A Modern Expressive Design

The Dichotomous House designed by R+D studio captures the essence of contemporary design while harmonizing the preferences of its diverse occupants, masterfully manifested in the project’s key design elements.

Fact File

Program: Joint Family Dwelling
Location: Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
Site area: 2.05 acres
Built up area: 18,500 sq ft
Completion: 2023


The brief was to design a 24,000 sqft house with servant’s quarters, guard house and store. It was important to have the house capture the landscape both inside and out, and make a design statement. Unlike a farmhouse, the brief was a minimal number of bedrooms and utilitarian spaces that could become entertainment spaces of different scales.

The start point for the design was the idea of yin-yang where the old and new were to be balanced. The design was conceived in frames that capture the best views from anywhere in the house. The fins and its location were explored keeping in mind Vaastu, ecology and the different design elements. The design narrative ties the landscape with the different elements of the program and architecture, making it an integrated design process.

Ar. Shridhar Rao & Ar. Shikha Doogar, Partners, R+D Studio

The residence, located in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, is a coalesce of two contrasting elements in form, materiality, and spaces. The form is a composition of straight clean lines, interrupted by quirky curves, which evoke a sense of eccentricity in a stable geometry. The design intends to blur the boundaries between exterior and interior spaces by bringing in the lush green gardens. The spatial hierarchy created finds small spaces complementing the larger double height ones.


One of the striking features is the integration of rotated blocks and funicular arches, contributing to the architectural richness of the residence. These elements not only add a touch of uniqueness but also help in creating a dynamic and visually engaging space.


The design has an open plan, wherein the public and semi-public spaces are restricted to the ground floor and basement while the private spaces are stacked on the first floor. A basement with sunken garden creates room for recreational spaces. The juxtaposition flows in materials as Corten steel having a rustic appearance sits with white stucco finish.