, and energy-efficient windows, this house not only improves the building’s energy efficiency but also contributes to a healthier and more livable environment for the occupants.
The client was very keen on living in a large house, “I love my house being bright, well ventilated and spacious” is what she briefed. This gave birth to a central courtyard , around which all the main spaces revolved. The heart of the house is this dynamic courtyard and the staircase that surrounds it with a skylight above it, which lets the inhabitants experience the play of light and shadow. The punctures on the facade & the rear in a tetris game pattern creates a very interesting play of openings.
The inspiration behind this three-floor bungalow lies in seamlessly blending traditional materials with modern architectural concepts to create a timeless yet contemporary residence. The grand double-height entrance welcomes you with an air of elegance and openness, setting the tone for the rest of the house. The double-height living area serves as the heart of the home, fostering connections among family members while creating a striking spatial experience. The design is further elevated by three levels of balconies that not only enhance the façade but also provide private outdoor spaces for relaxation and leisure.
A circular staircase becomes a centerpiece of architectural beauty, combining functionality with sculptural artistry. The use of traditional materials such as brick and concrete textures ties the design to its roots, while the modern elevation concepts ensure the residence remains current and sophisticated. A thoughtfully designed terrace garden brings nature into the urban setting, offering a tranquil retreat and adding vibrancy to the home.
Entrance
A double-height entrance from the northeast corner of the bungalow allows maximum sunlight to stream in during the morning, creating a bright and welcoming space. This area includes a cozy seating arrangement, perfect for family members to enjoy their morning tea. The aesthetic appeal is enhanced by hanging frames and a glass façade, which add a modern touch. An external fabricated staircase contributes to the sleek appearance of the entrance, while a brick-clad partition provides a sense of privacy. Materials such as wood, brick, and exposed concrete textures are skillfully integrated, balancing traditional elements with a modern elevation design.
Living Room
The double-height living area, featuring black tiles distinct from the rest of the house, establishes dominance and adds character to the space. The unique flooring pattern is enhanced by the use of black and white pebbles, which elegantly divide the areas and create a striking focal point for the residence. A wooden ceiling, combined with full-height glass facing north, maximizes natural light in the common spaces, making the area bright and inviting. The double-height living room serves as a central point of connection for family members, fostering interaction and togetherness.
Dining area
The dining area is seamlessly connected to both the living room and the kitchen, fostering a warm and vibrant communal atmosphere. A staircase, elegantly designed for upward circulation, adds to the flow of the space. A sliding slim-profile partition offers the flexibility to create privacy when needed, without disrupting the openness of the design. The ceiling, adorned with a hammered texture sheet, adds a subtle shimmer, enhanced by profile lighting that highlights the staircase wall. The staircase wall itself is finished in the same bold black tone as the living room, creating a cohesive aesthetic. A painting on the glass partition further enriches the ambiance, blending artistry with functionality to elevate the overall design
Shifting staircase with skylight
The staircase well is a striking focal point, featuring a unique design where the flights of the staircase run parallel rather than stacked above one another. Crafted from folded plates, the stairs create a warm, inviting atmosphere as they ascend. Above, a skylight floods the space with natural light, enhancing the beauty of the black tile wall that flanks the staircase. This wall light to filter through while adding a touch of whimsy to the overall aesthetic. The combination of materials and innovative design makes this staircase not just a means of movement but a stunning architectural statement.
Skylights – allows hot air to rise up and helps in air circulation
The skylight in the residence is a remarkable feature, elegantly designed with horizontal metal members supporting a glass top that invites abundant natural light into the space below. Positioned above a serene court, this architectural element not only brightens the area but also incorporates clever ventilation details along the metal mesh on its sides. This feature allows hot air to rise, effectively keeping the space below cooler and more comfortable, even on warm days. The interplay of light and design creates an inviting ambiance, seamlessly connecting the indoors with the outdoor serenity of the court while enhancing the home’s overall energy efficiency.
Kitchen
The small and cozy kitchen exudes charm with its thoughtfully chosen color palette, combining soft beige tones with a sleek grey countertop. This harmonious combination creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The touch of glass finish on the cabinets enhances the kitchen’s appeal by reflecting light, making the space look brighter and more impressive. A strategically placed peeping window above the countertop offers a delightful connection to the outdoors, bringing in natural light and a refreshing view of nature. For added functionality, a hanging crockery unit and open shelves provide ample storage, keeping essentials within easy reach while maintaining a clean and organized look. These thoughtful design elements make the kitchen both practical and visually appealing.
Bedrooms
The bedrooms are designed with unique color schemes, giving each family member a sense of identity and personal space. While each room reflects individuality through its distinct colors, a uniform shade of veneer is used throughout, creating a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic across all spaces. The incorporation of mild steel (MS) elements adds a sleek and elegant touch to the interiors, showcasing an interesting and thoughtful combination of materials that blend modernity with functionality.
Soft and simple beige-toned curtains are used in every room, enhancing the sense of calmness and simplicity while allowing the design to feel warm and inviting. The master bedroom features luxurious wooden flooring, adding a touch of sophistication and warmth, while the kids’ room is equipped with wooden tiles that combine durability with a playful, natural charm.
Lighting solutions are tailored to the specific activities and requirements of each space. Whether it’s task lighting for focused work or ambient lighting for relaxation, the design ensures that each bedroom is functional, comfortable, and visually appealing, catering to the diverse needs of the family.
The kids’ balcony is a playful sanctuary, beautifully designed with a terracotta jaali screen that filters sunlight while providing a safe, shaded space for little ones to explore. This thoughtful feature not only enhances privacy but also adds a charming aesthetic. Above, a sturdy metal pergola offers additional protection, making it a perfect extension of their room for games and creativity. Opening directly from their bedroom, this balcony invites adventure and imagination, allowing children to enjoy the outdoors while remaining secure and comfortable.
Terrace garden
The terrace garden is thoughtfully designed with multiple levels, creating a sense of curiosity and inviting individuals to explore the space. This unique layering adds depth and interest, making the journey across the terrace an engaging experience. A multipurpose room is seamlessly connected to the garden through sliding and folding doors, allowing for an effortless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This connection not only enhances functionality but also brings the beauty of the outdoors into the room.
Above the terrace, a combination of glass, profile lighting, and a pergola creates a stunning interplay of light and shadow, adding a dynamic and artistic touch to the space. The soft patterns of light filtering through the pergola change with time, enhancing the overall ambiance. Lush greenery, including carefully selected plants and a carpet of green grass, creates a peaceful and calming environment, making it an ideal setting for relaxation and strengthening family bonds.
The material palette is equally thoughtful, with a wooden ceiling adding warmth and a concrete texture introducing a modern, rustic charm. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance between natural and contemporary design, making the terrace garden a serene retreat for all.
Throughout the residence, artifacts and frames are curated and placed strategically, adding personality and a sense of warmth to the interiors. Together, these elements create a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity, resulting in a home that is both inviting and inspiring.
FACT FILE
Project Name : Bhausaheb Sadan
Design Firm : VAST Design Studio
Principal Architect : Ar Pratik Somani, Ar Manjiri Somani
Design Team (For Particular Project): Pratiksha, Shreya
Project Type : Residential Architecture
Project Location : Latur, Maharashtra
Year Built : 2024
Project Duration : 2022-2024
Project Size : 5500 Sq. Ft.
Structure Engineers : Yash Sale And Asso.
Photography Credits : Manjiri Saboo, Magnesh Kendre
