Plot Size: 500 sq.yd | Location: DHA, Karachi

The family consisted of a naval engineer and his wife, and their two sons and daughters-in law. 

They wished to have the ground floor for themselves, the first floor for their children, and the basement to be designated for public events.

Accordingly, we designed the zones so as to ensure privacy while maintaining a connection between the varied spaces of the house. The basement was given access from outside as well as having an interior connection from the ground floor. 

One challenge we faced was that the site was square – and if not dealt with properly, would end up in the building looking too linear.

So we designed the facade to emphasize horizontality – a volume with niches carved out of it. Interior spaces were designed in the same scheme. This strategy also helped us cater to the clients’ needs – where one couple wanted an open view of the street and the other wanted a private niche as open space. 

Architect: Hussain Jesserwalla