Designed by the New Delhi firm EDC Space, the four‑floor residence dubbed “Art House” was built for a couple who work as designers and artists, and it aims to accommodate family, friends, and daily life without the pressure of keeping every surface immaculate.
Site‑Driven Design Shapes the Facade
The plot sits along a wide road with minimal traffic, fronted by three mature trees that became a focal point of the design. Rather than imposing a fixed style, the architects let the land dictate the form, echoing a story about Michelangelo’s “David” where the sculptor removed excess stone to reveal the figure within. This philosophy guided the layout, allowing the building to grow out of its surroundings.
Red brick cladding wraps the exterior, a hue selected after months of searching for the right colour and texture. The material choice ties the structure to the neighboring trees and creates a warm visual anchor against the urban backdrop. Two larger buildings rise on either side of the site, prompting the designers to plan openings that preserve privacy while maintaining a connection to the garden and pool.
Courtyard Core Connects Public and Private Spaces
A central courtyard sits at the heart of the home, acting as a conduit for light and air. A skylight pours daylight into the interior, and sliding or folding doors can be stacked away, merging indoor rooms with the outdoor lawn. Smaller “aangan” spaces, formed by brick jaalis, house plants, filter sunlight, and offer secluded spots for contemplation.
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The layout encourages gathering without sacrificing personal space. Living areas open toward the courtyard, while bedrooms and work zones remain tucked away, providing a balance that supports both social interaction and quiet moments.
Materials inside the house continue the theme of tactile variety. Burberry Beige marble, Kadappa stone, slate, vitrified tiles, wood, and metal appear throughout, each chosen for function as well as appearance. Rubberwood, a more sustainable option, is used extensively, and the woodwork was polished by a craftsman who has collaborated with the firm for over 25 years. The result is a blend of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship, where disparate elements coexist without clashing.
“I see it as a harmony of totally different instruments that, when together, create beautiful music,” the team said, describing how wood, stone, brick, and metal interact. This harmony extends to colour tones, textures, and proportions, ensuring that the varied finishes feel intentional rather than random.
Beyond the physical components, the interior was crafted as a backdrop for the couple’s extensive art collection, which includes works by the husband and his mother—both hobbyist painters. By designing rooms around these pieces, the house integrates personal artefacts into everyday life, allowing the artwork to shape the spatial narrative rather than being an afterthought.
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From a practical standpoint, the design reflects the firm’s belief that interiors gain meaning from the people who use them. “Every brief is different, different clients drive what we design: their likes, dislikes, motivations and aspirations,” the architects noted, emphasizing a client‑centric approach that tailors spaces to individual needs.
The house’s refusal to follow a prescribed design language illustrates a broader trend in residential architecture toward flexibility and personal expression. By allowing the site, the owners’ creative pursuits, and the surrounding environment to guide decisions, the project achieves a modern yet familiar feel.
In practice, such an approach means the residents can host gatherings without rearranging furniture or covering artworks, and they can enjoy private moments in the courtyard or the smaller aangan spaces when needed. The layout’s adaptability supports both the public display of their collection and the quiet contemplation that often accompanies artistic work.
EDC Space, led by Heena Handa, Aashna Chaudhry, and Urvashi Shukla, describes its work as people‑centric, focusing on how spaces influence movement, behaviour, and emotion. The Art House exemplifies this philosophy, offering a residence where architecture, setting, and personal artefacts coexist in a manner that feels natural and unpretentious.