Architecture firm Renesa aimed to combine contemporary details with references to historical Indian homes in this apartment in Pune, India.
New Delhi-based Renesa designed the House of Gond residence for fashion designer Monica Gaur, who is passionate about the traditional crafts and architecture of the southern Indian state of Kerala.
The 278-square-metre apartment is located in a dense urban neighbourhood in Pune but aims to capture the charm of typical Kerala bungalows called nalukettus.
The interior layout seeks to emulate the open feel of the bungalows, which were designed with four halls or buildings surrounding a central courtyard to ensure ample light and ventilation.
Rather than opting for a numerous cellular rooms, the living and dining rooms open onto a central hall, while three bedrooms occupy more private areas within the layout.
Other elements that reference the architectural heritage of southern India include the patterned Karaikudi tile floor in the sitting room and columns inspired by the grand mansions found in the Chettinad region.
“The play of proportion superimposed with heavy carvings and woodwork form the backbone of this house,” said the architects, adding that the design aims to “blend traditional Indian aesthetics with a contemporary approach to create an understated luxurious living space.”
The apartment’s entrance leads into the colonnaded hallway which features bold black-and-white checkered tiles, wooden ceilings and antique chandeliers that enhance the classical feel of this space.
Patterned tiles used in the living areas on either side of the hall create a contrast of tone and texture that delineates these spaces while adding a vibrant element to the scheme.
Carefully selected artworks including large pots from Rajasthan, antique masks and statues sourced from trips to Kochi, Mumbai and Pune bring layers of history and personality to the home.
“Our goal was to integrate traditional art into a modern context,” the studio added, “echoing a quintessential Indian home aiming to create a space that has a culturally rich flair and is also visually appealing, with each element curated to enhance the home’s intimate character.”
Louvred wooden shutters used in most of the rooms provide a consistent element that helps to unify the scheme, while furniture made from teak and rattan also features throughout the home.
A doorway at the end of the entrance hall leads to a large principal bedroom suite with a dressing area, shower room and a private lounge that opens onto a balcony.
The main bedroom and two other bedrooms located off the hallway all feature wooden ceilings, four poster beds and traditional Pichwai upholstery that lends these spaces a warm and relaxed feel.
Renesa was founded in 2006 by architect Sanjay Arora, who now runs the firm along with his son Sinchit. It works throughout India on projects ranging in scale from homes to airports, sports complexes and commercial buildings.
The studio’s previous work includes a showroom for a brick manufacturer in New Delhi clad entirely in earth-hued masonry, and a restaurant in Punjab with a green granite interior that is designed to make guests feel like they are dining al fresco.
The photography is by Avesh Gaur.
