Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham’s home is a lot like him; it’s very good looking but it’s got a whole lot of depth. The actor’s award-winning home, a labour of love created by his family of architects, is a combination of two older apartments in Mumbai converted into one modern, spacious two level apartment and terrace. The penthouse extremely eco-friendly and embodies his passion for fitness and wellbeing has incorporated Japanese philosophy of minimalism and being at one with nature. Driftwood, open spaces, clean lines and greenery form the core of the actor’s serene and sustainable abode.
How does it feel to own a home that won the Indian Institute of Architectural Design’s Best Home Award?
Well, it feels great and I give all the credit to my father and my brother of Abraham John Architects, and my sister, Anaita. We belong to a family of architects and we all had our say. Each one of us focussed on the minutest, most functional details, to make this home, not only beautiful, but practical too.
How much of the final design of your home was based on your inputs and what was it like working with your brother to make your dream home a reality?
Ah, my brother, just like my father, is a perfectionist and my aesthetic sense resonates with them both well. We share the same ideas and appeal as far as design is concerned. Fortunately, my brother and father both understood my taste well; that I like clean lines, enjoy being in touch with nature and believe in a functional space… that my home has to be open and simple.
How did you decide on a minimal style of interiors with clean lines?
I was very influenced by a book called ‘Japan Architecture’ that lay in my father’s office while I was growing up. If you see the house, it’s got wood flooring, clean lines, open spaces with floor to ceiling windows. I’ve basically made a three-bed room home into a one-bedroom home because I enjoy a sense of openness. I also like a sense of transparency and I think that reflects in my lifestyle as well. I wanted to keep the house in a similar fashion. Please tell us more about your sustainable dining area and other eco-friendly features of your home.
I am very proud to say, that the carbon footprint of my house is really low. We wanted to create a sustainable house that’s easy to maintain; clean and simple. My dining room is made out of dead wood. In fact, the entire family of dead wood has been used in various parts of the house to make seats, the dining area, chairs etc. So it’s really very special to me and it’s probably my favourite part of the house!
Where do you spend the most time at home and how have you ensured that those areas are an extension of your personality?
I spend a lot of time the dining area, and I really have ensured it is an extension of my personality as mentioned before. Actually, the whole house is. I love that it is clean, transparent, not at all claustrophobic and that there is nothing that screams ‘brands’ just to show that I am a ‘brand baby’. There is nothing that shouts wealth in my home. I think a house should be functional and minimal, albeit attractive; but not a status symbol. So I have left it simple.
