The Brahmasandra Residence:
A Radiant Family Sanctuary
Last week, Sanctuary Studio broke ground on a project a long time in the making. The soon-to-be ‘Radiant Sanctuary’ is a stunning outdoor space designed with family in mind. Incorporating elements of fire, water, and natural stone, it provides space for relaxation and socializing, with several distinct sections crafted to suit every mood.
Meet The Family
Priya and Sundu Brahmasandra met as chemical engineering graduate students at college. Both from India, they formed a close bond which blossomed into love and the wonderful family they have today. The Sanctuary project is a dream of theirs to have a beautiful outdoor space to share with their two teenage children, Anjali and Arnav, here in Ann Arbor Michigan.
A close-knit family, the Brahmasandras enjoy spending time in nature. From relaxing in the backyard, to hiking in the Acadias, or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, they are always seeking fresh ways to enjoy the outdoors, and have been dreaming of transforming their large, yet plain outdoor space for many years. But with successful careers in the engineering industry and two children to keep them busy, Priya and Sundu have always struggled to find the time.
The opportunity finally came last year when Sundu had the opportunity to take a break from work, giving him more freedom to dedicate to the project. With Anjali and Arnav getting older, the family wanted to create a more adult-oriented outdoor sanctuary where they can relax, entertain, and retreat from the outside world. As well as providing greater privacy, Priya and Sundu wanted a space that reflects the family’s energy and values, with a focus on connection and rejuvenation.
Reviewing The Space
At the start of the project, I spent an afternoon exploring the Brahmasandras’ current backyard. The house is a strikingly modern building set within a large, grassy area with few defining features. It offers minimal privacy from neighboring properties and no real distinction between the different sections. Other than a couple of retaining walls and a walkout basement, the area is pretty much a clean slate.
Following a series of conversations with the family, I drafted a concept based on their unique character and goals. While Priya radiates love and energy, Sundu embodies peace and strength. Anjali and Arnav, with their youthful spirits and natural positivity, epitomize joy and curiosity. Combined, the word that captured the essence of the family was “radiance”.
We decided that the new space should revolve around three elemental zones: fire, water, and stone. Each section would create a different ambiance, allowing the family to flow seamlessly between relaxing, socializing, and introspection. The design would include strong sculptural elements, speaking to both Priya and Sundu’s love of art.
Although the couple agreed on the ultimate goal for their new Sanctuary, they had different ideas about how it should look. While Sundu is a fan of clean lines and formality, Priya likes soft curves that incorporate an element of playfulness. The biggest challenge with this project was finding ways to blend these potentially opposing styles into a harmonious final design.
Outdoor Kitchen and Game Lounge
In this key entertaining area, a beautiful stone patio ties together a custom outdoor kitchen and games area, sheltered by an automated Struxure sail. A large sculptural fire torch sits within a curved section of the patio, flanked by the kitchen on one side and the koi pond on the other.
Koi Pond and Zen Stream
This stunning water feature is the most striking element of the design, consisting of a seven-foot-high waterfall, a cascading stream, and a beautifully precise koi pond.
The Sanctuary Pavillion
This area is a private sanctuary space, sheltered from the other social areas by a small stone wall. It backs onto the Koi Pond and Zen Stream, providing a relaxing backdrop and soundscape to read, study, meditate, contemplate, and unwind.
Cascading Decks and Hot Tub
The dual-level deck provides a peaceful area for sunning and socializing. It unites the upper and lower sections of the property by way of a natural stone walkway, which is designed to appear to trace a path through the cascading stream. A hot tub installed on the lower deck overlooks the koi pond and stream provides another zone to relax, rejuvenate and socialize.
Radiant Plantings
This visually dramatic area consists of bright yellow and blue plantings (a nod to the strong Michigan Wolverine tradition of the household!), that radiate from the main patio area in a sunbeam pattern. It is impactful yet soft, providing a shot of color amid the concrete and stone.
Final Thoughts
The couple’s keen eye for detail is evident in every area of life. From their work as Chemical engineers to the home they share with their children, they have a natural inclination to focus on the fine points of a design. Every part of this highly personal design resonates with the family’s unique energy, providing a vibrant, peaceful, balanced space that the family will continue to enjoy for years to come.
