Architectural Details & Fine Craftsmanship in Mumbai Homes
In our studio, we believe the soul of a home resides in the smallest junctions. From sculptural staircases to the tactile warmth of natural stone and timber, these elements define the rhythm of your daily life.
This series shows the transformation of a staircase, from a bulky concrete structure to a light, sculptural element. The final design with open risers allows light to penetrate deep into the home.
A glimpse of the "flying" treads of the staircase next to the kitchen. The dramatic pink marble backsplash adds a bold stroke of color and natural pattern to the space.
The entry interface of a home should be impressive. This main door and screen, built in solid teak wood with a natural matte finish, provides a warm and dramatic welcome.
A view through a full-height, metal-grid pivot door into a quiet lounge space. I use internal doors and screens like this to create visual interest and define zones without closing them off completely.
The large, square handle on this metal pivot door is a key detail, adding a tactile and graphic element to the design. It’s a small touch that makes a big impact on the daily experience of the home.
A view into the family lounge through an arched metal and glass screen. This image showcases my focus on materiality, with terrazzo floors, granite infills, and a continuous terracotta-hued skirting.
This detail of a study pod partition shows the combination of fluted glass and black metal framing. The addition of a traditional Indian cow head sculpture adds a personal and cultural touch.
Another view of the study pod screen, which uses different textures of glass and metal to create a sense of privacy while still allowing light to pass through. It's a modern solution for creating a work-from-home space.
Inside the study pod, floating teak shelves provide storage for books and objects. The design is minimal and functional, creating a calm and organized workspace.
The walls at the entrance of this home have gently rounded edges. This subtle detail softens the architecture and creates a sense of fluid, graceful movement as you enter the space.
About The Art of Detail: Craftsmanship & Materials
True craftsmanship is not about extravagance, but about how materials meet. When we design elements like an open-riser staircase or a pivot door, we focus on shadow gaps and alignment. This precision ensures that a home does not just look finished, but feels physically calm and deliberate to live in.
Our Approach to Materiality
We steer away from synthetic laminates and veneers in favor of honest, aging materials. Teak wood, lime plaster, and authentic marble do not just fill a room, they develop a patina over time. A home should look better after a year of living, not worse. We prioritize these natural textures to add depth and warmth to the clinical nature of typical apartment interiors.
Custom Elements as Architecture
Standard hardware often breaks the visual silence of a space. This is why we design our own pivot mechanisms and metal screens. Whether it is a study pod partition using fluted glass or a kitchen screen, every element is drawn to serve a specific function without visual clutter. We view joinery as architecture, ensuring that every handle, hinge, and shelf serves both a utilitarian and aesthetic purpose.
The Vertical Connection
Often an afterthought, the staircase is the most significant piece of furniture in a duplex. By shifting to light, metal-and-timber open risers, we transform a vertical connector into a source of light for the entire home. This allows sunlight to penetrate deep into the plan, removing the heavy, closed-off feel of traditional concrete staircases commonly found in Mumbai housing.
FAQ: Working with Detail
Do you handle the fabrication of these custom details? Yes, we provide detailed fabrication drawings for all custom elements, including our signature staircases and pivot doors, and manage the vendor coordination to ensure the final result matches the design intent.
Can you integrate these details into a standard 3BHK renovation? Absolutely. We apply the same level of attention to apartment renovations as we do to larger duplex projects. The scale of the project does not dictate our commitment to precision and craft.
SML Architects
I am Mahek, and at SML Architects, we treat every wall edge and joinery detail as an opportunity to build a sanctuary. We operate out of Vile Parle, focusing on creating homes that feel quiet, meditative, and profoundly personal. If you appreciate the subtle play of light and the texture of natural materials, we should talk.
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