06/05/2008 In Architecture by argikon

Mukesh Ambani, the world’s fifth richest man, is set to become a resident of the world’s most expensive home. Mr. Ambani is the head of Mumbai-based Reliance Industries, and has a net worth valued at over $43 billion. The Ambani family recruited Perkins + Will and Hirsch Bedner Associates to draw up plans for the world’s most expensive and largest private residence. It will be a 27-story tower in downtown Mumbai, costing over $2 billion to build. When the residence is finished in January 2009, it will be 550 feet high with 400,000 square feet of interior space.

The unique thing is that no two floors will be alike in plans or materials used; the idea will be to blend styles and architectural elements, so there is a feeling of consistency without repetition. The shape of the structure, dubbed “Antilla”, is based on the Indian tradition of Vaastu, which much link Feng Shui, is said to move energy beneficially through the building by strategically placing materials, rooms and objects.

Atop the first six stories which are comprised of parking lots, Antilla’s living quarters will begin at a lobby with nine elevators. There will also be a large ballroom with most of its ceiling covered in crystal chandeliers. It features a retractable showcase for works of art, a slew of LCD monitors and embedded speakers, as well as entertainment stages. The hall opens to an indoor/outdoor bar, green rooms, powder rooms and allows access to a “entourage room” for security guards and staff to relax.

There is an outdoor patio with a swimming pool and yoga studio. The floor also features an ice room where residents and guests can escape the Mumbai heat to a small, cooled chamber dusted by man-made snow flurries.

On more temperate days, the Ambanis will enjoy four-stories of open gardens, which are not only a critical part of the building’s exterior adornment, but will also serve as energy-savers by absorbing sunlight, and deflecting it from the living spaces thus making it easier to keep the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. The garden level also contains rooms for entertaining, and balconies that offer views of downtown Mumbai.

The top of the tower will be capped off by entertaining space with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.

Via Forbes