Heritage Healing

An all white interiors with a tropical flair is witnessed at Enlightin, a healing centre in Mumbai, designed by Architecture & Beyond. 

Curated by: Tanaya Pednekar
Photographs: Pankaj Anand; Courtesy Architecture & Beyond  

The brief

The brief received by architect Sonia Gehlot Ankhad from the client, a yoga and meditation guru, required a zen meditation and yoga studio with cabin spaces on the side for counselling.

The civil intervention

With beautiful arches, rafters and high ceilings, the heritage structure was an ideal space for the healing centre. The arched windows welcome abundant sunlight and the space exudes calmness. The structure was stripped to the ground and every element was restored during the design process. Extreme care was taken while working on the rafters, as many parts needed special attention.

The design development

While designing, Sonia’s key concern is the emotion she likes to orchestrate for the audience. To enhance the calmness of the space, the architect went ahead with all white interiors with a tropical flair to enhance peace and tranquility. The reception area features fluted wood and white walls with colonial style furniture that enlivens the old-world charm of the heritage property.  While designing the counselling space the intent was to have a homely atmosphere with an informal seating arrangement, where one can be unapologetically themselves. A pantry corner is created on the side.  The open rafters, high ceiling, verdant vista, colonial style arches in all white and diffused light takes centre stage in the yoga room.

Fact file

Project: The Healing Centre
Client: Samira Amin
Location: Mumbai
Area: 1,066 sq ft
Principal architect: Sonia Gehlot Ankhad