A vacation home in Mumbai indulges in forest bathing crafted by Studio Grid

Artists through time have been producing art that is unconventional and out of the box. When architects Rugved Rane and Rohit Mahadik of Studio Grid welded their creative forces with Vikas Lokhande and Griffith Nunnes, an English Country style vacation home was envisioned, where the team opted to meld traditional and modern English country homes in a way that doesn’t mirror anything ordinary. And what followed was a sanctuary tucked palatially amidst the suburban forest area in Mumbai.

This 5,500 sq ft residential space is renovated into a spacious and regal rendition of an English country-style home. Studio Grid used a more sustainable approach by opting for renovation instead of demolishing the entire edifice. The existing facade and internal walls made way for larger openings and for the space to be lit up with copious natural light. 

A holiday in the forests  

One witnesses an effortless relationship between the interiors and the forest scape at this holiday home dubbed befittingly as ‘The Forest Villa.’ The dwellers, a family of three, imagined it to be a sophisticated and subtle abode, which would be visually and practically voluminous to host guests as well.

Rugved and Rohit, inspired by wabi-sabi and their time in Japan, celebrate imperfect beauty and simplicity giving the Forest Villa a modern Indian narrative with subdued colours and local materials utilised in their natural form. The two architects experiment with contrasting materials, objects and ideas to weave a visual story which ironically echoes simplicity, a narrative peculiar to them. 

Classically English and modern

Inspired by classic English Gardens, the entryway leads one to the porch with a simple and moderate material palette of river washed stone, hand painted cement tiles and teak wood along with massive windows. The porch forms a bewitching nook to soak in the summers and snuggle during the winters.

An expansive living room welcomes one into the home, furnished with an open kitchen leading to the dining space through an arch. “The team wanted to find a balance between traditional and modern, such as the choices of contemporary artefacts, lighting and artwork from different periods acquired by the client, creating an eclectic feel of mixing old with new,” reveal the architects about their idea behind large black steel-framed windows and traditional arches. 

The natural stone flooring is kept uniform for the stairways and the living room for the areas to freely flow into one another. The first floor features two primary suites with connected balconies and a standout multipurpose room. The balconies bring in ample natural light, enhancing the experience. The neutral material palette of the bedroom complements the shades of green in the surrounding forests inviting peace and serenity. 

“In accordance with Studio Grid’s design philosophy, the team chose rattan and live-edge wood headboards for the bedrooms as a feature element, and worked the colour and material palette around them, to bring in uniqueness, raw and natural quality into the modern space, harmonising with its surroundings,” divulge the architects.  

The multipurpose room with a bar provides ample space to host guests, the room opens to a large terrace overlooking the greens and can be converted into a yoga room by the day. 

One step in, and the other outdoors…

One design element that stood out for this home was the thoughtful usage of material palettes to harmonise with the picturesque views as if they are conversing. Every space has been constructed to make justice to the natural light and the surroundings. 

“Rugved and Rohit believe the interaction between the built and natural environment nurtures a sense of belonging and identity with the surroundings. To create an indoor-outdoor living space, Studio Grid focuses on using locally sourced natural materials, avoiding manufactured wood and composites. All rooms have been decorated with natural materials including timber and stone to keep the house cool without the aid of mechanical ventilation during summer days,” conclude the architects.

You may also like: Colwood house is a perfect mid-century nod to a modern Canada home designed by Erica Colpitts Interior Design