Houzz Tours
Mumbai Houzz: Actor John Abraham's Home is an Oasis of Calm & Style
The Bollywood actor's penthouse embraces nature and lays the ground for peaceful, luxurious living
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: John Abraham
Location: Mumbai
Year built: 2011
Size: 372 square metres (4000 square feet); 1 bedroom; 1 bathroom; dining-living-kitchen area; media room, balcony, terrace
Interior design: Abraham John, Alan Abraham, Anca Florescu and Anahita Shivdasani, Abraham John Architects
Sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea on one side and a clear sight of the verdant slopes of Bandra’s Mount Mary hill on the other – Bollywood actor John Abraham’s duplex home in Mumbai establishes a dialogue with the bounty around it. So, what’s the story behind this remarkable project? It started with him approaching his brother Alan Abraham of Abraham John Architects to build him a dream home that would assimilate his personality, passion and hobbies, all into one seamless space. Thus, the Villa in the Sky, as the siblings call it, was given form. “The brief called for a complete remodelling and combining of two separate apartments plus a terrace, on the top floors of a plain and unremarkable building, into a refined, contemporary home that would maximise space and functionality. John also needed a place that would be suitable to the tropical seaside climate and Mumbai’s cosmopolitan atmosphere,” Alan Abraham says.
Photos by Alan Abraham
Who lives here: John Abraham
Location: Mumbai
Year built: 2011
Size: 372 square metres (4000 square feet); 1 bedroom; 1 bathroom; dining-living-kitchen area; media room, balcony, terrace
Interior design: Abraham John, Alan Abraham, Anca Florescu and Anahita Shivdasani, Abraham John Architects
Sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea on one side and a clear sight of the verdant slopes of Bandra’s Mount Mary hill on the other – Bollywood actor John Abraham’s duplex home in Mumbai establishes a dialogue with the bounty around it. So, what’s the story behind this remarkable project? It started with him approaching his brother Alan Abraham of Abraham John Architects to build him a dream home that would assimilate his personality, passion and hobbies, all into one seamless space. Thus, the Villa in the Sky, as the siblings call it, was given form. “The brief called for a complete remodelling and combining of two separate apartments plus a terrace, on the top floors of a plain and unremarkable building, into a refined, contemporary home that would maximise space and functionality. John also needed a place that would be suitable to the tropical seaside climate and Mumbai’s cosmopolitan atmosphere,” Alan Abraham says.
Photos by Alan Abraham
The kitchen is divided into dry and wet areas. The dry kitchen outside features a brushed stainless-steel island and dark-toned storage shelves; the wet kitchen, where all the cooking takes place, is enclosed by glass. The idea behind the dual kitchens is that the platform outside can be used for serving while the closed section cordons off fumes typical to Indian cooking, away from the main entertaining areas. “The existing pipelines were rerouted for easy access between the two kitchen areas. For the custom dining table, we used an old teak tree and reconstructed it to make the table and stools,” Abraham says.
Check out these 6 ways to make your kitchen sizzle with steel
Check out these 6 ways to make your kitchen sizzle with steel
The seventh and eighth floors were originally separate apartments, later connected internally via a cantilevered wood and steel staircase, set against tall, double height windows. The area is peppered with plants to keep the ambience light and relaxed. “The stairs visually and physically connect the upper and lower volumes that were previously different apartments. Automated blinds span the double-height volume,” Abraham says.
The dark-toned master-bedroom suite on the eighth floor forges an intimate connection with nature. “It has a lavish walk-in wardrobe, a spa bathroom and a private sea-facing balcony, separated by a double-glazed sliding door that allows for natural light and ventilation, while cutting down on solar radiation and air-conditioning load,” Abraham says . The connectivity of all areas within the bedroom is ensured with the uniform dark-stained wooden flooring everywhere. This space, too, is decorated with minimum elements – just a television and a wide, open view of the sea.
The continuation of the dark wooden flooring makes the bedroom and the balcony seem like one large inclusive unit. A half-height glass boundary wall, relaxing seaters and large plants illuminated from below enhance the outdoor vibe of the place, allowing John to spend quality time in the lap of nature. “The skylight and pergola protect the terrace from the tropical sun and the seasonal monsoon rains,” says Abraham.
Take a look at these 15 balconies that will instantly relax you
Take a look at these 15 balconies that will instantly relax you
The entire house’s design challenges the need for conventional walls, as is evidenced by the master bedroom’s design, among other spaces. There are no partitions within the bedroom, the storage area and the bathroom except for glass doors – this not only helps maximise sweeping views and enhance space but also allows for ample natural light and cross ventilation to flow through to every corner of the room. On the left are the walk-in-closet and the bathroom.
The spacious master bathroom is complete with amenities and fixtures like a jacuzzi, automated shower and mood lighting. The sea and TV are visible from the bathtub. Soft lighting and the landscape design for this space was done to lend a relaxed, laid-back feel. Lights, venetian blinds, AC and music are all remote-controlled.
“We did customised fabrication work for the shower panel, as well as for the mirror supports to ensure transparency and natural light coming through the windows. The shower trays were made to match the finish of the wooden flooring in the bathroom. Proficient storage space was created, while maintaining the open feel,” Abraham says.
On the terrace, Abraham has added a private media room. “It houses a large projector screen, concealed AC and an audio-visual system. It also overlooks the sea, as well as the spacious wooden deck,” Abraham says. The room has ceiling-installed blinds that can be pulled down to convert this room into a cosy cave for movie, football or F1 screenings.
The tranquil terrace is embellished with tropical plants like plumeria and bamboo, a walk-on skylight and a glass balustrade – a luxurious space for long soirees or pensive evenings. “John’s and my shared vision is seen in the minimal layout integrated with landscape, lighting, refreshing earthy colours and natural textures, all exuding a sense of intimacy and relaxation,” Abraham says.
Read more:
Houzz Tour: Actor Irrfan Khan’s Mumbai Home Has an Eclectic Sizzle
Tell us:
What did you like the most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.
Read more:
Houzz Tour: Actor Irrfan Khan’s Mumbai Home Has an Eclectic Sizzle
Tell us:
What did you like the most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.
The seventh (and lower) floor has an open plan, with a living room, kitchen and dining room, combined into one seamless space. This is essentially a floor designed for entertaining – the interconnected areas within a white shell feature dark wooden flooring, comfortable seating and large glass windows that look out to the serene outdoors.
In the living area, creating a contrast with the dominant brown, are the greenish-grey custom-made sofas. “The living area faces the sea that allows for evenings spent watching the sunset,” Abraham says. The kitchen features an island drenched in grey and a glass-enclosed cooking area. “This space, in the south-east (in keeping with Vastu), is flooded with morning light from the Mount Mary hill,” Abraham says. The casual-style dining area, with the long table and low stools, complements the woody, warm interior. Not to forget the tall plants that establish a constant connect with nature indoors.
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