Studio Aashraya

Project Brief

The clients, a South Indian couple settled in the United States, envisioned a serene and functional home in the hills for long-term living. The brief prioritised calm interiors, strong connection to nature, and clearly defined public and private zones within the house.

The ground floor was intended as a largely public realm, accommodating the living room, kitchen–dining space, and a sunroom where most daily activities would take place. The first floor was planned as a private zone, housing bedrooms designed for comfort, thermal efficiency, and privacy.

Specific spatial requirements included a combined kitchen and dining area with an open island counter, a living room featuring a traditional bukhari, and a multipurpose room to function as a yoga space, workspace, and small library. The dining space was influenced by Tibetan seating traditions, reflecting the clients’ cultural interests and lifestyle.

Design Challenges

One of the key challenges was balancing openness with thermal comfort in a hill climate. Sunrooms, bay windows, and carefully oriented openings were introduced to maximise natural light while maintaining warmth during colder months. Underfloor heating was integrated in the bedrooms to enhance comfort without visual intrusion.

Another challenge was accommodating varied activities within a compact footprint — from yoga practice and telescope storage to occasional hosting and potential short-term rental use. This required flexible planning, robust storage solutions, and a clear hierarchy of spaces.

Sustainability was integral to the design, with provisions made for solar panels for both electricity and water heating, rainwater harvesting, and a natural sewage treatment system. Bathrooms were designed with clear wet–dry separation and integrated storage, directly addressing shortcomings identified by the clients in their previous home.