Lake views and well-crafted interiors define this Hyderabad home

A lakefront location, it seems, doesn’t always ensure a structure that makes the most of its unbeatable view. For this Hyderabad residence, Vistaar Associates had its work cut out; they had to work with a built form completely at odds with its surroundings. “It had misaligned columns, slabs and an inward-looking layout, which we had to rework sensitively,” says founder and architect Shweta Balasubramoni. The changes made, including re-proportioning volumes and reorienting spaces towards the lake, shifted the design considerably. It went a long way in giving the clients, a family of four, what they wanted. “A calm, lake-facing home that could function as a getaway and a permanent residence.”

High on the wish list was a space that was light, airy, with indoor-outdoor connectivity and tailored to suit their social lifestyle. Leaning into their philosophy of “practical artistry”, Balasubramoni designed the 7,900-square-foot Avanya Residence with fluid connections and woven subtly with art and craft elements. “This is a modern space rooted in Indian materials, handcrafted elements and a timeless aesthetic”. She talks about working with an existing shell to create a distinctive home.

Beautiful Homes (BH): What role did the location play in your design decisions?

Shweta Balasubramoni (SB): The site enjoys a rare lakefront setting with a gentle natural slope. This context was the guiding force behind the design. We went with a stepped approach for the terrain, while large glazed openings, cross-ventilation and spatial orientation ensure the lake remains visually and experientially present throughout the home.

BH: Why did you choose to work with the existing structure instead of opting to build from the ground up?

SB: The building had good structural height and proportions. If we speak about sustainability meaningfully, it has to begin with respecting and adapting what already exists. And it didn’t make sense to waste so much concrete and embodied labour.

BH: Was sustainability then key to this project—and is it always a consideration in your projects?

SB: Yes, we follow an eco-sensitive, people-oriented design approach. In this house, the climate and microclimate informed our choices. We used passive design strategies—high ceilings, cross-ventilation, shaded balconies, ceiling fans and generous glazing. We wanted to reduce dependence on mechanical cooling. To minimise environmental impact and ensure long-term efficiency, locally sourced stone and durable materials were chosen. We also introduced solar-powered outdoor lighting and solar water-heating systems.

BH: Apart from environmental considerations, what informed the diversity of the materials and textures you chose?

SB: Natural stone, carved wood, cane, handwoven fabrics, and artisanal upholstery were layered carefully to avoid visual excess. We wanted to create warmth, tactility and a distinctly Indian identity within a contemporary framework.

BH: What influenced your product choices?

SB: The walls had to be calm, cohesive backdrops that support handcrafted elements, artwork, materials, textiles and furniture without overpowering them. These Asian Paints products allowed us to achieve depth, consistency and subtle tonal variation across large and double-height spaces. The products we used here allowed us to maintain finish quality across varied surfaces and volumes.

BH: Did you also custom-design any aspect of the home to ensure the spaces aligned completely with the homeowners’ tastes?

SB: This home features extensive custom-designed furniture and architectural details. The seating, dining furniture, wardrobes, bar units—including one crafted from a salvaged steel barrel—were all designed specifically for this residence and executed by local craftsmen. Each element responds directly to the space and its views.

BH: Why did you decide to introduce a green feature below the staircase?

SB: The staircase occupies a central, light-filled position in the home. Introducing a green feature beneath it helped soften the stone surfaces, enhance indoor air quality and create a visual pause within a transitional space.