- Project: Planar House
- Architect: DADA Partners
- Location: India, New Delhi
- Year: 2023
- Area: 1394 m2
- Photography: Ranjan Sharma / Lightzone India
Bold Geometry, Softened by Nature
Planar House by DADA Partners sits quietly within a lush one-acre plot in New Delhi, yet its architectural voice is anything but subdued. Completed in 2023, the 15,000-square-foot home explores the dramatic interplay of monolithic concrete planes, layered light, and biophilic design, delivering a sanctuary that is at once monumental and intimately connected to its environment.
Planar Volumes & Poetic Shadows
The house derives its name from the layered planar structure that defines its bold architectural identity. Cast-in-situ concrete walls and muted stucco finishes intersect to form deep spatial cavities, playing host to the shifting patterns of sunlight and shadow.
Designed in an F-shaped configuration, the home welcomes the setting sun at its west-facing entry court while embracing east-facing courtyards to filter morning light into its living spaces. This orientation supports privacy, solar control, and serene spatial choreography.
Ground Floor: Sculpted Living & Intimate Retreats
Every part of the ground floor has been curated to nurture family life, privacy, and sensory richness:
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West Entry Court & Lounge: Defined by two monumental concrete walls, the formal entry opens into a glass-enclosed lobby and sun-kissed lounge.
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Tropical Courtyard: Tucked between the lounge and master suite, this garden enclave cools the interiors and offers a moment of stillness amidst urban life.
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Master Suite: Buffered by the second wall, this private zone ensures maximum seclusion while staying visually connected to nature.
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Dining & Family Lounge: The central volume includes a double-height lounge, open dining, and a fluid stair hall, all oriented toward an eastern water courtyard filled with flowering trees and sunlight.
Upper Floor: Elevated Views & Artistic Introspection
The upper level houses four bedrooms and a central studio that functions as both an art space and study. Overlooking the family lounge below, the studio opens onto a private terrace that captures expansive views of the eastern courtyard.
Here, light, texture, and quietude blend to foster creativity and calm.
The Landscape: Meditative and Functional
Beyond the built form, Planar House includes outdoor features that extend its ethos of balance and integration:
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Meditation Pyramid: A small glass-topped pavilion designed for solitude and reflection within a forested corner of the site.
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Poolside Pavilion: An outhouse block with a bar, gym, and changing rooms frames a tropical pool courtyard, perfect for year-round entertainment.
A Model for Biophilic Urban Living
Planar House embraces biophilic principles, turning structural mass into a frame for water features, lush vegetation, and natural light. Every room has been strategically positioned to maximize views, cross-ventilation, and environmental comfort.
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Reflecting Pools: Cool the air naturally and soften hard edges.
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Landscape-Integrated Courtyards: Act as microclimates and visual anchors.
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Natural Ventilation: Minimizes reliance on mechanical systems.
Together, these strategies create a home that breathes and responds—a rare achievement in dense urban settings.
A Testament to Material Mastery
Through a sophisticated palette of textured concrete, earth-toned stucco, and organic landscaping, the home exudes a sense of timeless strength and meditative stillness. It doesn’t just occupy the land—it converses with it.
Planar House by DADA Partners is a compelling study in contrasts: rigid yet open, sculptural yet serene, monolithic yet organic. It exemplifies how bold architectural language can coexist with sustainable, nature-driven living, creating a home that is both art and habitat.
This residence is not merely a structure—it is an immersive experience, offering a blueprint for future-forward Indian homes that respect tradition while embracing modern innovation.
