Reviving Tradition: Veranda on a Roof

Architect Kalpak Shah's Award-Winning Design Transforms Penthouse into a Traditional Indian Home

Veranda on a Roof is a 50-square-metre extension that provides the occupants with a library and reading room, an outdoor kitchen, and a deck with city views. The design is a testament to the architect's belief in the importance of verandas in transforming houses into homes. "A veranda was always an element, central to making our houses into homes," says Kalpak Shah of Studio Course. "But the Veranda on the Roof is no accidental space, it's a space crafted out from their lifestyle which revolves around books, food and plants."

The design's unique properties lie in its ability to blend indoor and outdoor spaces, surrounding a rooftop garden. This transformation of the under-utilised top floor of a penthouse apartment into a traditional Indian veranda, despite being 12 storeys high, sets it apart from other designs. The design effectively utilises the available space, creating a harmonious blend of modern architecture and traditional Indian elements.

Studio Course, based in Pune, aimed to transform the penthouse's top floor into an area reminiscent of a traditional Indian home. The result is a mix of indoor and outdoor rooms that surround a rooftop garden, creating a serene and inviting space. The design is a testament to the studio's innovative approach to architecture and its commitment to preserving traditional Indian design elements.

The design's unique properties and innovative approach have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, Veranda on a Roof was awarded the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

Veranda on a Roof is more than just a design; it's a celebration of traditional Indian architecture and a testament to the transformative power of design. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing modernity. The design's success lies in its ability to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously.