Nothing makes a space impart a sense of peace and tranquillity like a generous splash of greenery. Coupling nature with an open space such as a rooftop, materials such as wood, bamboo and warm lights in the interior come together to create a warm, inviting oasis.
When Hive Architects were tasked with overhauling the Huda residence rooftop, the floor was little more than a collection of hard paved floors, long corridors and cold, impersonal walls. There was some greenery around the parking area on the ground floor, which Ar Rafia Mariam Ahmed decided to bring up to the rooftop.
The space Hive decided to convert into a serene garden is approximately 1100 square feet, attached to a set of rooms used as a bachelor pad. The first thing they did was to break down the constricting railing, merging the rooms with the open space, seeing immense possibilities in how they could transform it.
Now, after they’ve taken the place and moulded it into something new, it’s nothing like it was before.
From the first step into the room adjacent to the garden, it becomes apparent that nature is present in every nook and cranny. The interior boasts earthy shades of browns and greens, all the furniture customized and goes perfectly with the arrangement. Exposed brick, wood, bamboo were used, while the original light grey marble floor was left as it was. A set of cleverly placed mirrors ensure that the garden exists even at the farthest corner of the room.
The room opens to the garden through a folding window, which can be shifted aside to banish any and all barriers separating the interior from a lush garden and open sky. Step out, and at first, there would be a wooden pergola hung with vines, a cosy hammock set up right alongside. Venture farther out and a little body of water, as well as sprays of colour from the seasonal flowers will greet you.
The architect first chose Bougainvillea and Plumeria for the garden. However, the first batch of Bougainvillea was eaten by a pack of monkeys. After this incident, they replaced those flowers with creepers. “It made me happy because I have invited them (the monkeys) to this ecosystem at a rooftop,” said Ar Ahmed.
The garden offers a different view each season, and that, coupled with the masterful designing of Hive, has made it the favourite nook in the whole house to the client.
