Modern Heritage: Art Deco & Colonial Bungalow Restoration
We revive 20th-century Art Deco residences and colonial bungalows, balancing their historic character with the functional needs of contemporary living.
This Art Deco mini-palace in Delhi, a blend of colonial and Art Deco styles, is the subject of a long-term restoration project to bring it back to its former glory.
The lush gardens and towering palm trees provide a stunning setting for the clean, white lines of the Art Deco residence.
The process begins. The grand colonial-style columns of the portico are prepared for restoration, with the original brickwork exposed.
Inside, we strip back layers of paint to reveal the original brick walls, a process of architectural archaeology to understand the building's construction.
On-site inspection with the team, discussing the condition of the exterior and planning the next steps for the facade restoration.
A glimpse down a corridor before restoration, showing the original patterned flooring and the play of light that we aim to enhance.
The simple elegance of the original staircase, with its clean lines and minimalist handrail, a feature we will carefully preserve.
An original fireplace with its geometric terrazzo floor inlay, a quintessential Art Deco detail that is central to the building's character.
Another fireplace in the house, this one with a distinct color scheme, showcasing the variety of original details we encounter and restore.
A classic colonial-style fireplace and an old-fashioned ceiling fan, elements that contribute to the unique Indo-European feel of the house.
About Modern Heritage: Art Deco & Colonial Bungalows
The challenge with these 20th-century bungalows isn't just fixing the cracks; it's about structural honesty. When we approach an Art Deco residence, we don't just patch walls—we perform architectural archaeology to understand how to integrate modern HVAC and electrical services without destroying the original terrazzo floors or geometric ceiling details. It is about ensuring these spaces remain relevant for the next century without erasing the patina that gives them their soul.
Restoring a modern heritage home requires a different mindset than traditional monument conservation. These buildings—the Art Deco residences and 1950s colonial bungalows—were the cutting edge of their time. Our work focuses on 'adaptive reuse', ensuring that the home functions for a 21st-century lifestyle while honoring the original craftsmanship.
Our Approach to Restoration
We prioritize the retention of original elements: the brass-inlaid terrazzo flooring, the geometric facade tiles, and timber balconies. These aren't just aesthetic choices; they are historical markers. When we 'retrofit', we look for non-invasive ways to upgrade services. Instead of chasing modern minimalism, we find ways for new lighting, plumbing, and climate control to coexist with lime mortar and heritage brickwork.
The Process
- Diagnostics: Every project starts with a health check. We identify structural distress—rising damp or termite issues in timber rafters—that might be invisible to the naked eye.
- As-Built Documentation: We map the existing irregularities, which often reveal the clever 'jugaad' or traditional joinery methods used by original builders.
- Tactful Intervention: Our goal is to be invisible. We design new mezzanines or glass partitions that complement the existing volume, rather than competing with it.
Why Conservation Matters
It is not just about aesthetics; it is about environmental impact. Demolition creates waste. By choosing to restore a bungalow, you are participating in a circular design economy. We aren't just architects; we are stewards of the city's fading memories, helping you transform a structure into a functional, comfortable family home.
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