Excerpt: Cocoon House by Compartment S4 features the transformation of a decades-old home into a multigenerational sanctuary, blending legacy with modern living. Centered around a reimagined courtyard, the interior design balances communal openness with private comfort. Through layered materials, curated art, and adaptable spaces, the home reflects evolving lifestyles—honoring the past while embracing the needs of the present and future.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] When a house transforms into a home for three generations, it becomes a living archive of memories and evolving lifestyles. This was the challenge and opportunity presented in the renovation of a two-decade old home for a family of lawyers. The project was an exploration of how spaces can adapt to different generations, nurturing connection while offering comfort, function, and modernity.
The project sought to honor the family’s essence while accommodating future needs, reflecting a seamless confluence of architecture and interior design. At the heart of this home is its conventional courtyard-once the spatial nucleus of family life with a glass brick roof, this area has now transformed into a contemporary double-height living room, retaining its luminous charm. An expansive skylight floods the space with natural light during the day while large Oorja pendant lights light up the space at night, preserving the openness and connection to nature that defined the courtyard and reinforcing the semi-outdoor character of the living room.
The flooring features clay tiles in warm terracotta tones, reminiscent of the original courtyard, juxtaposed with Italian marble throughout the rest of the house for a refined contrast. This intentional interplay of materials bridges two contrasting design languages, preserving a delicate balance between them. Italian marble provides an elegant base, complemented by warm wood accents and brass details.
Adjacent to the living room is the dining area, separated from the living area with a custom designed furniture console adorned with commissioned artwork. The interior styling has been thoughtfully curated by Studio Champa, adding layers of personality and charm to the space. The elegantly designed dining table from Indian Furniture Brand, Sunday with a delicate brass pendant light from West Elm serve as both a functional element and a visual anchor. A crimson colored artwork from Morrii in the living room complements the traditional carpet from Studio Champa creating color connection as the eye travels in the space. Adding warmth and timeless elegance to the space, the carpet grounds the spatial drama. This arrangement complements the bold artwork in the dining console.
The pooja area, situated in the backdrop, is marked by a traditional Pichwai painting framed by wooden louvers, ensuring continuity with the rest of the house while offering a serene, contemplative corner. The overall material palette emphasizes understated luxury. Flanking the other side of the courtyard is a formal living room connecting to the garden space outside. At its heart, contemporary green sofas by Sarita Handa encircle a custom-designed center table, its marble tops subtly mirroring the verdant tones. Adding contrast to the greens and woods, a patterned accent chair introduces a playful break from the solid hues. This bold touch is gently anchored by a rug from Jaipur rugs, which brings balance and cohesion to the space.
The renovation does more than reshape physical spaces; it sensitively reinterprets the home’s legacy. Designing for a multigenerational family required careful planning to balance communal spaces with private retreats. Open-plan living and dining areas promote interaction, while private quarters cater to individual preferences. For example, the ground-floor parents’ room features a simple yet functional design, with a fabric headboard framed by wooden details. Its bathroom, lined with custom size cut grey marble and warm wood tones, continues the home’s understated luxury aesthetic.
The staircase with wooden and brass railings warmly lit up from lights by Olie Lighting provides an elegant connection between levels, leading to a common area which becomes a family study overlooking the double-height living room. The smartly designed railing in the study with sliding fluted glass windows closing off into a secluded corner, creating a flexible environment for focus and reflection or to become part of the courtyard below.
The master bedroom next to study, located on the upper floor, is a intentionally designed multifunctional flexible space that serves as both a serene retreat and a setting for intimate gatherings. Upon entering, one is welcomed by a beige striped wallpaper against a herringbone-patterned wooden console with black and gold accents, creating a refined transition into the private areas. This “pause point” establishes a sense of anticipation before entering the main space.
Wooden rafters accentuate the room’s pitched roof ceiling, highlighting its architectural geometry and adding warmth to the interior. The master bedroom seamlessly extends into an informal lounge area, which can be opened up to accommodate casual gatherings, ensuring flexibility without compromising the room’s cozy ambiance. A vibrant pop of orange in the form of a bean bag sofa chair introduces a playful contrast, energizing the otherwise neutral palette.
The children’s room effortlessly blends playfulness with sophistication by including a bunk area positioned above the bed, designed to optimize floor space and functionality. Inspired by the kids’ love for LEGO, the space incorporates vibrant LEGO-style storage units that surround a colorful Bent Chair bed. Drawing from the essence of a Mondrian painting, the bathroom is clad in bright primary colors, accented with sharp black-and-white contrasts, establishing a striking interplay of geometric forms and bold hues.
Every detail of this home is a testament to Indian craftsmanship with all furniture and art sourced from Indian designers. Ultimately, this project blurs the boundaries of architecture and interior design by spatial intervention, preserving its essence while breathing new life into its spaces. Through its thoughtful design, it becomes not just a home but a sanctuary where old and new converge.
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