The Hill House, a refurbishment project in Shimla, is an existing cottage redesigned for an old native lady of the town. The house sits on the high grounds of Shimla facing substantial abodes of the terrain. The client’s requirement was to design a traditional Victorian-style house on two levels with an attic, while the formal expression of the attic being a response to the strict local attic guidelines.

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The existing cottage is extended with the addition of a garage and a glass roof. To establish a good design, all the interior walls were taken down and the design was started afresh. Following the similar language of construction and geometry, the design is incorporated with stone, glass, steel and wood throughout the project. Certain modifications are done according to the required comfortable conditions during summer and winters while enhancing the energy efficiency of the building. The exterior walls were punctured to increase the intake of natural light, hence schematic planning led to bracing spaces of the house.

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Sitting on a high-level plinth, the ground floor is designed with diligence to give privacy to the lady. The floor includes a bar and a conservatory at the entrance for protection from monkeys along with the living, dining and kitchen area. 

On the first floor, the master bedroom is strategically placed in the south corner with a balcony to ensure ample sunlight, while another bedroom designed in the north-west corner.

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The attic floor is designed as an informal space by adding a family lounge with few recliners and a screen, the niches formed under the staircase and roof has been converted into storage spaces. The windows punctured along the staircase core floods the interior with natural light.

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The interior of the house is ornate with the vintage furniture and artefacts teamed up with rich colours of walls and fabrics. The spaces discern an archaic style of interior architecture while justifying with the contemporary.

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To check out the full project, click here.