en.peony // melt

CONCEPTUAL BRIEF

Silly, well known for its Boho Charm and quirkiness in Mumbai opens its door in the heart of New Delhi at Crescent, Qutab Minar. With a panoramic view of Qutab Minar, its fragmented on the curved two levels of Crescent compound. That moment of déjà vu begs the question, have I been here before? An overnight institution where rammed earth textures, glazed mosaic, marble, inlaid geometric forms, and custom curved walls are layered to create a decadent and luxurious atmosphere designed to invoke a sense of nostalgia.

“coming out of the closet”_ The Silly entrance is like Stepping into a mysterious wardrobe and emerging into an ornate panoramic view of Qutab. It’s a metaphor to unwind & get into the “silly groove” right at the beginning of this bar journey.

The restaurant is segmented into 2 consecutive atmospheres, alternating two types of volumes with distinctive qualities. The lower floor, adorns the rough textures of rammed earth bringing in the warmth from the Delhi’s colour palette_ ox blood being the catalyst, used as an accent colour at the popped up bar and the spiral staircase “ The silly string” that connects the space to the 7000 sq.ft of Crescent terrace. The oxblood tone boldness declares worldly intentions, not with a shy look but with a smouldering stare.

The guests are welcomed with a spatial imagination of getting the filtered sunlight effect at the entrance is created with stretch ceilings, and a quirky message inlayed on the floor “ oh so silly”. With qutab in the backdrop, this becomes the perfect picturesque entrance.

The restaurant provides exclusive banquette and booth seating to elevate the comfort levels to align with the quality of the offering. The space have been divided in different conversation areas. “ silly vault” a set of three conversation tables have been planned and the comfort given by the soft curve enables people to sit and enjoy food relaxed. By placing a mirror at the end of the arch, a deeper sense of space was added, creating efficiency for the narrow space and deeper cave atmosphere. “Silly table projections have been incorporated in these spots, that creates a sense of quirkiness for the diners.

The space design melting this architectural narrative invites guests to an entirely different space of hideout from the external world. In the silly vault which is a space having a distinct rammed earth wall texture provides a sensuous experience to people, and their own romantic scenarios fit the place and new cultures are being created in the space even at the moment.

The crescent panoramic view of Qutab is highlighted with earth like texture tiles. The tiles were carefully ground one by one to remove the glaze from the surface, in order to give the tiles an earth-like texture, the very material itself. The soft latte tiles were ground to reveal their original color and peaches tint.

A wave floor pattern is created, the breaks the space monotony. Rammed earth inlay with deep coffee seamless concrete textures have been given with a stitch inlay illusion. Stretch ceiling sandwiched between rattan panels creating a juxtaposition between the vernacular and futuristic elements.

“Qualification by contrast” The oxblood bar stands right at the end of the axis of the lower floor creating a sense of bold attraction with an eight feet wide character changing digital installation as the backdrop.

Above and below that limit, there is a connection between the upper and lower parts by the opposition. “ The string” on the longitudinal axis, the sequence and contrast between compressed reflective spaces and larger matte ones also evidence the division of uses. In compressed spaces, the choice of vertical sphere elements distort the perception of the real height in the space. floor-to-ceiling sphere installation adorns the spiral staircase which adds the quirkiness.

The Hidden Powder room, right next to the staircase has been designed as a vintage elevator facia. Intriguing the guests with an illusion & creating a nook for “silly” conversations.