Residential House 913 by Charged Voids in Karnal, India

Project: Residential House 913
Architects: Charged Voids
Location: Karnal, India
Area: 3982 sq ft
Photographs: Nakul Jain, Purnes Dev Nikhaj

Residential House 913 by Charged Voids

Charged Voids completed the design of Residential House 913 – an impressive modern dwelling located in Karnal, India. The design of this 4000 square feet home is intended to bring its inhabitants into close contact with natural elements, and the open layout and strong connection to the street successfully achieve this goal.

The challenge was to design a house for a father and son who recently lost their beloved woman.

The idea was to design a house that allows inhabitants to be closer to natural elements, thereby giving the space a strong spiritual character. The entire concept was developed as an open layout with interconnected volumes that highlight the sense of void, offering views into the interior courtyard and a light stone wall.  Spaces like the interior courtyard and veranda were reimagined with consideration for the urban environment.

The layout was organized around a northern interior courtyard and pond, with the central space – the living room – facing it. The entrance was designed through a closed veranda overlooking the pond on one side and the living room in front. This allowed for complete elimination of curtains and blinds, as direct sunlight does not enter the central space but natural light is available throughout the day. Interconnected volumes in the section allow for immediate visibility of cross axes upon entering the home.

The project includes a total of three bedrooms: two main bedrooms for the father and son, plus a guest room. The father resides on the ground floor while the son's bedroom and guest room are located on the upper level. The father’s and son’s bedrooms are arranged to open into the central space at a diagonal angle, creating a strong visual connection.

Service and other spaces are located on the third level with separate access via an external service staircase. An open kitchen with a dining area and lounge is ideal since only two people live in the house. A separate spice kitchen at the back is provided for staff and other services.

The entire project was designed in a monochromatic palette to give the space a meditative character. Internal surfaces are simply covered with stone or white paint with shadow patterns created by external screens, which serve as the main focal point. The ocean black stone used in various finishes is a local material available in Rajasthan. The only other material is mirror strips, which add an illusory character to the space.

- Charged Voids