Multigenerational Urban Living: A Compact Residential Architecture Model for Modern Delhi

Set in the bustling heart of Delhi, "Hidden Spaces" is a vertically stacked compact residential architecture project designed by SE YA and presented on UNI. The house responds to contemporary urban conditions in India, where dense neighborhoods demand innovative architectural strategies for privacy, flexibility, and social integration. The design caters to a multigenerational family of six, including a couple in the hospitality business, their two children, and retired grandparents—each with differing spatial needs yet bound by a common lifestyle of openness and shared values.

Location: Delhi’s Urban Fabric

Delhi, India's vibrant capital, is both a historic and modern metropolis with a population exceeding 28 million. The project is sited in a dense locality, reflecting the challenges and opportunities of compact residential architecture in India. The city’s architectural fabric is a mix of tradition and innovation—and this project draws from that duality. Designed to integrate into the vibrant urban environment, the building addresses climatic needs, urban density, and social connectivity while maintaining a distinct architectural identity.

Concept: Nesting Layers of Privacy and Openness

Inspired by the protective layering of a bird's nest, the architectural form employs a wooden scaffolding that envelopes the residence, offering both sun-shading and privacy. Three modular cubes float within this wooden skin—each housing a bedroom and a bathroom. These cubes are individually accessible and come with private terraces, allowing the users to adapt, rent, or repurpose the space as per evolving needs.

At the ground level, the structure opens up completely to the street with a glazed façade. This public-facing zone includes a kitchen, dining space, and a library that invites not only residents but also guests and visitors—fitting for a family engaged in hospitality. It fosters connection to the neighborhood, echoing Indian cultural values of openness and community.

Interiors: Flexible Furniture for Urban Constraints

The interiors embody the ethos of minimal yet multifunctional living. Custom furniture in both children’s and master bedrooms features foldable beds and sliding storage cubes that double as seating or play areas. This flexibility allows the interior spaces to transform throughout the day, maximizing the usable area in a tightly packed footprint.

Materials include locally sourced treated teak wood for the external fins, powder-coated metal for railings and furniture framing, exposed concrete with natural mineral pebbledash plaster, and bright local textiles in orange, red, and yellow. This palette brings warmth and character while supporting sustainable and cost-effective construction.

Social and Cultural Relevance

The residence is more than a home—it is a stage for cultural exchange and intergenerational bonding. The young couple's intention to rent out parts of the house aligns with the growing trend of flexible housing. The grandparents, who enjoy travel, step into caretaking roles when the parents are busy, showing how the house nurtures internal support systems. Simultaneously, the architecture encourages community interaction with its open ground floor and transparent facade, allowing passersby a glimpse into daily life.

Climatic and Environmental Response

Delhi's hot climate requires careful attention to light and ventilation. The design addresses this with a shaded scaffold layer, operable glazing, and internal courtyards between cubes that permit air circulation. This passive cooling strategy enhances comfort without heavy reliance on mechanical systems.

The wooden fins act as brise-soleil, filtering direct sun while preserving outward views. The front glazing is entirely operable, creating a dynamic interface between interior and exterior depending on time of day or season.

Adaptability: A Future-Proof Model of Urban Housing

The spatial arrangement allows for reinterpretation over time. As the family’s needs evolve, rooms can be reassigned, rented, or reconfigured. The project suggests a new way of thinking about compact residential architecture—not as a limitation but as an opportunity to rethink adaptability, ownership, and multigenerational living in modern cities.

 Urban Architecture Rooted in Culture

"Hidden Spaces" stands as a compact residential architecture prototype that skillfully balances tradition and modernity. Its layered spatial arrangement, rooted in local materials and social customs, speaks to the future of housing in India's growing urban centers. It proposes that even in the tightest of sites, thoughtful design can cultivate community, hospitality, and flexibility.