Life by the Window Seat: A Luxurious Fusion of Two Apartments

Maximizing Natural Light and Ventilation with Window Seating

Every home has a story to tell, and "Life by the Window Seat" is no exception. Inspired by the desire to create a space where life slows down and thoughts can wander, the main intent behind this design was to incorporate window seats that connect the residents to the outdoors. These seats serve as a bridge between the safe, secure space of the apartment and the world outside, filled with open sky, natural light, and the beauty of nature.

What sets this design apart is its amalgamation of two apartments, stripped down to their bare skeletons to analyze the maximum available space. The result is an efficient and stylish 4-bedroom apartment that meets the clients' requirements. In addition to the contemporary urban aesthetic, the clients desired a home that exudes the warmth of nature throughout the day. The design maximizes the broad daylight and cross ventilation characteristics of the apartment, creating a space that feels connected to the outdoors.

The realization of this design incorporates smart home automation, ensuring a user-friendly experience. From a central media server to motion sensors that minimize power consumption in less frequently used spaces, technology plays a key role in enhancing the functionality and efficiency of the apartment. Italian marble flooring and walnut wood veneer cladding over the walls add a touch of luxury and elegance to the space.

This 200-square-meter apartment stands tall with a height of 2.9 meters, providing ample space for the residents to live and thrive. The design team, led by Prashant Chauhan as the Creative Director, Anu Chauhan as the Architect and Lead Designer, Nirali Sheth as the Assistant Designer, and Chhaya Katalkar as the Graphic Designer, worked collaboratively to bring this vision to life.

As you step into the apartment, you are greeted by a beautiful horse bust and a customized artwork in the entrance foyer. The living room slowly reveals itself, showcasing a TV wall with an etched pattern on the back-painted glass, creating captivating reflections. The seating area, with a backdrop of a beautiful canvas, allows maximum daylight to enter through a string chair, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The dining area utilizes one of the window seats, hosting two people across a bench, while the bedrooms are individually placed further into the apartment.

The "Life by the Window Seat" project began in June 2015, with the apartments being stripped down to their bare shells. The two individual apartments were then amalgamated to create one large 4-bedroom apartment. The project was completed in March 2016, with all furnishings and final finishes in place for the clients to move in and enjoy their new home.

The design process for this project involved extensive research and understanding of the family members and their individual tastes. The goal was to create a design that responded to each member's preferences, resulting in a simple yet elegant design that resonates with the entire family. 3D illustrations were used to showcase the design to each member, ensuring their input and satisfaction.

One of the challenges faced during the design process was to develop each room with its own identity while maintaining a cohesive family feel. This was achieved through the use of wooden bases in varying shades, which not only added visual interest but also guided the selection of materials throughout the apartment.

"Life by the Window Seat" is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the impact it can have on our daily lives. By seamlessly fusing two apartments into one, this design creates a luxurious space that prioritizes natural light, ventilation, and the connection to the outdoors. The window seatings serve as a reminder to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of life.

Image Credits: Sebastian Zachariah + Ira Gosalia

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to Prashant Chauhan 2016

Awards and Accolades: This design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2017 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.