SM House by Spacesarchitects@KA reimagines a challenging trapezium-shaped corner plot as a lightfilled family sanctuary. Defined by geometry, natural light, and fluid movement, the residence seamlessly balances openness with privacy.
In the dense, rhythmic pulse of Delhi’s urban fabric, where space is a luxury and privacy a challenge, a new architectural narrative has emerged. Situated on a challenging trapezium-shaped corner plot, SM House is not just a residence; it is a choreographed dance between light, shadow, and movement. Designed by Spacesarchitects@KA for a family of five and their dog, this private sanctuary redefines the concept of a “home” by turning the simple act of moving between floors into a grand architectural adventure.
“The story of the house begins with its unique footprint. Rather than fighting the irregular geometry of the site, the design embraces the trapezium, using it as a catalyst for a dynamic building mass. Flanked by two street-facing sides, the residence acts as a lung for its inhabitants. The primary design intent was simple yet ambitious: to pull the outdoors in without sacrificing the intimacy of domestic life.” explains Kapil Agarwal, Principal Designer, Spacesarchitects@KA
To achieve this, the facade serves as a living skin. A sophisticated interplay of louvers and brick jaalis wraps the exterior, acting as both thermal insulators and guardians of privacy. These elements allow the house to breathe, filtering the harsh Delhi sun into soft, dappled patterns while ensuring that fresh air circulates through every corridor. Depending on the family’s mood, the louvers can be adjusted— opening the home to the surrounding canopy of existing trees or shielding it into an inward-looking retreat.
At the heart of the home lies its namesake feature: the vertical core. In most residences, the staircase is a functional afterthought; here, it is the protagonist. The journey commences on the stilt floor, where a central staircase sits beneath a soaring skylight. This light well acts as a beacon, bathing the entrance lounge and lobby in a celestial glow. As one ascends to the first floor, the narrative shifts. The staircase transforms into an informal sitting area, a tiered gallery perfect for morning prayer meetings or latenight family discussions.
To reach the summit, the path becomes even more poetic. One must traverse a lush, extended garden on the second floor before finding a “hidden” staircase tucked behind a glass pergola, leading finally to the service slab. This intentional fragmentation of volumes ensures that the house never feels like a closed box; instead, it feels like a series of interconnected pavilions suspended in the air.
The internal layout is a study in functional harmony. The ground floor is the social anchor, housing the formal living room, a modern kitchen, and the parents’ bedroom, ensuring accessibility and ease of movement.
The first floor caters to the family’s spiritual and social needs, featuring an informal lounge and a dedicated prayer room alongside the younger son’s quarters. Ascending to the second floor, the atmosphere becomes more private and contemplative. Here, the elder son’s bedroom and a study area spill out into a verdant garden, offering a quiet corner for work or reflection amidst the treetops.
The journey concludes on the terrace, a peaceful crown for the building. With its open garden and glass-covered pergola, it serves as a panoramic escape from the city’s bustle, where the family can gather under the stars.
Beyond its aesthetic prowess, the house is a machine for green living. The varying interior volumes are not just for visual drama; they create a natural chimney effect, allowing hot air to rise and escape, keeping the lower levels remarkably cool. The brick jaalis, a nod to traditional Indian craftsmanship, provide essential shading while maintaining a constant connection to the breeze.
SM House stands as a testament to the idea that urban living doesn’t have to be restrictive. Through thoughtful massing, innovative circulation, and a deep respect for the elements, it provides a serene, energyefficient, and adaptable environment—a true “step maze” where every turn reveals a new perspective on home.
Photography Credits: Bharat Agarwal
