Rustic Calm

Vistas framed by arches, a modern rustic design and an uncluttered calming ambience is created by Varsha and Deepak Guggari Associates for this Pune apartment.   

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Fabien Charuau and Hemant Patil; courtesy Varsha and Deepak Guggari Associates (VDGA)  

This apartment has an open plan with non-cluttered spaces — a conscious decision by the architects to celebrate the location and the superlative views all the rooms enjoyed. Seen here, a view of the apartment, from the entrance lobby.

The site

Set in the posh neighbourhood of Pune, the Castle Royale project is an apartment designed by Varsha and Deepak Guggari Associates (VDGA). This 3,000 sq ft apartment overlooks the green canopies and catches the distant views of the city life beyond.

The brief

The clients, Girish Lakhotiya and Sneha Lakhotiya, are young entrepreneurs who wanted a space which reflects their personality and lifestyle. They wanted their home to exude calm to and at the same time be that perfect venue for all their social events.

The living room is bright and warm, and is connected to the terrace. The sofas, single seaters and coffee and side table were all custom designed for this space.

The design intent

VDGA designed an open plan for the apartment with non-cluttered spaces — considering the location and the superlative views all the rooms enjoyed. The effort was to create a rustic backdrop without compromising on the comfort factor and the plush feel. “While being exuberant, the space had to be controlled as well. And hence the mood board of the rustic materials was combined with the saturated colours brought in through fabrics, rugs, paintings and artefacts. All the constants were kept subtle while the variables were colour-rich,” explains Deepak.

Set against the backdrop of the brick wall, and part of the living area, this beautiful swing crafted from wood and cane. Surrounded by potted plants and comfortable cushions and a rug, this is a peaceful relaxing space.

The spatial flow

On entering the apartment, one is greeted by a series of arches which create an illusion of entering a long passage. The dark IPS finish walls further intensifies that look. The passage culminates into the views of the cityscape beyond. The living room lies on the left of the passage and spills into a traditional terrace setting surrounded with cluster of greens, raised floor Indian baithak, woven charpoy and chairs. The bar is part of the terrace, and is hidden behind the textured glass shutters of a free standing unit. The kitchen and the dining room are connected, and lies opposite to the living room.

The bar is part of the terrace, and is hidden behind the textured glass shutters of a free standing unit made from wood and mild steel. The chairs, like the bar unit are bespoke creations made from teak wood and woven jute threads.

The beauty and drama of the arches comes to full force in the passageway which ends at the master suite at the rear; preceded by a guest bedroom and media room which are placed opposite each other. The master bedroom is distinct and lavish with the old style poster bed and Indian seating finished in a very modern style. The master toilet is an experience in itself. With the flooring done in black grey cement tiles, micro-cement finished walls and bath tub and the rich hued teakwood furniture, the space takes us back in time.

The material details

The existing Italian marble flooring was broken and replaced with the cement tiles, IPS and natural stones. Some walls were picked and clad with exposed red brick and IPS finish. While wood, cane and leather were the chosen materials for the bespoke furniture; natural fabrics were used for upholstery, curtains and rugs.

The arches instantly catches the attention of anyone who enters the apartment. They create an illusion of entering a long passage, and the dark IPS finish walls and printed cement tiles further intensifies that look. 

The highlights

A neat interior with de-cluttered spaces is the highlight of design. Light gossamer curtains cut off the direct glare while still maintaining visual connectivity with the vistas. The subtle interiors echo the overall vicinity of the apartment, of being surrounded by the silence and the noises of the nature. “While doing up the apartment we always wanted to give the feel of the interiors being nurtured over the years in terms of collection of art work and artefacts. The client’s collection of art work was retained and mixed with certain new finds to adorn the house,” explains Deepak.

Unique cement printed tiles forms a carpet under the custom-made bed in the guest room. The slatted door next to the brick wall is the wardrobe.

The house is filled with traditional Indian art work like mata ni pachedi, gond tribal paintings and vintage collectibles from various sources. Canvas reprints of various famous art masters also enhance the spaces and soak the interiors in colours. The effort has been to create a very earthy yet fresh ambience. House is adorned with a lot of greens to make it livelier. Cane weaves and solid wooden furniture combined with a few modern upholstered pieces make for a comfortable and rich setting, striking a balance between the modern and the traditional.

Fact file

Project: Castle Royale
Clients: Girish Lakhotiya and Sneha Lakhotiya
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
Area: 3,000 sq m (gross built-up)
Principal architect: Deepak Guggari
Design team: Rashi Sanson