An architect builds a Kerala-style home within a Pune apartment for his beloved aunt

Architect Sanchit Arora, principal architect at Renesa Architecture Design Studio in New Delhi, undertook a two-year project to design a home for his aunt, Monica Gaur, in Pune. The project, named the House of Gond, aimed to blend Kerala-style architecture with Gond art, fulfilling Gaur’s long-held dream of living in a home rich with wooden pillars, panelling, and Indian artistic traditions. Monica Gaur, a former architect and interior designer now working as a fashion designer, had a clear vision for the 3,000-square-foot apartment, which she shares with her husband Anshoo, their two children, and her mother. The studio's primary objective was to integrate traditional Indian art and craft into a modern residential setting while maintaining the essence of a quintessential Indian home. This involved creating a “cultural tapestry” that narrated India's diverse heritage. Arora and his team meticulously sourced historical and traditional pieces, including large pots from Rajasthan and antique masks and statues from various locations such as Kochi, Mumbai, and Pune. The resulting home successfully incorporates the rich craftsmanship, intricate details, and spacious feel typically found in traditional Keralan houses, all within the constraints of an apartment. A key design element was the implementation of Vastu-compliant quadrants, adopting a modular style reminiscent of old Indian homes. A significant portion of the work involved crafting Chettinad columns and panelling for each room and the central corridor. Teak blocks were seasoned outdoors for three to four months to ensure their durability against Pune’s fluctuating climate. The team went through an iterative process of creating samples for the columns, brackets, and wooden ceilings, refining them until they met the desired aesthetic and structural standards. The home's design reflects Gaur’s appreciation for traditional aesthetics, evident in the intricate carvings on the main door depicting animals and on the Chettinad columns. The space is adorned with art and artefacts collected over the years, enhancing its cultural depth. To provide visual contrast and prevent the heavy woodwork from feeling overwhelming, a black-and-white chequered flooring was incorporated. The layout emphasizes open spaces, promoting abundant natural light and ventilation, crucial for an apartment with significant vintage design elements. The apartment features three main rooms, including a master bedroom located at the rear, complete with its own sit-out and sit-in areas. These rooms are furnished with custom-made pieces crafted from teak and rattan. Wooden ceilings, poster beds, and Pichwai upholstery add layers of richness and warmth, contributing to a cohesive visual narrative. The master bedroom also includes classic slide-and-fold fluted glass doors, providing spatial flexibility between the bedroom and its en-suite lounge. A colonial coat-hanger dresser in the home office within the master bedroom, along with printed upholstery depicting animals and village life by Sabyasachi for Nilaya in the guest bedroom, further illustrate the detailed design. The grandmother’s room features a classic Kerala-style four-poster bed complemented by Gond artworks and traditional Athangudi tiles. Arora humorously noted that despite his usual rule against working with family, this project was an exception due to his aunt's boundless creativity and exquisite taste, which he knew would be translated into the home's design. #KeralaArchitecture #GondArt #PuneHomes #IndianDesign #TraditionalCraftsmanship #VastuCompliant #TeakWood #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #KeralaArchitecture #GondArt #PuneHomes #IndianDesign #TraditionalCraftsmanship #VastuCompliant #TeakWood #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation

17 months ago

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