Reimagining Heritage Architecture
We believe that old buildings hold stories and possess a unique character that should be preserved. Our restoration and adaptive reuse projects breathe new life into heritage structures, carefully balancing preservation with contemporary needs.
Work begins on the restoration of this historic Art Deco building, originally designed by Claude Batley. Our goal is to repurpose this former princely seat into a modern family home while honoring its significant architectural legacy.
A view of the Art Deco building before restoration, showing its strong horizontal lines and cantilevered balconies. Our work will involve carefully repairing and restoring these key features.
A detail of the building's crest and balcony. The project requires a sensitive approach to preserving original details while upgrading the structure for contemporary use.
The elegant, curving staircase in the Art Deco building's main hall. This magnificent feature will be the centerpiece of the restored interior, a testament to the original craftsmanship.
An evening view of the completed KLE Centenary Museum. The project involved restoring a colonial building and adding new pavilions and a water body to create a cohesive and inviting public space.
The landscape design for the museum uses pathways and pavilions to guide visitors. A timber screen with climbing plants provides a soft, natural edge to one of the new structures.
A bust of one of the institution's founders is framed by the new "Rishi Pavilion." The architecture serves to honor the history of the place while creating new experiences.
A detail of the landscape and architecture at the KLE Museum. The design uses simple, elegant forms and natural materials to complement the restored heritage building.
The "Rishi Pavilion" at the museum, where busts of the founders are displayed. A lotus pond and an old tree are integrated into the design, creating a tranquil and reflective atmosphere.
The site plan for the KLE Centenary Museum shows the relationship between the old colonial building (G) and the new landscape elements, including pavilions (H, I, J) and a lotus pond (E).
About Reimagining Heritage
We view restoration not as a return to the past, but as a continuity. Whether it is an Art Deco residence or a colonial-era institution, our process begins by identifying the structural rhythm and spatial logic of the original architecture. We then selectively intervene to integrate modern functional requirements, ensuring the building retains its original character while serving contemporary needs.
Our approach to heritage is defined by the 'Thinking Hand' process. We avoid superficial renovation. Instead, we engage in a deep dialogue with the site, using hand sketches and physical models to understand the building's original intent before making any changes.
Projects in Process and Completed
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Art Deco Residence: We are currently restoring a colonial-era Art Deco building. Our goal is to transform this former princely seat into a functional family home. The project focuses on repairing the iconic horizontal lines and cantilevered balconies while updating the interior for aerospace-industry professionals. It is a balancing act of honoring the original craftsmanship while ensuring modern habitability.
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KLE Centenary Museum: This project required a blend of restoration and new architecture. We restored the existing colonial building and introduced new pavilions to guide visitors through the landscape. By using a simple material palette of concrete, stone, and timber, we ensured the new structures complemented the heritage site rather than competing with it. The design emphasizes a performative landscape, using lotus ponds and courtyards to connect the old with the new.
Our philosophy centers on the idea that architecture is a conversation. We do not impose a new identity on an old structure. We listen to the existing geometry and material language, then provide the necessary interventions to make the space relevant for today.
Thirdspace
Praveen and Namrata here. Since 2002, we have approached every building as a conversation between the past and the present. We believe that heritage structures carry a narrative that deserves to be extended, not erased, and our work focuses on finding that delicate balance.
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