Behind Our Studio: Where Heritage Meets Modern Design
Welcome to our home base in a 60-year-old Chembur bungalow. We built this extension not just as an office, but as a living prototype of our design philosophy—using indigenous materials to create something functional, tactile, and deeply rooted in our history.
Our studio is located in a heritage bungalow in Chembur, designed over 60 years ago. We feel a deep responsibility to preserve its history, maintaining original features like the intricate grill work and timeless facade.
We were incredibly emotional to unearth the original 60-year-old blueprints of our office. Holding these plans felt like touching a piece of history and deepened our connection to this special place.
Welcome to our studio extension. This personal project was born after a monsoon storm damaged our old workshop, giving us the push we needed to expand our workspace and honor what came before.
The terracotta jali facade of our studio extension filters the Mumbai sun, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow while keeping the interior cool. It's a modern application of a traditional Indian architectural element.
A close-up of the studio extension's entrance, where the warm wood of the door contrasts with the earthy terracotta jali. Lush green plants complete the picture, connecting the space to nature.
The patterns of light and shadow created by the terracotta jali change throughout the day, bringing a dynamic quality to the facade. We love how this simple material can create such a rich visual experience.
This diagram breaks down the construction of the studio extension's wall. It shows how we layered the terracotta jali with glass louvers and other materials to create a facade that is both beautiful and functional.
Inside the extension, we designed shelves to display our library of material samples. The space is used for meetings and brainstorming, with a large central table for our team to gather around.
Our material library is now fully stocked. We love having this collection of woods, tiles, and fabrics at our fingertips when assembling mood boards and exploring ideas for new projects.
The bathroom in our studio extension features a custom sink and wainscoting made from Baroda Green Marble. This cost-effective, locally sourced stone adds incredible character and depth to the small space.
About Our Studio: A Space Built from Stories
We believe in practicing what we preach. When we needed to expand our workspace after a monsoon storm, we chose to work with the same indigenous materials we recommend to our clients—like locally quarried Baroda Green marble and terracotta brick jali. This extension isn't just an office; it's a testing ground for our design philosophy, proving that you don't need imported finishes to create a refined, warm, and highly functional space.
A Legacy of Design
Our studio is housed in a heritage bungalow in Chembur, Mumbai, originally designed 60 years ago by the esteemed architects Gregson Batley and King. When we discovered the original blueprints, it was a moment that anchored us to the history of this property. Since moving in, we have taken on the responsibility of preserving this legacy, from the intricate grill work to the original terrazzo floors.
Designing from Necessity
The extension was born out of necessity after a monsoon storm damaged our previous workshop. Rather than just rebuilding, we used it as an opportunity to expand our collaborative space. We repurposed the wood from the original shed and integrated a terracotta brick jali. This element isn't just for aesthetics; it filters the harsh Mumbai sunlight while maintaining cross-ventilation, reducing the need for artificial cooling.
Materials as Storytellers
For us, the 'in-between' is where the work happens. In the pantry and bathroom areas of the extension, we used Baroda Green marble. It is a cost-effective, locally sourced stone that adds immense depth without the high price tag of imported slabs. We paired this with LED lighting and custom teak joinery to show how simple, honest materials can achieve a high-end finish.
If you are in the neighborhood, we invite you to stop by. Come see these textures, touch the materials, and let’s discuss how we can translate your own story into a space that feels like home.
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