Project: House of Contours
Architecture: DesignHex
Principal Architect/Designer: Shimona Bhansali
Location: Mumbai, India
Area: 5000 ft2
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Talib Chitalwala
A Calm Oasis Amidst Mumbai’s Bustle
Amid Mumbai’s towering skyscrapers and frenetic energy, House of Contours emerges as a serene oasis. Designed by DesignHex, this unique home demonstrates how curved shapes, natural textures, and earthy tones create a peaceful sanctuary, offering respite from the chaos of urban living. Perched high above the city, this home evokes the ambiance of a boutique Tulum resort rather than a traditional Mumbai apartment.
A Layout that Captivates: The Power of Arches
Upon entering House of Contours, visitors are immediately drawn in by the captivating layout. A series of seven diminishing arches, ranging from 10 to 8 feet in height, forms a mesmerizing Droste effect, which guides the eye deeper into the home. This clever use of perspective sets the stage for the highlight: an expansive 1,350-square-foot living area, the true heart of the home. By merging two additional rooms with the original living space, DesignHex transformed it into a vast zone that accommodates formal seating, television, dining, and even a hidden limestone mandir, without ever feeling cramped.
A Living Area of Organic Luxury
The living area showcases DesignHex’s commitment to natural forms and thoughtful design. A custom contoured carpet, reminiscent of undulating ocean waves, ties the space together seamlessly. Marble flooring islands add a touch of elegance while clearly defining the various functional zones within the open-plan layout. At the center of the space, two striking yucca trees framed by the entry arches bring the outdoors inside, serving as a bold reminder of nature’s presence, even in a bustling city.
Ceilings as Art: Embracing Contours and Functionality
In House of Contours, even the ceiling contributes to the overall design aesthetic. Instead of concealing the apartment’s necessary ductwork and fire safety systems, DesignHex embraced these elements, incorporating them into fluid, undulating ceiling contours. This approach not only solved the practical problem but also reinforced the home’s overarching organic design language, adding depth and character to the space.
Nine Balconies: A Slice of Mumbai’s Skyline
One of the most distinctive features of House of Contours is its extensive outdoor space. With nine balconies spread throughout the apartment, each room opens up to a private view of the Mumbai skyline and the Arabian Sea. These outdoor areas have been thoughtfully designed for both relaxation and entertainment. For instance, one balcony features a contoured mini lounge pool, while another includes a fully functional bar and barbecue area, offering the perfect escape within the urban environment.
Personal Retreats: Bedrooms with Character
Continuing the theme of organic luxury, the private spaces in the home offer a personalized touch. The master bedroom, created by merging two smaller rooms, embraces airy minimalism with artistic flair. DesignHex addressed the challenge of two large ducts bisecting the room by transforming them into a unique room divider, which now houses niches for displaying the clients’ pottery and book collections. In contrast, the daughter’s room features a whimsical macaroon bed flanked by bespoke clay tree murals, striking the perfect balance between playful and sophisticated design.
The parents’ room blends traditional luxury with the home’s organic aesthetic. Acid-washed marble and textured wall panels add elegance, while the natural materials keep the design cohesive with the overall style of the apartment.
Material Palette: Grounded in Nature
Throughout House of Contours, the material palette emphasizes natural textures and earthy tones. Jute, white ash wood, and marble feature prominently, grounding the home in a sense of nature. Each bathroom offers a unique personality, reflecting the diverse material choices. The ombré-textured powder room makes a bold statement, while the wabi-sabi-inspired master en-suite embraces imperfection, creating a tranquil, spa-like retreat.
Conclusion: A Holistic Design Experience
Ultimately, House of Contours stands apart due to its holistic approach to design. Every curve, texture, and hue evokes a sense of calm and connection to nature. By carefully considering each element, DesignHex has created not just a home but a transformative living experience. The thoughtful use of nature-inspired design elements demonstrates how we can live harmoniously within a city while staying connected to the natural world. As a result, House of Contours feels deeply personal yet universally appealing, embodying the power of intentional, thoughtful design to reshape the way we live.
