ARCHWAY TO HEAVEN

Design Doodle Studio dramatically transforms a derelict apartment in Dwarka, New Delhi, into a distinctive open-plan home with delicate style

- AVRIL NOEL D’SOUZA

We counted, and yes, in all there are 91 arches around this 1,500sqft home. From obvious semicircle structural inclusions to subtle details like the railing design, drawer fronts, colour blocking on the walls, mirrors, etc.

To take the edge off the bold architectural and aesthetic presence of arches, Vijay K. Kaundal and Maha K. of Design Doodle Studio introduce a pared-down, Hygge style to effuse the home with a hushed and delicate tone.

The owners, a young couple, bought a 1,500sqft apartment in Dwarka, New Delhi that hadn’t been occupied for several years. Adding to its deplorable condition was a crazy infestation of pigeons, wasps, spiders, and whatnot. It was under these circumstances, that they approached Vijay and Maha to transform this sad state of affairs into their dream home.

The vision for this project came to us naturally as our clients’ sensibilities were aligned with ours. Collectively, we wanted to create a minimalistic, breathable home that would be an escape from the bustling city. —Vijay K. Kaundal and Maha K., Principal Architects and Co-founders, Design Doodle Studio

This transformation pivoted on a dramatic spatial plan that reimagined the entire floor plan. The architects focused on restructuring the bones of this home to ensure judicious ventilation of natural light and breeze throughout. This was crucial to get right, or else the bold interiors they planned would fall short in its awkward, compact limitations.