Brick by brick: The innumerous design possibilities hidden in a wall

The idea of breathable walls is a practical style that is perfectly suited for a hot tropical country such as India

Hidden rooms

One of the most discussed displays at “When is Space?”, a recent exhibition on contemporary architecture in India at the Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, was A Wall as a Room by Samira Rathod Design Atelier. Rathod had redefined the notion of a wall as a container of space as opposed to a divider of space. Whether a kitchen, a bedroom, a television set or sofas, the architect had accommodated them all within three-feet-thick walls, demonstrating how space can be used optimally. She had also covered the top of the wall with vegetation, turning it into a thermally-insulated, livable room.

Rathod is now translating this idea of a wall as a room into practice. “I am working with some schools to make libraries in walls that are thick enough to contain seats and to store books,” she says. “This also saves the cost of making cupboards.”

Fabric-covered walls designed by Sarita Handa

If you think walls as rooms is a radical idea, wait till you read about moving walls — a concept inspired by the iconic work of Matharoo Associates, an Ahmedabad-based architectural firm. The architects here have created a house that has come to be called “Moving Landscapes”. The multigenerational house on the outskirts of Ahmedabad has walls that can slide or rotate.

At first glance, the thick 4.5-metre-high stone walls look impenetrable. But at the press of a button, they crack open, spin around or slide away to reveal the interiors. The mechanism has been customised for the house and can be remote controlled from the corresponding rooms. The stone walls also protect the inner shell of concrete and glass from heat, thereby reducing the reliance on air conditioners. The concept took shape after the architects stumbled upon the Bidasar rainforest stone that is naturally found in green and brown colours, is strong and resistant to fire and erosion.

Chittor created by designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee for Nilaya

In comparison to rooms within walls and movable walls, the idea of breathable walls might seem almost tame but it is a practical style that is perfectly suited for a hot tropical country such as India. Breathable walls are those with laser-cut perforations or with brick or metal jalis that keep the house cool and ventilated. Ceramic or laterite walls, which are heat-resistant, are other options.

Dress it up

There is no limit to how far you can experiment with walls to make them reflect your personality. You could, say, put up a mural of your favourite Netflix show up in your den. Or, flaunt your love for fabric by decorating a bedroom wall with your grandmother’s rich brocade.

Fabric-covered walls have always been a rage, from 14th-century France to modern times, says Sarita Handa, founder of the luxury home furnishing brand named after her. “Whether it is under the staircase, in the powder room or in the bedroom, statement walls have made a comeback, more so in the traditional way,” she says.

A Wall As a Room by Samira Rathod Design Atelier

To give a fluid feel to the room’s aesthetics, you could match the colour and motifs of the drapes with the wall. “If you wish to experiment, then begin with just one wall and match it with your furniture,” Handa suggests. The choices are plenty, from traditional paisley motifs to graphic and abstract prints.

If not fabric, then use a rug as wall art and make it the focal point of the room. The other elements in the room can then be chosen to complement the design and colour of the rug. “The placement of the rug on the wall is akin to placing a work of art,” says Ayush Choudhary, founder and creative director, Cocoon Fine Rugs (Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata). “The lighting — both natural and artificial — and the colour of the wall need to be kept in mind when displaying a rug.”

Moving walls designed by Matharoo Associates | Shot by Edmund Sumner, London-based architectural photographer; Courtesy Matharoo Associates

Though the size and colour of the rug depends on the design theme and personal preference, for a room meant for entertaining guests Choudhary recommends a large rug in dark colours and classic design on a muted wall to give the space a regal feel.

If not fabric or rugs, opt for luxury wallpapers to create richly-layered décor. Chittor, created by designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee for Nilaya, a luxury wall covering line from Asian Paints, for example goes beautifully with colonial furniture. Or, you could create a contrasting look by using the vibrant Varanasi line with subtle furnishings, or infuse the space with sophisticated elegance by matching delicate jamdani prints with modern designs in curtains and cushions.