Sanjay Newaskar 9 Kanchan House (Pune)
Interior designer Monica Khanna of Monica Khanna Designs, New Delhi works her magic to craft a rustic recreational space in a farmhouse in New Delhi. She manages to create harmony with the natural surroundings, at the same time giving the clients a tranquil abode to unwind in style. The accent has been on a fusion of Asian coastal architectural forms intertwined with classy modern contemporary forms; and on the much-loved quintessential country look with the trappings of modern life. Prolific use has been made of mediums that allow for easy maintenance, offer a look of uncluttered elegance, aid in the blending of the exterior environment with the interiors of home, and green architecture.
FIRM NAME Monica Khanna Designs PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT Monica Khanna MAIN CONTRACTOR M/s Modern Construction Co. EDUCATION/AFFILIATION M.Arch BUILT UP AREA 11000 sq.ft. AWARDS Awarded for ‘The Palace on Wheels’ Received merit for ‘The Royal Orient’ TEAM SIZE 70 people ADDRESS 1st floor, The Delhi Design Store D 40 /792, Chattarpur Hills, 100 Foot Road, Chhatarpur, New Delhi 110030
PRODUCTS/VENDORS Glass/Concrete: Saing Gobain Sanitaryware/Firrings: Toto Duravit Flooting: Italian Resin Drapes: Gayatri Popat Furniture: Italy Air Conditioning: LG System BMS-ABB: Home Automation Lighting: Italy, Jenny Pinto (paper lights) Paint: Asian Paints Arts/Artifacts: Traditional
thoughtful The farmhouse is divided into two segments – the main living space and the outhouse. The space in question here is the outhouse space, which is used as a lounging space as well as for holding parties or get-togethers.
Interestingly, there was so much character in the exterior spaces that the designer decided to keep the interiors simple. She wanted to design a space that was timeless and not just trendy – something that would last forever. ‘My client finds coastal architecture and rooflines very appealing. Since such design elements are not practical in Delhi’s dry heat, we employed a contemporary fusion of Sri Lankan, Thai and Mediterranean elements.
Top Left: Rustic dining area in a curate organic surrounding Top Left: Rustic dining area in a curate organic surrounding Top Left: Rustic dining area in a curate organic surrounding Top Left: Rustic dining area in a curate organic surrounding
“I was inspired by the existing landscape which had beautiful trees, birds and peacocks just casually roaming around. As a result I decided to work with mediums that were close to nature.”
Top Left: Rustic dining area in a curate organic surrounding Top Left: Rustic dining area in a curate organic surrounding Top Left: Rustic dining area in a curate organic surrounding Top Left: Rustic dining area in a curate organic surrounding
view to a
‘My client has a very busy professional life. The brief I received from her was to have a place where she could relax, away from city life in spite of being situated in the heart of the city. She also wanted the recreational part of the house to be designed in a unique manner and have a distinct look. Most of the structure has been put together with bricks, wood, natural stones like the Cuddapah and Raveena. We haven’t used any new wood, rather picked up completely recycled old wood. Beautiful pathways are crafted out of cement. A lot of thought has been given to the kind of vegetation used in the exteriors to minimise the influx of mosquitoes during the monsoons and winters. We have tried to make the whole area “pigeon-proof” to make sure they don’t sit around all the time on the corners of the roofs and other places.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Bharat Aggarwal
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Bharat Aggarwal
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Bharat Aggarwal
TEXT CREDITS Kanupriya Garg
TEXT CREDITS Kanupriya Garg
TEXT CREDITS Kanupriya Garg
the challenges The house is surrounded by old bungalows which are in dilapidated condition so the challenge was to overcome that and we designed an inward looking house with a beautiful courtyard. Spaces were planned with lesser walls and barriers, to make it feel connected visually. Skylights were also designed in all bedrooms and toilets to flood the area with natural light and create the play of light and shadow.
the influences Employed is a contemporary fusion of Sri Lankan, Thai and Mediterranean design elements with products imported specifically to complete the overall design.
1. Porch 2. Living room 3. Study room 4. Sit-out with swimming pool 5. Dining area 6. Pantry and kitchen area 7. Recreational space 8. Informal sitting area 9. Massage room 10. Reading space 11. Spa and bath 12. Outhouse area