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Interior

2021

Photographer : Nilkanth Bharucha, Noaidwin Sttudio

Text provided by Building Binary

To pair the opulence of dazzling diamonds with the simplicity of Indian Modernism, one needs a touch of creativity. Enter playful geometric forms, tropical prints, and vibrant colours—the mediators of this brilliant fusion. Maintaining grounded, clutter-free volumes and furniture compositions, while infusing the space with dramatic details, establishes the overarching theme of this 4 BHK apartment that weighs towards the contemporary and luxurious side of Indian Modernism. Nestled in the green by-lanes of an affluent Surat neighbourhood in Gujarat, this 3,500 sq.ft. apartment is visualised by Founders and Principal Architects of Studiorachana369, Rachana Chovatiya and Ashish Chovatiya.

As a diamond merchant, the client instinctively envisioned his spacious home in the same bling and lux undertones. With a contemporary yet classy brief in hand, the family of five approached studiorachana369. Redirecting the luxury brief to something more timeless, Rachana Chovatiya and Ashish Chovatiya, founders of studiorachana369, proposed fusing the modern volumes with more rooted vernacular aesthetics.

The new direction invited some strenuous design discussions. With a little help from the initial ideations and 3D views, as well as the studio’s previous work in Indian Modernism, they managed to convince the client for a different design angle. Alternatively, these discussions revealed a resounding common ground: inspiring memories rooted in art and nature. The positive response soon transformed into the theme of the home, ‘Layers of Life’.

Building on these nostalgic memories, the home explores the abstract idea of ‘living’ and translates the rising emotions into a sensory experience through layered elements of design. The designers make this concept tangible through playful geometry on the entrance door, multi-material feature walls, layered artisanal furniture finishes and statement art pieces.

Staying true to the trend of Indian Modernism, the home showcases a blend of vernacular simplicity and ideation with modern textures and whimsical elements. The vertical planes i.e. the floors and ceiling are purposely muted with white and deeper greys throughout the house. While the communal spaces evoke elegant wilderness using olive green, desert brown, and hints of brass, the bedroom spaces steer towards warmer tones of terracotta and greys.

Linear elements such as fluting and classic mouldings bind the home while metal accents in decor break the monotony. A shifting balance of brass and gold finishes adds the much-requested glam and a certain timeless elegance.

Surat,Gujarat,India

Architects	:	Studiorachana369
Area	:	3,500 sq. ft.
Year	:	2021
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/studiorachana369/

Living Room of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

An atypical black, burnt wood entrance door riddled with playful geometry denotes the first look of the concept: ‘Layers of Life’. One step inside, and the theme shines through the muted colour and texture layering of the spacious living room. On one end, a stone mural wall—conceived as a piece of artistry—weighs the focus of the room; effortlessly enhancing its naturally textured layers with rhythmic fluted details.

Mirroring the same fluted effect is a capsule-shaped partition wall with delightfully playful metal accessories. These organic spheres and cylindrical curvatures are sprinkled across the furniture scape, a subtle nod to the studio's signature style. Marking its prominence, a sleek yet dynamic, palm-leaf-inspired chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

The studio enjoys designing bespoke lighting for every project. In this home, a tailor-made, palm-leaf-inspired chandelier illuminates the living room. This light also acts as an element from the tropical theme intervening in the contemporary ambience.

On the opposite end is the extended living room with a hand-painted brass artwork of a koi pond emanating rhythmic, fluid layers across the wall. Circling back to the concept of ‘Layers of Life’, the sculptural centrepiece invites a meditative depth to this space. The extended living room is an absolute summary of how the design is moulded to their lifestyle. Since the grandparents spend most of their day playing with their grandchild, a demand for heavy storage (to accommodate toys and other necessities) was made.

However, the designers intended to keep the volume visually light and spacious. As a solution, an accent cabinet called the ‘Toy Store’ was designed. A balance of form and function, the piece instantly became a focal element and is now a favourite for both the studio and the family. Amusingly wearing a ‘crown’ made of brass, the cabinet features gradient PU finishes, hand-carved textures, and zebra patterns. With a hand-painted brass artwork of a koi pond emanating rhythmic, fluid layers across the wall, the space further invites a meditative depth to it.

Living Room of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

Detailed shot of Living Room of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

Living Room of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

TV Unit at Living Room of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

Dining Area of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

To the left is the colourful dining area with a fluted console on one side. Establishing a visual coherency, an abstract extension of the living room mural wall anchors itself on the console. Venturing into darker shades and taking the layering up a notch, the back-painted glass and mirror set mounted atop provide a stunning contrast. Underneath sits a shiny glass bowl basin serving functionality. While the chairs are sourced, the magnanimous dining table legs are painstakingly hand-painted by artisans to complete the overall elegant ambience.

Dining Area of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

Mandir of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

Adjacent to the dining area lies the mandir of the house. A serene sanctuary, the space is designed to reminisce the enchanting aura and melodies of Vrindavan, spiritually transporting one into the mystical forest. A bold brass panel is purposefully added to centre the focus on the simplistic idol and pooja setup.

Primary Bedroom of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

The four bedrooms are arranged in a row extending from the northwest corner to the southwest corner of the house. While they all are designed on simplistic layouts, each communicates a distinct colour and material palette.

Exuding warmth and comfort, the main bedroom comprises a solid wood floor, rustic earthy shades and terracotta finishes. The wall behind the bed features simple mouldings and fluting details breaking the monotonous white. Composed in a grid, the notable art piece illustrates the various textured layers looping back to the core theme of the house. The use of black and brass

in the side tables and the dresser accentuates the warm palette.

Primary Bedroom of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

Parents Bedroom of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

Moving to the parents’ bedroom, the mood swiftly transposes towards modern luxury. The room is devised using warm grey, exquisite black, and quirky brass details. Demonstrating the core concept of ‘Layers of Life’, the textured wall features debossed arches asymmetrically layered to accentuate the room design. And at its heart lies a hand-painted brass plate, binding the design composition. On the other side, a linear fluted panel runs through the wardrobe breaking the room’s dewy monotony.

Parents Bedroom of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

Kids Bedroom of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

Introducing an element of fun and whimsy, the kid’s bedroom explores the vibrancy of blue and balances it with browns and grey. A galore of geometric forms submerge the room from the hand-painted dado to the curved bed back.

Kids Bedroom of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

Guest Bedroom of Layers of Life by Studiorachana369

The guest bedroom evinces utter groundedness with its discreet layout, clean lines and tasteful terracotta hues. The bed back is boxed in to hold a textured artwork displaying layers and hues of warmth.