In Latur, a 920 sq ft 2BHK by Mooltatva Design Studio demonstrates how clarity of planning, controlled materiality and natural light can transform a compact apartment into a calm, contemporary home.
Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Aaditya Kulkarni I PHX India; courtesy Mooltatava Design Studio
The project
Pratibha is a thoughtfully designed 2BHK residence located within a three-storey residential building in Latur, where each floor accommodates a single 920 sq ft home above a stilt parking level. Designed by Mooltatva Design Studio, the apartment is conceived as a refined yet practical living environment, where openness, proportion and everyday comfort guide the architectural decisions.
The site
The project sits on a compact 30 ft by 50 ft plot with a single road access from the north. The linear nature of the site and restricted access informed a planning approach that prioritised daylight, ventilation and privacy. Within these constraints, the design responds sensitively to its urban residential context, ensuring the apartment feels open and well-lit despite its modest scale.
The brief
The clients envisioned a modern, comfortable home with clear spatial zoning and a sense of understated luxury. Openness in common areas, ample storage and ease of maintenance were key requirements, alongside a warm, timeless aesthetic. Natural light and functionality were prioritised, with the intent of creating a home that feels calm, efficient and enduring.
The design intent
The design intent was to create an open, fluid living environment that feels expansive despite its compact size. Clean lines, minimal partitions and a restrained material palette allow the interiors to remain calm and airy, while visual continuity ensures that spaces connect seamlessly without losing functional clarity. “The challenge was to make a compact home feel open and composed. By keeping the plan fluid and the material palette restrained, we allowed light, proportion and everyday movement to define the space,” says principal architect Ajay Urgunde. The result is a home that balances elegance and practicality without visual excess.
The civil intervention
The project involved designing an efficient vertical residential structure with stilt parking and one flat per floor. Internally, careful wall alignments, service planning and the integration of bay windows were undertaken to maximise usable area. These measured interventions allowed the apartment to feel generous without introducing structural complexity.
The spatial flow
The flat opens into a modest entrance lobby that acts as a transitional buffer before leading into the main living space. Living, dining and kitchen areas are conceived as a single continuous volume, free of physical partitions, encouraging openness and interaction while allowing daylight to travel deep into the interior. The kitchen is seamlessly integrated within this open plan, balancing functionality with visual continuity.
The private zone comprises two bedrooms. The master bedroom is articulated as a serene retreat, anchored by a full-height bay window that incorporates a study table and wardrobe while drawing in natural light. An attached bathroom completes this space. The parents’ bedroom is positioned adjacent to the common toilet, with both spaces sharing a carefully detailed common wall.
The material palette
Material choices are restrained yet tactile. Veneer finishes introduce warmth across key surfaces, while marble flooring lends durability and quiet elegance. Walls finished in lime wash create a soft, natural texture that enhances the home’s calm ambience. The kitchen features a functional modular setup, designed to remain visually cohesive with the living spaces. In the parents’ bedroom and common toilet, the shared wall is finished in onyx marble, creating a subtle focal point within the otherwise muted palette. Bay windows, accentuated with full-height curtains, enhance light, scale and softness throughout the apartment.
The challenges
The primary challenge was achieving a sense of spaciousness and refinement within a limited built-up area. Ensuring adequate daylight and ventilation with access from only one road required careful planning. Accommodating all functional requirements without overcrowding the layout demanded precision and restraint.
The highlights
The open-plan living–dining–kitchen configuration stands out as a key feature, reinforcing spatial fluidity and visual depth. The bay window in the master bedroom emerges as a defining element, blending function and aesthetics while adding light and character to the private zone. The consistent use of natural materials further elevates the interiors without overwhelming them.
The takeaway
Pratibha reinforces the value of clarity and material honesty in residential design. Even within compact homes, thoughtful planning and restraint can create spaces that feel generous, calm and enduring.
Fact file
Project: Pratibha
Design firm: Mooltatva Design Studio
Area: 920 sq ft
Location: Latur, Maharashtra
Principal architect: Ar. Ajay Urgunde
Design team: Minal M. Niturkar, Ar. Rameshwari R. Kolge Patil, Shruti U. Pinate
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