Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Contemporary Pool House Nestled in Rural Bengal
Designed by Abin Design Studio, an outhouse extension of an ancestral home doubles as a recreational space & more
Once the land was purchased on both sides of their ancestral home, the clients wanted to build an extension to the house. Abin Design Studio (ADS) was brought on board to give shape to the (fitness enthusiast) client’s brief – to design a contemporary and luxurious pool house that included a swimming pool, gymnasium, open lawns and guest entertainment areas. And it all had to be built keeping the principles of vastu in mind.
“Beauty in simplicity and in careful, laborious, hand-crafted detailing is the most interesting aspect of the project,” says Abin Chaudhuri, a firm believer that architecture is a form of artistic expression. Abin Design Studio built this pool house in the span of two years.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Adisaptagram, West Bengal
Year built: 2015
Size: 1760 square metres; gymnasium, changing rooms, lounge space and two guest rooms
Built-up area: 340 square metres
Architectural designer: Abin Chaudhuri of Abin Design Studio
That’s interesting: This new block connects to the ancestral home via bridges.
“Beauty in simplicity and in careful, laborious, hand-crafted detailing is the most interesting aspect of the project,” says Abin Chaudhuri, a firm believer that architecture is a form of artistic expression. Abin Design Studio built this pool house in the span of two years.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Adisaptagram, West Bengal
Year built: 2015
Size: 1760 square metres; gymnasium, changing rooms, lounge space and two guest rooms
Built-up area: 340 square metres
Architectural designer: Abin Chaudhuri of Abin Design Studio
That’s interesting: This new block connects to the ancestral home via bridges.
The swimming pool is the focal point. However, due consideration has been given to the architectural aspect too. The pool house stands north-east of the main house to allow unobstructed light and ventilation into both the existing residence as well as the new block. Plus, it is also compliant with vastu norms.
Abin is a firm believer that “some projects change people’s lives”. And this swimming pool adds to that experience. “It especially affected my client, who is also my brother. He can now spend more time nurturing his passion for health and fitness. He has fallen in love with the place.” Bordering the pool is the two-storey gym block or pool house.
The under-lit pool gives a clear view of the layered floor tiles. A lotus pond borders the pool on two sides, interspersed with sculptural trees. “The gym block enjoys a panoramic view of the swimming pool with a vast backdrop of rural greens,” says Abin.
Find an architect near you to design your home
Find an architect near you to design your home
The gym block has been created keeping in mind the minimalist theme. In addition to the exercising equipment on the lower floor, arrangements have been made for a dining area. On the upper floor, louvred fenestration allows filtered light indoors, creating a soft play of light and shade.
The jacuzzi sits below the bridge from the house to the gym. The jacuzzi area is interconnected with both the poolside and the pool house. There is a clear view of this area from the overhanging framed balconies.
The bathroom space, too, is subtle and understated like the rest of the interiors of the house. It is done up in Nordic blacks and rustic reds to bring in a fusion of rural and contemporary touches to this pool house.
Tiles: Visage Reflections Mosaic.
Tiles: Visage Reflections Mosaic.
“Though installation art has been used with restraint, it has been used strategically to add a bit of theatre as and where required,” says Chaudhuri. This image features a horse made from driftwood. The designer defines it as a “prudent purchase” and one which is symbolic of minimalist human intervention when it comes to the artistic use of natural elements.
Taking things outdoors, a gazebo has been designed at another end of the plot and offers a semi-open area to relax and lounge. It is lined with a stone pathway; the louvred fenestration and the large plants outside give it an island-like privacy.
“A gazebo was added to the open area so one could enjoy the landscaped garden up close. Designed as a minimalist frame, this pavilion showcases the flourishing greens amongst which it sits rather than standing out,” says Chaudhuri.
“A gazebo was added to the open area so one could enjoy the landscaped garden up close. Designed as a minimalist frame, this pavilion showcases the flourishing greens amongst which it sits rather than standing out,” says Chaudhuri.
Entertainment and recreation being the primary purpose of this pool house, the designer has made sure of the details. The area is designed for comfort and equipped for guests to lounge after a swim or even for the family to relax. The custom-made sofas in nude hues are in sync with the ambience.
For ADS, the biggest challenge was the quality of finishes displayed in every element of the inter-connected spaces here. “I have spent a lot of time supervising the finishes,” Chaudhuri admits.
Overview:
The pool house sprawls over 307 square metres, including a gymnasium, changing rooms, lounge space and two guest rooms. The outdoor area includes the landscape and a gazebo.
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Tell us: What did you like about this pool house? Share in Comments below.
The pool house sprawls over 307 square metres, including a gymnasium, changing rooms, lounge space and two guest rooms. The outdoor area includes the landscape and a gazebo.
Read more: Houzz Tour: This Rajkot Penthouse Exudes Opulence
Houzz Tour: Art Takes Centre-Stage in This South Mumbai Home
Tell us: What did you like about this pool house? Share in Comments below.
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The manicured garden near the entrance is adorned with a sculpture of a girl reading a book, which is in sync with the recreational theme of this pool house. “Art is used with restraint, restricted only to thematic human sculptures set within the landscaping,” says the designer.