MuseLAB crafts an architectural adventure blending farmhouse warmth with rusticity in Raipur
NOV 12, 2024
| By Aditi Singla
The furniture in the living room is an interesting curation of a comfortable couch, high-back two-seater sofas and distinctly upholstered armchairs. A large Yayoi Dome by Length Breadth Height is the show stopper. The wall comprises a mural of the MuseTRIBE in the same texture paint as the wall. Intricate patterns of natural stone tiles in shades of, olive, greige and sage, by Stone Yard Raipur, create a layered tapestry of textures underfoot; Photography by Avesh Gaur
Anchored between the pavilion and main home, this pool surrounded by lush tropical planters transforms from a serene oasis during the day into a glossy poolside retreat by dusk. The pool deck is a collage of randomly placed leather finish khaki stone tiles. It comprises three components - a jacuzzi, a kids pool and a lap pool with an infinity edge; Photography by Avesh Gaur
If you thought farmhouses were all about barnyards, picket fences and predictable angles, think again. Co-founders and Directors — Huzefa Rangwala and Jasem Pirani of MuseLAB rewrite the rulebook on farmhouse living in Raipur, delivering a fresh twist that’s part retreat and part architectural escapade. It has relaxing nooks, multifunctional communal areas and flexible spaces for family gatherings.
Set on a sprawling two-acre scenic landscape, this 12,000 sq ft escape — playfully named The Three Stooges, is defined by three distinct structures strung together by expansive brick vaults. While the exterior presents a brick and ivory-washed neoteric facade, the interiors tell a different story – of imperfections and rusticity. Discussing their design concept, the founders share, “Conversations with the plant-loving owners started with the space being an urban farmhouse. We did start off with Wabi Sabi aesthetics but it slowly metamorphosed into a whimsical take on rustic chic, set in a tropical ambience.”
Carefully arranged furniture pieces unite under the double-height central volume of the living room. The patterned stone tile floor by Stone Yard Raipur creates the illusion of overlapping area rugs. At the back is the home theatre. Furnishings are from The Pure Concept; Photography by Avesh Gaur
In the living area, curated furnishings from The Pure Concept and furniture assemblages from Mass Interiors, Orange Tree and MuseMART reinforce the design theme and craft a vivid mood board of comfort that invites you to sink in. A vibrant Shilavanayam rug from MuseMART x Fazo Project is elegantly displayed in the entryway. Walls are clad in brick tiles and ivory finishes; Photography by Avesh Gaur
The furniture in the living room is an interesting curation of a comfortable couch, high-back two-seater sofas and distinctly upholstered armchairs. A large Yayoi Dome by Length Breadth Height is the show stopper. The wall comprises a mural of the MuseTRIBE in the same texture paint as the wall. Intricate patterns of natural stone tiles in shades of, olive, greige and sage, by Stone Yard Raipur, create a layered tapestry of textures underfoot; Photography by Avesh Gaur
Where time slows down
As one enters the plot, a green corridor of lush mango orchards and tropical foliage runs on either side of the driveway. The outdoors celebrates the expanse of rolling lawns and lakefront views, a serene prelude to the farmhouse. As you approach the entrance, a canopy creates a sheltered pathway into a foyer, through the main door. The floor with patterned khaki stone tiles leads you to a double-height living room teemed with eclectic furnishings and customised art. It is a fun mix of comfort and style with a luxurious seating arrangement under a massive Yayoi Dome that levitates ethereally.
The dome light from Length Breadth Height acts as the heart of the space while below an array of furniture ties the living space together; Photography by Avesh Gaur
The family lounge bathes in natural sunlight courtesy of the skylights. The furniture sprawls invitingly over a fine rug from Fazo Project. Windows act like elegant picture frames, showcasing the lush mango trees outside. The flooring here is concrete Indian stone by Stone Yard Raipur; Photography by Avesh Gaur
Behind the living room lies the home theatre cleverly separated by a Pac-Man-inspired divider. Just beyond in the vestibule, an air of poised sophistication unfurls, courtesy of a dining nook with a travertine table and encircling green apple chairs. “The soft glow of the sun makes it the perfect spot for leisurely breakfasts and evening conversations over coffee” says Jasem who designed the farmhouse alongside team members Idrees Kasu, Shikha Mehta, Sakina Kothawala and Bhakti Loonawat. To the right of the foyer is the parent’s bedroom, en-suite with a walk-in closet and bathroom.
A curated furniture arrangement with a complementary rug from Fazo Project ties the lounge space together. Skylight casts a spotlight on the furniture, while large windows frame the lush mango trees. Artfully designed brick wall is crowned with customised artwork from Meraki by Sneha. The same patterned flooring by Stone Yard Raipur connects it all; Photography by Avesh Gaur
Light enters the pavilion through cleverly done fenestrations by Fenesta Windows. The backdrop of a custom printed wallpaper from D&S Designs in terracotta and ivory gives an artistic touch. The pavilion floor has been crafted like a rug in vitrified tiles, a mosaic border and terracotta floor tiles; Photography by Avesh Gaur
In the pavilion, an extravagant 18-foot dining table from Mass Interiors reigns beneath an elegant woven light fixture from Wickerstory. The table is adorned with a serrated barcode pattern, crafted in four sumptuous tile shades, has flawless edge detailing, and whimsically placed capsule-shaped legs; Photography by Avesh Gaur
Rustic light-filled spaces
As you ascend to the first floor, the same natural materials from below – Khaki stones, brick tiles and warm ivory walls reappear. Here in the family lounge the designers have employed stunning furniture silhouettes atop a befitting rug. The skylight ensures abundant natural light to elevate the living experience. “The lounge leads to the two primary bedrooms via brick-lined vaulted gallerias” Huzefa indicates. “We were responsible for both the architecture and the interiors hence no structural changes were made” he explains. Both the master bedroom and children’s room have generous balconies and light-filled bathrooms.
While the dining table takes centre stage in the pavilion, the adjacent seating cluster is like a cosy nook to relish joyful moments. The floor has been crafted like a rug in vitrified tiles, a mosaic border and terracotta floor tiles; Photography by Avesh Gaur
Natural light floods this cosy corner, while glimpses of the lush greenery outside are seen from within the nook; Photography by Avesh Gaur
The vault corridors link the bedrooms to the central lounge. Featuring brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and polished floors, this minimalist space emphasises the design’s raw volumes and textures; Photography by Avesh Gaur
An odyssey of Indian stones drape the shower, while a sense of pure delight floods the space; Photography by Avesh Gaur
Built to surprise
Now for the founders’ favourite space: an effortlessly chic cuboidal pavilion which is tethered to the main block through an embedded pool. Inside you’ll find a glamorous four-shaded dining table perfectly suited for high-octane soirées. It is set against the backdrop of a custom-printed wallpaper in terracotta and ivory and a woven light fixture, evoking an ambience of artful rejuvenation.
In a city like Raipur, The Three Stooges serves as a family retreat, letting local landscape, tactility and simplicity define a modern farmhouse experience rooted in tradition yet revelling in creative freedom.
Basked in the sunlight lush greeny envelops the space and porcelain lights add depth to the outdoor area; Photography by Avesh Gaur
Anchored between the pavilion and main home, this pool surrounded by lush tropical planters transforms from a serene oasis during the day into a glossy poolside retreat by dusk. The pool deck is a collage of randomly placed leather finish khaki stone tiles. It comprises three components – a jacuzzi, a kids pool and a lap pool with an infinity edge; Photography by Avesh Gaur
Across the garden is a concrete cuboidal outhouse culminating into a pavilion-like space for intimate gatherings; Photography by Avesh Gaur
The farmhouse’s architecture is a quiet conversation between design and nature, presenting a trio of interconnected forms with sweeping brick-lined vaults. Geometry whispers of edged blocks and stark lines. An ivory-washed brick exterior flows seamlessly into the interiors and the terracotta cladding complements the surrounding greenery; Photography by Avesh Gaur
