Flexi Homes: When Style And Purpose Coalesce

Homes that respond and adapt are the need of the hour. Get inspired by how these Indian designers have implemented multi-functional spatial ideas to elevate everyday living to exciting new levels

- Neerja Kapadia

MAXIMUM LIVING

SHOBHAN KOTHARI,

ADND

Optimising every inch is a prerequisite when it comes to flexible spaces. Sound space planning has the potential to accommodate the shifting needs of the changing world, be it social or environmental. Homes today demand malleable interiors that acclimatise with the needs of their residents. In some cases, it is as simple as adding a partition between rooms and in others, multi-purpose furniture is a crafty solution. Architect Shobhan Kothari has implemented flexibility in two master bedrooms, each displaying clever options. Complete with its own lounge, the bedroom is subtly divided by a sliding partition which then leads to a lounge area. On the other, a shaded verandah extended from the master, overlooks a private garden, blurring lines between the interiors with the exteriors.

GUESTS ARE WELCOME TO STAY

APARNA MEHRA,

APARNA MEHRA DESIGN STUDIO

Simple elements like statement partitions, glass doors, heavy furniture acting as room dividers, etc, can create segregation of areas while incorporating diverse utility functions into those zones. In both these homes designed by designer Aparna Mehra, we see a distinct yet subtle demarcation of zones within the living areas, creating additional guest bedrooms. In the image to the left, the living is connected to the dining room with a subtle division created by the display unit. Framed glass sliding doors are positioned so that they can be closed to create an extra guest bedroom, which houses a sofa-sum-bed. In the image below, a clever way of combining the informal room with the living room is demonstrated with a tiltable backed swing which permits connectivity between the zones.