This palatial Hyderabad home by Sona Reddy Studio is a sumptuous celebration of texture and form.
Nestled within the prestigious and tranquil green suburb of Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad, this four level, 11,00-square-foot residence bridges tradition with contemporary living. Designed by Hyderabad architecture firm Sona Reddy Studio, the project is a gut renovation of an older house that formerly occupied the site. The former structure was restored and redesigned with a stunning new identity in response to the client’s brief for a revitalised floor plan that would improve functionality.
The property’s surrounding green landscape serves as a serene backdrop to the residence. An adjacent plot was incorporated into the master plan, serving as a vast landscaped garden with stepped-seating areas for alfresco dining and relaxation, effectively extending the living spaces outdoors. “The level below this landscape garden functions as a burrowed outhouse. The stepped-seating spot for the family situated on the abutting plot enables them to convene amidst nature, to use as an alfresco dining zone, or just as an oasis to unwind — the devised landscape becomes an extension of the spaces of the home, wherein the long stretches of granite floors meld into the green lawns,” says the studio’s founder, Sona Reddy.
The house’s façade was reinterpreted as a monolithic structure consciously interspersed with fenestrations of breeze blocks on the southern and western facades. “This lends artisanal gravitas to the structure,” says Reddy who explains that these porous segments enable the built form to almost respire in real-time, creating a climate-responsive structure. The spaces between the breeze blocks also create an interplay of light and shadow, which highlight the mélange of solids and voids within the house’s interiors.
Combining world charm with modern sensibilities, the interiors evoke a distinctive atmosphere through carefully thought-out spatial arrangements. The use of natural materials like granite, wood, and natural stone floors, along with artisanal details such as breeze blocks and brass handrails, imbues the space with a sense of warmth and tactility. Each space incorporates elements that pay homage to Indian craftsmanship, such as the Channapatna avian figurines in the double-height dining area. “Channapatna toys are traditional wooden figurines from Karnataka known for their vibrant colours and eco-friendly materials. Their inclusion reflects a commitment to celebrating local artistry and culture within the interior design,” says Reddy.
On the ground level is a 10-foot-wide wooden entry door that welcomes one into a formal living room. In this living room, the grey granite floor of the original structure was retained to create a cohesive visual canvas. Selected pieces of older furniture were refurbished, and curated art incorporated into the design. “The statement bookshelf earmarks a pivotal corner of the living space, where a collage of large wood-bodied amorphous forms creates the structure. Hues of emerald grace the room in coalition with the bright aqua and yellow tones of the focal art. Morphing shadows from the adjoining balcony with patterned natural stone flooring travel into the living space, creating a tactile play of light,” says Reddy.
In the double height dining area is a round marble-topped dining table, mid-century modern chairs, vintage chandeliers, a bespoke bone inlay cabinet, and the Channapatna figurines adorning the walls. Also on the ground floor is a guest bedroom in monochromes with shades of bright ochres and yellows, and an accent wall swathed in a solid ebony tone and layered with artwork to create visual drama.
A sculptural staircase with a solid wood balustrade and brass handrail connects the levels. Assuming a sculptural presence, this staircase was designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. “The older staircase structure was extruded at an angle to eliminate the penetration of harsh southern sunlight. An additional substructure was introduced under the beams at the landing levels to conceal the labyrinth of crossbeams inconspicuously. A solid wood balustrade lines the perimeter of the staircase as a railing upon which a sleeker brass handrail has been superimposed; all along the stairwell, artworks pepper the volume, adding distinct visual focal points,” says Reddy.
On the second level is a puja room that’s encased in a curved wooden partition with paneled surfaces. On the top-most level are the bedrooms, which all include a lounge area with views of the surrounding greenery outdoors. Another key feature is a grotto-like family entertainment basement level which includes a lounge, dining area, bar, pantry, and indoor pool.
“This basement area and other communal areas are inspired by Art Deco and characterised by a light-suffused volume with a deep sepia-toned coffered ceiling. This area contains the study, a lounge, dining area, bar, pantry, and indoor pool, all designed with a mix of traditional lime plaster and modern material finishes,” says Reddy.
Through the generous application of natural stones, gilded accents, and subtle monotones throughout the residence, Sona Reddy Studio has created a grounded and texturally intriguing sanctuary that’s both comfortable and luxurious.
“This residence embodies a fluidic blueprint that seamlessly blends diverse design nuances across different styles and eras. The result is a harmonious space that redefines familial warmth while maintaining a rooted design ethos, resonating with both past and future narratives,” says Reddy.
