Two Become One

Realised by New Delhi-based studio Portal 92, this project in Muzaffarnagar combines two structures that are woven together to become a bold, geometric home. Here principal architects Aanchal Sawhney and Sagar Goyal tell us more about the project

Design Anthology: What’s unique about the building and location of Hem House? 

Sagar Goyal (SG): The project is located right in the heart of Muzaffarnagar, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. To be frank, the surrounding views aren’t very pleasing, so we tried to create a self-sufficient space for the client’s family, one that would be their private respite.  

How did you approach the project — what design references did you try to incorporate into the space?

Aanchal Sawhney (AS): Our conceptual intent when approaching the project was to sew and stitch together two asymmetrical and incomplete residential structures to create an illusion of oneness — hence the name Hem House. The facade had to be reconfigured to achieve a homogenous appearance by creating a vague sense of symmetry in an inherently asymmetric system. The design had to 'hem' elements on all scales, from the facade’s massive volumes to ambitious micro details that we realised with modest materials.

Please tell us a little about the material choices for the space. 

SG: The project incorporates bold geometries and muted textures, which are expressed both on the facade and in the interiors. The muted white facade is punctuated with wooden louvres that evoke a sense of warmth, complemented by green curtain that droop across the stone surface. 

For the landscaped den, natural thermos-ash wood and soft limestone provide a functional yet calming retreat that offers shelter from the harsh sun. The entertainment area is defined by a grey palette and enriched with raw finishes like chiselled stone and rough Indian basalt stone. Brass accents, dappled sunlight, woven metal mesh and fluted glass elements complete the space.

Images / Niveditaa Gupta