From Tokyo to New York, Amsterdam to Toronto, the design of a Skinny House is a statement of triumph. Often there’s a colourful history, like the narrow Spite House from 1800s Boston, a result of a spat between two brothers over unequal land division. For both architects and residents, it’s a curiously satisfying experience to extract the most out of a limited space through vertical exploration. In congested Indian cities, with cumbersome plot offerings, could this be a solution? The emphatic answer is “No” from architects we spoke to, who concur that narrow home designs emerge from plot restrictions, rather than proving good solutions for crowded cities.

Yet, narrow house designs have paved the way for amazing innovations, both in India and globally, as architects get tremendously creative with such constricted plots to overcome the prime challenges of user circulation, cross ventilation, light and privacy.

A return to traditions and nature

The Indian narrow home is created around a central well that resonates with the haveli or aangan in North India and the nadumuttam in Kerala. However, these traditional devices are not a conscious effort by the architect to integrate vernacular features into a modern imprint: rather, they are responses to plot constraints, in relation to the local climate and Indian ethos.

The Breathing Wall Residence: a view of the central court from below.
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The Breathing Wall Residence, Thrissur

Completed in 2015, The Breathing Wall Residence by LIJO.RENY.architects in Thrissur was conceived as a 6x16m footprint in a 4.10 cent plot, wedged between a private road, a public road and houses on the other two sides. The 2,200 sq.ft. house, developed as a prototype for narrow plots is a multiple award winner.

Architects Lijo Jos (right) and Reny Lijo
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Architects Lijo Jos and Reny Lijo created a landscaped skylight atrium, which works like a courtyard space between the east and west wings, bringing in ample light. Every room has air vents and the central skylight heats up the air, forcing it to rise to the top, constantly circulating a breeze. Green vegetation unfolds in layers and the space evolves naturally around the central well. “We are taught how to do these tricks,” laughs Lijo when I ask him about his clever use of biophilic design — the increased connectivity to nature by design.

The Breathing Wall Residence: a bulbul is nesting in the central court.
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While The Breathing Wall Residence was a mid-segment project, LIJO.RENY took creative licence to play around the budget to evolve an unconventional design. Lijo and Reny say, “Right from the project brief, we were aware this challenging context requires extraordinary interventions.” Innovative measures such as perforated Corten Steel screens, turned out to be a lifesaver — lightweight yet robust for tropical weather, offering security, privacy and aesthetics. The screens cut off the chaos of the street and create dynamic dappled light attracting even bulbuls through the perforations, to build their nests in the courtyard’s bamboo.

The Breathing Wall Residence: a bedroom on the second floor.
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Narrow glass house, Toronto

Meanwhile, in Canada, a much-touted apartment in downtown Toronto is merely 6’6” wide at the bottom, the widest being 7’3” at the top. This narrow house with a full glass front is built on the site where an 1880s single-storey house once stood. The newly built home owned by a couple is 1,400 sq.ft. with multiple levels (five, including sub-levels). On a YouTube video, the kitchen appears large with the innovative use of high ceilings and thoughtful appliances. There’s even a backyard and an attic. Wood in plenty and exposed pipes give the space a nautical feel of a boat or a tree house with a winding stairwell through its puzzling spaces.

Slender House, New Delhi

Slender House’s building elevation.
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Compare this to an Indian brief where even if the house is narrow, it still needs to function as a familial space. Shortlisted in the World Architecture Festival 2024, Slender House by Delhi-based Space Architects is an unusual four-storey home on a 6-metre-wide x 16-metre-long plot in North Delhi’s Derawal Nagar.

Slender House: skylights on the second floor.
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For lead architect Kapil Aggarwal, creating a house with soul and connectivity for the family of five, was prime. “The family’s roots to the place were very deep and it had to reflect their culture and values. They wanted a happy house.” This kind of intertwining of spaces creating intimate connections is a prominent feature in Slender House, which has a total built up area of 6,550 sq.ft. Says Aggarwal, “We don’t actually see individual floors happening.”

Slender House: a central view.
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By design, narrow houses act like containers that foster bonds between the people who live there. In both Breathing Wall (18 ft. width) and Slender House (20 ft. width), the architects have chosen to demarcate along the length, making two unequal halves, one bay for facilities and the other for living spaces, which progress from common spaces to private spaces as we move inwards and up. As the minimum width does not permit as many walls, moveable partitions and staggered heights create the illusion of varied spaces. In the case of LIJO. RENY’s Breathing Wall, a movable partition on the second-floor bedroom allows it to transform into a look-over balcony with a handrail. Aptly placed mirrors reflect the green, giving a sense of infinity.

Architect Kapil Aggarwal
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In the case of Slender House, SPACES Architects adhered to the client’s budget by using local materials, focusing on cost-efficient yet high-quality materials. At ₹6,500 per sq.ft. (a typical home cost is between ₹4,500 and ₹8,000 per sq.ft.) Slender House’s unique aesthetic appeal is because of the customised design, right up to ceiling elements, furniture and lighting. Says Aggarwal, “This attention to bespoke detailing and the use of high-quality materials significantly added to the overall expenses.”

Slender House: staircase view.
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Marian Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram

“Circulation is the main problem while designing narrow buildings,” says Srijit Srinivas based out of Thiruvananthapuram. “Residents may pass a bedroom to get to a kitchen, for instance.” The award-winning architect, who designed Narrow Brick House (15 ft. width) has been commissioned for several complex projects with plot constraints. Early in his practice, in his design for Marian Engineering College Institution, for a 30-metre wide building, Srinivas created an internal well that allowed users to see across floors, and which made the experience of the space light-filled and expansive.

The corridor at Marian Engineering College.
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Marian Engineering College
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Flatiron, New York City

Designs for tight and awkward plot considerations consistently prove the famous principle, ‘constraints foster creativity’. The 1902-built Flatiron in New York City, designed by famous Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, is today a national icon. The fourth most-loved building in the U.S., the Flatiron has 22 floors and is 6.5 ft at its narrowest end and 87 ft at the wider side.

The historic Flatiron building.
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By necessity, Japan has been a forerunner in the design of minimalist homes. In Tokyo, high land taxes forced the development of narrow plots to engender such ‘eel’s nests’, shaping architecture, which in turn shapes lifestyles. The 1.8 Metre House by YUUA in 2012, for a couple and two cats, with a wide-open glass front and floors of floating levels of rough textured wood makes an impactful presence in a dense Tokyo neighbourhood.

Row House, Osaka

Tadao Ando’s 1976 Row House in Osaka 
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In times that urgently require sustainable practices, the power of architecture to transform societal values is critical. In this respect, Japanese architect Tadao Ando’s 1976 Row House in Osaka was pioneering in how architecture can define how we live and experience spaces. A meditative space with concrete walls, open only to the sky, the house encourages introspection and minimalist pathways.

Yet Delhi-based Aggarwal says most of his NCR clients desire luxurious multi-storey homes with at least three bedrooms per floor. The opportunities of exploring small space design are rare. His Slender House, which stands out in the locality and has been featured in publications worldwide, calls us to ask: can a trend for such narrow yet distinctive homes go on the rise?

The writer is a brand strategist with a background in design from SAIC and NID.

It was Le Corbusier who said that “the home should be a treasure chest of the living,” but we’d like to add some riches of the material variety, too. Especially as it is the season when the goddess of wealth is welcomed into homes across the country. Ahead of Diwali, here’s looking at linen, candles and more to give you that house-proud glow.

Think glass and brass | Good Earth

Lanterns and candle stands

Maximalism can seem the way to go this season, but there’s also a case to be made for a more minimal approach. Good Earth has simple rose-tinted glass candle stands — featuring a bowl shape and petal-like designs to create a ‘blooming’ effect — iron latticework lanterns for the living room, with brass plating, and even a statement Valley of the Flowers centrepiece cast in sustainably sourced, recycled brass. ₹2,800 onwards at goodearth.in

Dealing the best card | Onset Homes

Runners and coasters

The Kolkata-based soft furnishings studio’s newest collection, Jashn, showcases a colourful interpretation of a taash (card) party. Their range of cushion covers, runners, and coasters uses velvet in a colour palette with rich emerald greens, maroons, and creams. Motifs such as clubs, diamonds, the Queen of Hearts, and the King of Spades, feature heavily. ₹800 onwards at onsethomes.com.

Phoenix on the table | FA Home

Bed and table linen

Indian craftsmanship strongly inspire this Gurgaon-based textile furnishing brand’s range of bed and table linen. Their current collection spotlights Parsi Gara, with embroidery, 3D appliqué and zari embellishments highlighting nature inspired motifs such as peonies, lotus and the phoenix. Available in linen, cotton, and cotton satin fabrics. ₹1,400 onwards at shopfahome.com.

Curated with a cause | Baro Market

Tealight holders and themed candles

Looking outside ‘just interiors’, Baro Market works with artists, craftsmen and designers from across India. Alongside apparel, textiles, and folk art, their vast home section — with linen, tableware, rugs, and décor pieces — offers unique picks. We have our eyes on their range of whimsical candles. Find kooky firecracker themes, delightfully realistic-looking cocktail candles, and poker-themed ones on their website and their Mumbai store. Also browse their selection of lanterns, brass tealight holders, and exquisitely detailed shola flowers. ₹500 onwards at baromarket.in.

Amulets for the house | Vaishali S Art Deco.

Textile art and signature lamps

Vaishali Shadangule’s eponymous fashion label also makes statement objets d’art. Crafted from leftover fabric and repurposed material from her couture line, Shadangule reimagines them as textile art, copper light fixtures, mogra curtains, and her signature lamps. Her new collection, Ta’wiz, plays on the concept of an amulet worn for protection — using corded and cloth ‘amulets’ to create chandeliers, lamps, quilts, cushions and tapestries. ₹18,000 onwards; available in stores and on vaishali-s.com.

Metallic highlights | Nicobar

Candle stands and tealight holders

The homegrown brand never fails to delight. Add details to your festive table with their Gudhal candle stands and tealight holders. Inspired by the hibiscus flower, and crafted in iron with a gold or bronze finish, these are perfect to create multiple visual levels for you table setting. ₹1,450 onwards at nicobar.com.

Breathe free | Ugaoo

Planters and air-purifying plants

If you’d rather spend on improving your quality of life, online garden store Ugaoo has something for you. Their ‘Sajaao with Ugaoo’ campaign has curated hampers pairing traditional Diwali gifts such as sweets, dry fruits, and brass diyas, with planters, air-purifying plants, and potting mixes. So, why not gift yourself a touch of green? ₹1,099 onwards at ugaoo.com.

An alabaster approach | Shades of India

Cushions and curtains

Textured textiles are a signature of the brand, from embroidery to printing with foil. Their new range of furnishing fabrics, Cedar, includes bedding, cushions, table linen, and curtains inspired by nature and organic forms. Cotton slub cushion covers are decorated with zardozi embroidery, while handwoven throws are accented with bands of mashru weave and fuchsia tassels. ₹3,000 onwards at shadesofindia.com.

No place like home | H&M Home

Candles and platters

The global retail giant’s Festive’24 collection can take you from Diwali to Christmas. Round candles, golden candelabras, plush throws, sleek serving platters, and brightly coloured cushions in reds, yellows and oranges make for cheery additions to your décor. The collection, from ₹249 onwards, is available in stores and online on hm.com, Myntra and Ajio.

Call of the night | Freedom Tree

Rugs and lampshades

This Mumbai design studio takes inspiration from the nocturnal side of nature for Moonflower, their autumn-winter festive collection. Phases of the moon, human forms farming night-blooming flowers, moths and other creatures of the night tell evocative tales in this collection of cushions covers, upholstery fabric, rugs, lampshades and more.

The tableware especially, in shades such as Luna blue, Saturn sand and astral green, is stunning. ₹520 onwards at freedomtree.in.

Furniture and collectibles from Evoke, the design store in London’s chic Marylebone area, can be found in tony drawing rooms across the world. Run by Sridhar Poddar and his mum Vandana Poddar, it showcases crafts from across the world, but with a special focus on India and Africa. “All craft forms are interconnected. They have a universal language,” says Vandana, who was born in South Africa to a Gujarati family. “Both India and Africa are rich in tribal communities whose craft traditions are inspired by nature and utility.”

Some of Evoke’s collectibles are on exhibit in Bengaluru, at Kaash, the studio-cum-residency that also has the mother and son’s stamp. Shields from Cameroon, textile artworks from Ahmedabad, and sculptures from Zimbabwe dot the gallery space inside the 200-year-old villa in Langford Town. “The masks from Tanzania are similar to the bhuta masks of Kerala and Karnataka, and the beaded Yoruba chairs remind you of the beadwork practised in Kutch and Saurashtra in Gujarat,” shares Vandana, underlining the commonalities between crafts.

Vandana Poddar with Leonora Stathakis

Yoruba crowns and beaded chairs from Nigeria are some of the highlights of the show. The cone-shaped blue-and-white beaded headpieces, worn by the Oba (king) to underline his role as a divine leader, are adorned with geometric forms and fauna. The Makonde body masks, representing a pregnant woman with a protruding stomach and rounded breasts, are another eye-catcher, harking to the tribe’s matrilineal heritage.

“With this exhibition, we wanted to bring Evoke to [India and] Kaash. The store opened in 2021, and Kaash was born in 2022. And it all started with Yoruba chairs,” says Sridhar. “My mother wanted a pair for our home in Bengaluru. So, I was tracking a collection of these, but instead of getting them for the house, we ended up deciding to open a store [with interior designer Leonora Stathakis].” The response so far has been overwhelming, he says, “with people calling from all over the country to acquire the Yoruba chairs and terracotta Zulu pots”.

Pushing the craft collectible

The show is curated by Sridhar and Stathakis. “This is a decor show, with crafts from a different geographical location. We wanted to highlight the continuity of tradition,” says Sridhar, adding, “We want to build a commercial aspect around craft. It is an appreciating product. We call it craft collectible.”

Sridhar Poddar and Manju Sara Rajan

At Kaash, which is also a production platform, collaborations take place between designers and artisans — identifying new forms and experimenting with new materials. But Vandana and Sridhar are clear that while they like to encourage traditional art forms, they don’t work with antiques. The charpoy suspended from the wall, made with Kuba textile from Congo, is a good entry point into their curatorial premise — and what drew actor Sonam Kapoor Ahuja to them. An ode to the traditional woven bed, it gets a contemporary twist as a ballam bench [with legs inspired by ballam, the Indian exercise club]. The charpoy has pride of place in Ahuja’s home office.

Ilala palm fibre baskets from Zimbabwe

Maasai necklace from northern Tanzania

Evoke is a popular stop with moneyed Indian travellers. British Indian artist Anish Kapoor was impressed by their Yoruba chairs, while interior designer Vinita Chaitanya, who designed Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s house in Mumbai, is a frequent visitor. “Social media fosters access to different cultures, inspiring people to have multi-cultural pieces at home,” says Sridhar, who sources the pieces from fairs, craft communities and through his travels. Ironically, however, he says they “still don’t have a Yoruba chair at home”.

Three in focus

Vandana, Sridhar and Manju Sara Rajan, co-founder of Kaash Foundation, choose their favourite:

Bamoun chief necklace: The ancient bronze alloy necklace from Cameroon symbolises wealth and prestige among the Bamoun tribe. The slender design with buffalo motifs, representing strength and resilience, has been made using the lost wax technique. “I find it akin to a prabhavali, the brass arch that frames the deity in South Indian temples,” says Vandana. “It gives the impression of a halo around the deity.”

Asami Nagashima Sarabhai’s blue textile screen: “The African objects in the room — from the beaded chair to the crown — have a strong presence, but this work softens the show,” notes Rajan. Sarabhai, the founder of Rasai, a multidisciplinary textile-based label, made the textile work after seeing the blue Yoruba chair. It features architectural elements of Kaash, the African objects and her own brand.

Constellation vase: Rendered in bidri, the silver inlay on zinc and copper alloy, oxidised with black clay, is a stunning piece that draws from the constellations in the night sky. “It’s interesting that when people see it, they feel it’s very African,” says Sridhar. “I love how the craft of bidri has been contemporised. This piece speaks to the other objects in the room.”

The exhibition is on till November 17 at Kaash.

The Bengaluru-based journalist writes on art, culture, health and social welfare.