ifj

Mumbai-based Studio SB has designed Estella, a redeveloped weekend home in Alibaug spanning 5000 sq. ft. in a 2600 sq. m. plot. The retreat is envisioned as a cozy and contemporary haven for a small family within a 4BHK villa, and the client is a seasoned developer himself. His vision and knowledge of different styles are respected in this design. His son lives in the United States and his daughter is passionate about dance, and both these preferences are catered to. Moreover, the project was completed in only fifty-five days.

The home faces a picturesque beach and is elevated by six feet to enjoy uninterrupted views of nature. Upon entering, the sea is visible from every angle in any room. One enters the spacious living area, and a corridor to the right leads to the audiovisual room, a bedroom, and a pooja room. They find a dining area, a kitchen, the master bedroom, and the daughter’s bedroom on the left. Neoclassical and contemporary styles are used overall, while the seating area in the corridor and the daughter’s bedroom have a Bohemian aesthetic. Bedrooms have a Wabi-Sabi design approach, and the living room chooses Japandi aesthetics.

Vaastu is integrated into the interiors, but the primary focus was on creating unobstructed interior views in the single-story structure with a sloping roof. Furniture from Italian brands, lighting, and materials are chosen to display refined elegance. Pastel and earthy colors bring the natural world indoors, and lighting is strategically placed to enhance the furniture’s visual appeal and functionality. The home also uses smart home automation, using mood lighting throughout the indoors and outdoors.

Estella operates on solar power, an abundant resource that benefits highly during occasional power cuts. Solar energy is harnessed and conserved in the summer through lighting systems and electrical appliances. Moreover, the home is equipped with a solar power backup system, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency. The pooja room has a lily pond and dedicated spaces for singing bhajans and meditation; it is decorated with optical glass for a spiritually uplifting environment.