---
title: "Reimagining Heritage: Architectural Restoration & Adaptive Reuse"
description: "We specialize in heritage restoration and adaptive reuse, breathing new life into old buildings. Our architecture balances historical integrity with modern, functional design."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/reimagining-heritage
last_updated: 2025-09-02
---

# Reimagining Heritage Architecture

Tribe Verified · Restoring Art Deco and Colonial landmarks

By [Thirdspace](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace) · Studios in Pune & Belagavi; Projects across India · ₹200 ₹ per sq. ft. of Built-up Area (estimate)

Part of [Architectural Design](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/architectural-design/gallery)

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.

## Photos and videos

- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/29927cdc-4137-45db-acd0-49e787c489cb)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5bda65fb-6eaf-4b85-a12e-f06b33b87f56)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ef052e5e-9f54-4f89-9602-fb2b3d0747e8)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/66f5d51a-62db-41ee-8269-3aa952a0702e)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/867f1584-1ee3-42ae-aca1-8b049c8b5af2)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bc617c22-edf7-41e0-9d4f-31b831d9bd40)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ade9e6ed-cb76-4234-a8f1-05879b15492a)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e91cb3d2-5a4a-4333-ae0c-57434fbefe77)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6f8abb5d-6863-4737-ac3a-4a8447d58f31)
- ![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).](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bf830cd9-b25b-4630-970e-eb105a0627c1)
- ![The "Rishi Pavilion" is a long, semi-open gallery that displays busts of the institution's seven founders. The space is defined by a simple palette of concrete, stone, and a timber roof.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/475ee465-c7fb-43bc-9515-cbea69565226)
- ![A close-up of the bronze busts on their black granite pedestals. The play of light and shadow on the concrete wall behind adds texture and depth to the display.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fb0a9f26-6227-4884-b526-9f765be1cccb)
- ![A view across the pebble court and lotus pond towards the museum's exhibition wall. The landscape design creates multiple layers and vantage points.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/32d7c685-7710-4c7e-b620-0b65c5e52535)
- ![The restored colonial building sits in harmony with the new pavilions and water court. The project demonstrates how modern interventions can enhance and celebrate a heritage site.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fca2f817-d7f9-413d-85cc-0824746c1c6e)
- ![A large, pivoting door marks the entrance to one of the new pavilions. The use of bold color and simple forms distinguishes the new architecture from the old.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/12b33a87-29c1-4d39-b15b-5d5b36f8982e)
- ![The new event pavilion is designed to be open and flexible, with large openings that connect it to the surrounding gardens and the existing mature trees on the site.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2d257663-43da-4423-b3cd-3f4e81ffd471)
- ![A detail where the new black stone water channel meets the old stone wall of the colonial building. This junction highlights the careful dialogue between our intervention and the original structure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5fd2ab19-4774-4a1f-afa0-6ac8e7e75734)
- ![Abstract, colorful walls frame views of the landscape and other parts of the museum complex. These elements act as visual markers and add a contemporary layer to the site.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/74dd87c0-6de4-4772-bff0-e85df9dc0aca)
- ![The exhibition pavilion opens onto the central lawn, allowing events and displays to spill outdoors. The design encourages a fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7fff969e-b535-42a1-832e-724b922273c8)
- ![This view captures the essence of the project: the respectful juxtaposition of the restored heritage building with modern pavilions, all unified by a thoughtfully designed landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8885566a-4e3d-4001-bd9f-e4f8232df6bc)
- ![The underside of the pavilion roof reveals its timber and tile construction, a nod to traditional building techniques reinterpreted in a modern form.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8ad5297c-d9c2-40b3-b28e-d80e830db2f4)
- ![A minimalist composition of a corten steel-clad door against a yellow wall. This detail shot captures the project's bold use of color and material.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9178a978-f810-4d83-8c4d-3ce5f02558ee)
- ![The open-sided exhibition pavilion provides a sheltered space for displays while maintaining a strong connection to the garden.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9694f03f-7b0c-4f86-8f72-9de657dffe97)
- ![The play of solid and void, color and texture, is a key theme in the museum's design. Here, a white wall with a yellow-lined opening frames a view of the garden.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/afb10c12-f488-4d22-967f-f551db235687)
- ![The entrance sequence is carefully choreographed, leading visitors through a series of spaces that gradually reveal the museum and its gardens.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b9a2516e-2b4f-4642-aeb3-047c266c8174)
- ![Light filters through the gaps in the pavilion roof, creating a rhythmic pattern on the floor. The design pays close attention to the quality of light and shadow.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c9739784-9570-4577-8d3f-900d560ea745)
- ![A statue of Buddha sits in a contemplative corner of the museum garden, nestled among plants and stone benches. The landscape includes many such moments for quiet reflection.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e3eec6bf-7528-4922-a587-4c2e846da680)
- ![A detail of the material palette: the warm yellow of the painted wall contrasts with the rich, weathered texture of the door.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ea6fec4f-86bc-407c-89e2-4d26d84e354d)

## 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

- **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.

- **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.

## About 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.

[See all of Thirdspace's services](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace)

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## More services by Thirdspace

- [Urban Design & Master Planning](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/urban-design-master-planning)
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- [Heritage Restoration & Adaptive Reuse](https://mytribe.in/studio_thirdspace/heritage-restoration-adaptive-reuse)

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