An Ahmedabad apartment that delivers a transformative experience

Biophilia Design Studio constructs a meaningful narrative based on simplicity and organisation.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: MK Gandhi Studio; courtesy Biophilia Design Studio

The central idea

The design of this project, called Rustic Reverie by the team at Biophilia Design Studio, harbours an approach that emphasises simplicity, organisation, and coordination. It celebrates clean lines and harmonious colour coordination, while showcasing the significance of space and the impact of well-chosen accessories.

The spatial orchestration

“The structure of this residence becomes the guideline for articulating the floor plan, design of the storage spaces, cladding details, wardrobes, and floor,” says the studio’s principal designer Vishal Panjwani. “Not a single inch in the floor space has been wasted whilst dealing with the conventional structural frame of this apartment.”

The 1,458-sq-ft open floor plan seamlessly connects the living, dining, and entertainment areas, creating an ideal space for socialising and entertaining. The living area is comfortably dressed in warm and neutral tones. The visual narrative is anchored by a feature wall rendered from cement textured panels on the backdrop of walnut-veneer wall. Artworks, custom-made by the studio, were carefully designed to add a pop to the muted cement texture. The furniture of the living room shares a kinship with the feature wall. For instance, curved geometrical shapes are used to carve the base of the central coffee table in wood with a stone top in neutral tone. “The softness of the curves and lines in the furniture and wall panels is reflected in the overall form of the artworks,” says Vishal.

The kitchen, too, follows simple and minimal lines. A sleek breakfast table with custom-made bar chairs greets the users as they enter the open kitchen.

The bedrooms were designed to blend functionality and aesthetics by using materials and colours that create a cohesive and unique environment. The columns become a canvas for cladding and the wall spaces in between, serve as the backdrops for the entire setting. Wardrobes occupy a straight edge, leaving the rest of the floor open for placement of furniture and ample space for movement.

The colour and material direction

The home uses a controlled colour palette of brown, black and grey which contributes to rusticity of the interiors. Materials like wood, walnut veneer, natural rock-cut kadappa stone, muted grey textures on walls and linen upholstered surfaces render the feel of a cosy cocoon.

Each bedroom features either natural rock cut stones or rough and matt textures as backdrops, where the materials itself becomes the artistic insert in the space. A balanced and cohesive blend of three tones and three materials in each bedroom creates a harmonious aesthetic. The thoughtful selection of fabrics for the blinds, bed back, bed linen and the armchairs resonates with the overall aesthetic and colour palette of the bedrooms.

“By embracing clean lines, functional efficiency and focus on essential elements, this residence embodies tranquillity and balance where one truly experiences the transformative capability of minimalism,” concludes the designer.