Print Exclusive: A Spanish reminiscence

Studio VDGA gave up their bias for modern minimalism to author the story of a flamboyant Spanish villa in Pune

11 Sep 2026

It is not that Spanish-themed villas are uncommon in India, but Deepak Gugarii, Principal Architect and founder of Studio VDGA, has an avowed passion for minimalism that’s as good as a signature that runs through all his projects. In fact, when Deepak and his creative partner, Principal Architect Rashi Saanson, were approached to build the private residence, they had to first sidestep their own ambivalence.

Their love for uncluttered geometry seemed antithetical to the opulence celebrated in traditional Spanish dwellings. “I have rejected projects earlier when clients had demanded even a modest note of colonial or semi-classical touch,” says Deepak. “It’s not that I do not admire the rich, ornate Moorish influence of The Alhambra — I really do — just the way I love traditional Spanish roofing and eaves characterised by multi-layered tile details.”

“There is something both profound and challenging in understanding the principles that gave rise to that architecture and then ensuring we allow those principles to evolve within a new cultural and climatic context.”

Rashi Saanson

In the dining area, a sculptural Zeppelin chandelier by Flos is a deliberately dramatic choice to balance the restrained elegance of the Baxter dining table and Trussardi Casa chairs; Photography by Avesh Gaur

With this project, Deepak and Rashi have clearly stepped out of their comfort zone to pursue a subtle, semi-classical design. But, while doing so they didn’t simply want to imitate the characteristic template of a Spanish villa. “We wanted to translate the country’s architectural intelligence into a contemporary Indian home where proportion, climate, craftsmanship, and material honesty become the true expressions of luxury,” says Deepak.

The duo started by arranging all living spaces around a central courtyard, so light could find its way deep into the interiors and every room around the courtyard could enjoy the serene view. Two other courtyards on the first floor — adjoining the family lounge and the son’s suite — overlook the central courtyard below, which also houses a 125-year-old olive tree (sourced from a nursery in Rajahmundry that specialises in imported exotic plants). In fact, the venerable tree and the handcrafted Spanish roof tiles are the only other elements brought in from their country of inspiration.

The living room is a gathering of resplendent details with its picture-frame wainscotting, bespoke fireplace, wall lamps by Tato, Poltrona Frau armchair, Michelangelo Italian marble flooring and a Jaipur Rugs find; Photography by Avesh Gaur

The walls feature a lime-wash finish, bed and chair by Baxter and a majestic carpet from Jaipur Rugs; Photography by Avesh Gaur

Save for the indoor furniture imported from Italy, everything else — including the traditional European pizza kiln, the plethora of sculptures and busts, and some stunning stone accents — is custom-made by Deepak. Though the stone architraves and intricately carved stone railings are captivating artisanal expressions, none of it is overwhelming; the architectural choices seem to consistently favour restraint over spectacle.

On the other hand, the Mediterranean rusticity and romance of Spanish villas are served in generous measure by pearly Michaelangelo marble floors, vaulted ceilings, recesses, off-white textured lime-plastered walls, arched openings, exposed timber beams, and an abundance of interconnected pathways, courts, and outdoor spill-out spaces. (A charming digression is the bar with its bricked ceiling and snugs reminiscent of Irish pubs — a preference suggested by the owner.)

Veneer wainscotting, a luxury trunk cum night stand by The Trunks Company, Jaipur, and a canopied four-poster bed by Giorgetti set a dreamy vibe in one of the bedrooms; Photography by Avesh Gaur

Photography by Avesh Gaur

The antiquity of the exterior walls, a lived-in quality akin to centuries-old Spanish villas softly eroded by the imprint of time, was achieved through many mockup finishes tried and tested on locally sourced sandstone, till Rashi and Deepak found the finish they desired. “High- pressure water jets were used to selectively erode the softer layers of the stone while revealing its denser mineral composition, creating surfaces with remarkable depth, texture, and a naturally weathered character,” says Rashi.

“The timeless architecture that we were aiming for could not have been achieved by simply replicating a style. There is something both profound and challenging in understanding the principles that gave rise to that architecture and then ensuring we allow those principles to evolve within a new cultural and climatic context.”

The master bathroom flaunts relatively more striking maximalist choices with its ceiling in avocado marble, a freestanding tub by Gessi, and chequered marble floor tiles; Photography by Avesh Gaur