Antilia / World’s Most Expensive House
Courtesy Frédéric Soltan/ Corbis
We’ve featured quite elaborate projects on AD where project budgets that reach the millions seem almost normal. Yet, this is something we haven’t seen: a house – yes, one house – priced at $1 billion dollars. With a price tag like that, India’s richest man, and Forbes’s fourth richest man, Mukesh Ambani, along with his wife and three childen, will be calling the world’s most expensive residence “home.”
More about the house after the break.
Located in Mumbai, the 27 storey, 173 meters high and 37,000 sqm floor space contains a health club with a gym and dance studio, at least one swimming pool, a ballroom, guestrooms, a variety of lounges and a 50-seater cinema, plus three helicopter pads on the roof and a car park for 160 vehicles on the ground floors.
The residence, which is larger than the Palace of Versailles, requires a staff of a staggering 600 people to keep everything operating smoothly. Any contemporary ideas of energy efficiency and moderation have clearly been neglected for this outrageous display of wealth, which according to TIME, seems out of character for billionaire. What do you think of the residence?
I wouldn’t live there
1-security issues
2-looks out of place
3-too expensive in a way that doesnt respect the indian ppl
4-UGLLLLY
This is a joke ?
THIS…IS…SPARTAAAAAAA!!!
Well… no accounting for taste.
with $1Billion surely you could have built a more elegant building? that looks like Richard Rogers had a stroke and then drew the design…. im not impressed. he could have easily built a $100Million house and given the other $900Million to charities in poverty stricken India.
Alot of confusion over the build cost v. value -I think it actually cost £44 million to build – the $1 billion refers to its value when complete (Mumbai being insanely expensive and booming).
At £44 million looks like a bargain! Good to see a billionaire with imagination as opposed to predictably holing up in a neo-classical pile somewhere in the countryside!
It is a bit Lex Luthor though…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/oct/13/mukesh-ambani-india-home-mumbai?intcmp=239
Its VALUED at $1 billion 1stly. Cost £44million to build; an absolute bargain. This is Mumbai…one of the most insanely expensive places on the planet. 2ndly, it’s for the government to care for the poor. 3rdly, Ambani is known for his charitable organisations.
I’d like to say something about the design itself, but given the location, the circumstances and the amount of money spent… it’s just obscene.
Not only distasteful, but also sad.
It´s the most horrible building ever. A disaster.
Excessive ad nauseum.
he’s asking to get sniped..
looks like a place where the devil will stay.
I call for dictatorship of the proletariat in India!!!
I’m trying to figure out how $1billion was spent on this. It’s hard to spend that much money on what appears to be a 100m tower. It just doesn’t cost that much to build something like this, especially in a labor market like India.
Is the interior clad in rhino skin and platinum? Where on earth did that much money go?
dumb paki: it’s VALUED at 1billion as it’s in Mumbai: insanely expensive and booming. It COST 44million…a bargain.
Don’t see much in terms of architecture in terrorist camp Pakistan right?
Insane….
that must be the saddest thing i’ve seen in architecture lately…
thats a huuuge step behind for the human kind
I find it intetresting that the whore-of-an-architect wasn’t named.
It is designed by Chicago architects, Perkins & Will
Jeeeeezzzz! What a HORRIBLE thing!
After being in Bombay and walking at the base of the this structure the photograph does it no justice. While I agree that it is absurd for such a large house as a display of materials, building methods, and proportions it is quite spectacular. Poor picture
Here is the proof that a high budget building does not mean good architecture.
It should be noted that the house did not cost 1 billion to build, it is worth one billion. The construction costs were approx 40% of that so the house actually accounts for about a 2.5 time increase in worth, which is not bad for a newly completed building project.
Considering architectural qualities, it seems quite a few here are able to evaluate the whole architectural quality based on a single exterior photo. That is simply amazing.
That said, the simple notion that a single family needs this much space and construction for their private life to be satisfactory is something that says more about the person inhabiting the space and the architect who agreed to the commission, rather than the build object itself.
Awesome! Just because people are jealous doesn’t make the building ulgy, or there comments insightful. I am not saying that making a building this big for one person is the right thing to do, but it is a pretty sweet building.
Let’s set aside the moral issue for a minute – because we could go on about that forever – but this building is waaay out of scale with its surroundings and happens to be hideous. @Brent I have not seen it in Mumbai but I have seen many many other photos, and yes it is a dog.
Also there is no way it is worth 1 billion. That is PR $%!@. For that price you could buy a Canary Wharf / Wall Street tower with real paying tenants in it.
Why is all the press repeating the same nonsense.
Now arch daily please provide a PhD dissertation section for why this building is inappropriate for the more obvious reasons.
Exactly what are the infinite moral issues you moron? That this guy did better than those around him, while creating something from that which would otherwise not exist, that gives a living to countless others, is immoral because why? Because he ought to be responsible for those who might feel jealousy and inferiority by comparison? That to be moral in your eyes he ought to be faking humility for their sake? His not a thief, he’s a builder. Grow-up.
I kond of like it..and find it interesting! :-)
the way these halls seem to be stacked…and the spaces they must hide….
quite radical I think
The original project was designed by SITE and the building cost announced was 145 millions dollars. I remember seeing it in whatever tachen books few years ago.
The projet:
http://siteenvirodesign.com/projects/ant/ant01.htm
I don’t know if they built it or if it has eventually been built bay another architects.
U people r hating because he is the world 4th richest man and he owns a worlds most expensive house and all you guys just dreams of being that rich and just dreams to be in his shoes. give him some respect man.
what are you? 14?
Ahahahaha YOU HATERS !!!
It was actually the dream of my grand grand father, and he went to Klondike… came back with a cow and 2 mules ! Geee ! I wish I would be THAT rich ! That’s why we are architects I guess …. MONEY !
FUG
Now really, is all that space necessary? It is a monster compared to all the 20 story buildings around it. Guess it would suit godzilla quite nicely.
Yeah, as a TARGET!
Nothing in this building is related to necessity, how can you ask that ?
Independant from the architecture (which would look interesting for a semi public space); I don’t think it’s a good investment. Why is it so expensive?…I’ve seen taller buildings much cheaper than 1 B U$…and with Indian labour been significantly cheaper than industrialized countries…I don’t know, I just try doing the math and it doesn’t sum up…does it have golden toilets?
A lot of people must have done a good business with this building, but certainly not the owner.
Crazy.
I don’t know why people are so offended by this. He’s going to employ 600 hundred people (that’s a lot of local jobs). Is it any better to build many different houses around the world, or one large one in Mumbai? Plus, I like the the design on it.
the architects are perkins & will from chicago. and that picture doesn’t do it justice. it’s not completed there, i see safety nets that aren’t there on the finished home. i don’t agree with this being a residence, or it’s location, but i think it’s a rather beautiful building.
Are you sure? have you got a link to share?
Personally, I think it looks really cool. But for 1 Billion Dollars (blowing on my pinkie finger now…), I’d get the F out of Mumbai.
Positives:
1. The guy didnt ditch everyone and move off to country estate away from the “slums” If he is calling that area home I think that is awesome.
2. It is an exmaple of what that place can produce. It could get even more inspired and work hard to innovate.
3. Will provide many jobs though I am not sure it will really maintain 600, but who am I to tell.
4. I think most people thought Versailles was some evil devil house at some point, but today tons of people go France to visit that place and places like it. I think you get where I am headed.
5. MVRDV should be happy that their CAMPUS NET 3 Got stretch vertically :)
6. I am sure there is more stuff, but JEEEEEZZZZZ whats with all the hating LOL lighten up “Mr. Devil house”
Meandarlike facade is passe, otherwise it is interesting to see a vertical palace? Is there any other example in the world of versaillescraper?
And about money, it is like you all heard for the first time of the inequity of wealth…
It is not too much space. If you are rich you need a lot of space! Not like there is a couple of parents lwith two kids iving in this particular buliding. There is probably an army of staff and a constant of numerous guests.
JDCarling,
interesting that we simultaneosly posted a comparison to versailles. Funny :-)
I also believe that it houses the owners company offices as well.
Plans and sections, please!:)))… I dream to see executive drawings for this Burdg Dubai Second…
wtf?
omg!!
wtf is that??
How did the owners get so much money.
Did they work to earn it ?
Did they heritate ?
Are they owners of factories where poor people are more or less exploited ?
what makes those people so selfish ?
this guy is the richest man in india.. its hardly surprising he has money. they own a variety of businesses from telecom to oil. and as for being selfish, hes done his fair share of charity as anyone familiar with his scene in bombay will tell you. the amount is huge but in terms of a percentage of income its probably what anyone looking to splurge on a fancy house would spend! point being: its his money. and he chooses to spend it on his family. sounds about ok?
Why do people always demand the rich give their money away? Do you give what you have left over at the end of the month to the poor?
As for the building itself, I wish there were a better image. Some features look interesting (the zig zagging of the floors and the transparency), some look atrocious (the ?stucco? material at the base). My only major complaint is that poor 7 story apartment looking complex that this thing looms over and practically sits right on top of. I can’t seem to grapple why he didn’t by out an area of land to sit this on?!?!?!?
one of the most expensive real estate in the city. its not easy to just kick out people already that live there. plus, with the kind of densities in bombay, you wouldnt find a large enough plot for this to be spread out on unless you move to the suburbs or reclaim the sea! both of which i dont think they’d do.. i agree though that the scale and proportions looks garish compared to the context.
I didnt like the structure at all, and look at the surrounding areas. in this much money i would build such a castle in such a nice place. and still save some money for charity or just give it away for education or something.
How do you know he didn’t save some money to give to charity? OR is still making money and giving some to “charity”… just wondering
Is there property tax in India?
From rags to riches
which is the rag and where is the richness
This is outrageous…
If you got it …. flaunt it.
Hey all,
This house belongs to the richest man in India, who’s slated to become the richest man in the world by say 2015.
Its a 27 storey house with all the amenities imaginable.
No two rooms in the house look alike, neither do the finishing materials get repeated anywhere.
Yes it looks like a tight slap in the face of the people, considering 55% live in slums, of this city.
Any which way its his house, his money.
We all think about spending so much, I’m saying hey why not?
Why won’t he, ok accepted its a bit over the top, spend his money on his house.
As far as charities are considered these people are involved in lots of charities, they’re also one of the largest employers in India.
I dont like the design of the house.
It reeks of money, new money. Money thats not more than a generation old.
However, the photo is not a good one, the building looks a little better, from other angles.
1 BILLION DOLLARS!?!?
This guy was done. Seriously, look at it. What a mug. Like any mediocre condo in Dubai, but looks even more out of place. Gotta love capitalism…..
I thought of writing something about this…but i don’t like to curse
wait, i dont get it.
are we voting the UGLIEST building in the universe?
If I had 1 billion USD to spend on a house, I would build a skyscraper, sell most of it as condos, and live in the penthouse on top. This building just doesn’t seem practical for one family in this day and age.
the crazyness is that he got the permission from the Mumbai authorities and government to built… this project is probably the picture of the corruption i guess…
the crazyness is that he got the permission from governement and the city of Mumbai to built such a “”house.” This project is probably the picture of the corruption…
Not efficient at all regarding the number of people who will live inside. The problem of the housing in Mumbai is crazy.
But this guy has money, he can builld what he wants and buy who he wants… This is the way it is, specially in this country.
but this project still amazing….
history repeats itself!
but this project still amazing
After Versailles, history repeats itself…!
You guys need to get over it. Grow up- welcome to the world. It’s his money, and he can do what he wants with it. If you can’t handle it take your stupid opinions somewhere else.
Guys,
It may not look good in pictures as it may appear in real time. But the fact of the matter is it is a giant building in the middle of a lot smaller buildings.
Some facts about the owner, his business, background and hostiry:
1. He owns the largest private sector business in india
2. Everyone in India is affected by one of his products directly or indirectly
3. His father was a visionary and handed a fantastic business to son, who actually in a decades time turned it around and made the biggest in india and second biggest in Asia.
4. About slums, he must have provided income to a lot of families while it was constructed and may be in future.
5. Building in just not a house, it is office, entertainment center for clients, friends and others
6. In India eveyone has a statement to make and its his way of doing it.
7. Not all Rich people giveaway everything to poors, but he has and still does his fair share for the society
8. Building surrounding his building will have enormous price hike since this one was built
9. local tourism will have one more destination to go.
10. Did you check with other Billionaires how many 400-500 million houses they have this guy has just one.
Do you want me to go on….
I can…
IT IS INDIA, SOMEONE NEEDS TO STAND UP AND SHOW WE CAN SPEND MONEY AS PEOPLE IN INDIA DO HAVE MONEY
IT IS JUST NOT A COUNTRY OF POOR PEOPLE, COWS ON THE ROAD and ELEPHANT RIDES.
GET OVER IT AND START LOOKING AT THIS COUNTRY AS SERIOUS CHALLENGER TO THE WORLD.
HAVE YOU CHECKED HOW MANY BUILDINGS IN US or DUBAI or EU HAS WHICH WOULD COST MILLIONS
AND HOW MANY OF THEM COULD EMPLOY 600 PEOPLE AT ONE GO TO MANAGE.
600 EMPLOYEE CONVERTS TO 3000 PEOPLE WITH FOOD, SHELTER AND LIFE.
HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU ALL FEED EVERYDAY EXCEPT YOUR FAMILY….
Even a book about him costs $320 at amazon.
If one is interested to know how did he really made billions read The Polyester Prince: The Rise of Dhirubhai Ambani by Hamish mc donald which is banned in india juss shows how influvential this man is.
12:10 PM Oct 15th
RT @archdaily: Antilia / World’s Most Expensive House http://archdai.ly/b2oBCQ #architecture
12:10 PM Oct 15th
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12:11 PM Oct 15th
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12:12 PM Oct 15th
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12:12 PM Oct 15th
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12:13 PM Oct 15th
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12:24 PM Oct 15th
a ridiculous monstrosity and horrible display of wealth: http://is.gd/g37wH so, so, sad.
12:27 PM Oct 15th
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12:34 PM Oct 15th
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12:51 PM Oct 15th
The definition of "excessive": RT @ArchDaily: Antilia / World’s Most Expensive House http://archdai.ly/b2oBCQ #architecture
1:10 PM Oct 15th
Que onda la casa más cara del mundo http://t.co/fvifkce via @archdaily
1:34 PM Oct 15th
Antilia / World’s Most Expensive House: Courtesy Frédéric Soltan/ CorbisWe’ve featured quite elaborate projects on… http://bit.ly/arrhKS
2:07 PM Oct 15th
RT @dezign_bot: Antilia / World’s Most Expensive House: Courtesy Frédéric Soltan/ CorbisWe’ve featured quite elaborate projects on… http://bit.ly/arrhKS
2:23 PM Oct 15th
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Corruption at its best "World’s Most Expensive House " http://archdai.ly/b2oBCQ @ArchDaily #architecture
3:40 PM Oct 15th
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4:25 PM Oct 15th
http://bit.ly/bEe0HY don't understand this at all – or it's cost. interesting to see it in a highly #urban context. #Horrible #Design
4:26 PM Oct 15th
La que será la casa más cara del mundo http://bit.ly/bEe0HY
5:04 PM Oct 15th
Antilia / World’s Most Expensive House | ArchDaily http://bit.ly/an9Ugk
5:19 PM Oct 15th
Antilia / World’s Most Expensive House | ArchDaily http://t.co/27GYTXw via @archdaily
5:20 PM Oct 15th
Rebuzzed from awgerber: a ridiculous monstrosity and horrible display of wealth: http://is.gd/g37wH so, so, sad.
8:34 AM Oct 16th
Antilia / World’s Most Expensive House | ArchDaily http://www.archdaily.com/?p=82053
9:08 AM Oct 16th
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2:18 PM Oct 16th
World's most expensive house…how much is it? http://ht.ly/2UuzU
2:21 PM Oct 16th
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2:45 PM Oct 16th
Holy effin bajesus! –> RT @krisstinawise World's most expensive house…how much is it? http://ht.ly/2UuzU
7:26 PM Oct 16th
Such unbridled greed is despicable. You could fit an entire Indian village in this monstrosity! http://t.co/ZI0QOkL
8:43 AM Oct 17th
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11:56 AM Oct 18th
Antilia / Duurste huis ter wereld: 1 biljoen $ – 27 verdiepingen (één huis!!) 173m hoog, 37.000m² http://t.co/g7WZ0bP via @archdaily
10:54 PM Oct 18th
Energy efficiency and moderation are clearly not in Mukesh Ambani's vocabulary. The owner of this 27 story-high… http://fb.me/JmTeX6xr
12:02 PM Oct 22nd
(yac!!!!) World’s Most Expensive House | ArchDaily http://t.co/GYMeVUb via @archdaily
3:56 AM Nov 29th
#Antilia, World 19s Most Expensive House http://bit.ly/fq8J12 #MukeshAmbani
12:08 AM May 3rd
Did James Wines really want this? "Larger than the Palace of Versailles": Antilia|"Green" House http://bit.ly/moGg0y http://bit.ly/kZb3Io
8:56 PM May 3rd
World's most expensive house, worth $1 billion, is a dog. In Mumbai, by Chicago architects Perkins & Will http://bit.ly/buiwaL
3:39 AM Aug 16th
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2:44 PM Oct 15th
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9:29 AM Oct 26th
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