Designed by 6Hues Architecture Studio, the Nirmal Bajaj Residence in Siliguri, embraces utmost functionality, elegant materiality, proportion, and thoughtful detailing.
The Nirmal Bajaj Residence is space where-in interiors embrace calmness and clarity, allowing spaces to breathe and unfold naturally, so living here feels effortless and intentional. The brief emphasized the need to establish a unique identity while ensuring functional efficiency. Located at Darpan 88°, on Sevoke Road, Siliguri, the home has been designed by Aayush Arya, Owner and Principal Designer, 6Hues Architecture Studio in collaboration with the firms senior design team, and spans approximately 5,500 square feet.
Sharing more insights on the client’s background and the design process, Aayush says, “The home belongs to Mr. Nirmal Bajaj and his family, a business family based in Gangtok. They visit Siliguri periodically, and this apartment serves as their second home in the city. The home was conceived as a second residence for the family, used during their time in Siliguri. While it wasn’t their primary home, the expectation was that it should feel complete and well-resolved—never temporary or secondary in character.” He further adds, “Entertaining was an important requirement, but in a measured way. The home needed to accommodate guests comfortably, without becoming overly formal or show-driven. At the same time, it had to function equally well as a quiet, private space for the family. Ease of maintenance and flexibility of use were also key considerations.” The idea was to create a home that feels composed and restrained, but not cold. Given that it is a second residence, the design avoids anything overly specific or trend-driven. Instead, it focuses on building a strong, consistent foundation through materials and detailing. Within this framework, variation is introduced more subtly—through furniture, art, and the way individual spaces are experienced. The result is a home that doesn’t rely on singular highlights, but instead builds its character gradually.
The living space is built around a strong architectural base of wood panelling and stone. The panelling runs continuously across walls and ceilings, giving the space a sense of enclosure and cohesion, while the stone backdrop behind the LCD anchors the room visually. The furniture is deliberately low and grounded, with soft, sculptural forms that encourage a more relaxed way of occupying the space. “While the room is used for hosting, it avoids a formal or staged quality. Lighting is largely indirect and recessed, allowing the materials and proportions to define the atmosphere”, informs Aayush.
The dining area sits within the larger volume but is treated as a more composed setting. A carefully detailed backdrop—with wood, glass, and subtle texture—creates depth without becoming overly dominant. The table and chairs remain understated, allowing the space to feel calm but still intentional. It works as a focal point, but one that reveals itself quietly rather than immediately. The kitchen follows the same overall material language but is resolved in a more precise and utilitarian way. Clean cabinetry, a restrained palette, and a clear layout make it efficient to use, while still feeling aligned with the rest of the home. The contrast between the darker upper volumes and lighter lower cabinetry adds just enough variation without breaking continuity. The puja area is designed as a dedicated, self-contained space. Instead of relying on ornamentation, the focus is on proportion, material, and controlled lighting. This gives it a quiet, contemplative quality that sits comfortably within the overall language of the home.
The entertainment room is more enclosed and immersive. “Here, the palette deepens and the lighting becomes more focused, allowing the space to feel more intimate and inwardlooking. The layout encourages informal gathering, distinct from the more open and social character of the main living area” adds, Aayush. The bedrooms shift in tone—they are more personal and slightly more expressive. Artwork becomes central to the composition, often acting as the primary focal point. Materials soften, and textiles play a larger role, making the spaces feel more relaxed and individual. At the same time, the underlying discipline of the home remains intact, ensuring that each room still feels connected to the larger whole. The bathrooms are kept clean and straightforward. The emphasis is on durability and ease of maintenance, with materials chosen to align with the rest of the home without introducing unnecessary complexity. As far as outdoor areas are concerned, the balcony is treated as a proper extension of the interior rather than an afterthought. With softer flooring, diffused lighting, and a suspended seating element, it becomes a quiet retreat within the home—a place to step away from the more structured interior spaces.
The colour palette used throughout the home is built around warm, earthy tones—beiges, browns, and muted neutrals—layered with wood and natural stone. Stronger colours are introduced in a controlled way, primarily through artwork and soft furnishings. This allows the base to remain calm and consistent, while still creating moments of contrast and interest. The material palette centers on marble, wood, metal, and layered fabrics. Marble is used extensively across flooring and feature surfaces, creating continuity. Wood panelling forms the primary architectural layer, bringing warmth and depth. Metal is used sparingly as an accent, while fabrics soften the spaces through upholstery, curtains, and rugs. Each material has a clear role, and none are used excessively. Aayush further informs, “The lighting is primarily architectural and concealed. Indirect lighting is used to wash surfaces and create a soft, even ambient glow. Decorative fixtures are introduced selectively, mainly in more intimate spaces, so that the overall lighting remains calm and unobtrusive.”
“This project was less about creating individual moments and more about achieving a certain overall quality of space. It’s a home that reveals itself gradually—the longer you spend in it, the more the layers begin to register. That sense of quiet completeness is something we value deeply in our work”, concludes Aayush.
