Nestled in Pune’s Wakad, Vaikuntha, meaning the abode of Lord Vishnu, is a home that embodies serenity, spirituality and a deep connection to the earth. Designed by Tejas Shintre and Ojas Hiwrekar of Koriv Design Studio, this 1,600 sqft residence had been envisioned not as a mere dwelling but as a manifestation of its owners’ beliefs, lifestyle and love for natural materials. SURFACES REPORTER (SR) showcases how this spiritual sanctuary is a haven for self-awareness and deeply rooted to Earth.
The kitchen, directly adjacent to the living room, is anchored by a multifunctional breakfast counter that doubles as a casual dining and work space.
An Earthy Ode
The homeowners had a clear vision from the outset. Their spiritual leanings and minimalistic aspirations shaped the design brief, where they sought a space that felt grounded, meditative and profoundly personal. Their active involvement throughout the process helped the architects translate these ideals into a built form that echoes both tradition and raw modernity.
The architects avoided anything overly polished or synthetic. Instead, they chose wood, raw concrete, stone, jute and open-grain veneers, creating surfaces that invite touch and interaction.
The material palette of Vaikuntha is consciously curated to feel tactile, honest and unrefined in the best way possible. The architects avoided anything overly polished or synthetic. Instead, they chose wood, raw concrete, stone, jute and open-grain veneers, creating surfaces that invite touch and interaction. A subdued colour palette of whites, greys and browns helps highlight the textures and further reinforces a sense of calm throughout the home. The living area is a composition of these earthy tones, centred around a traditional Hichka or swing, which is a culturally significant element for the Gujarati couple. Crafted from a single raw wooden log, the swing holds both symbolic and emotional weight, becoming a cherished focal point.
The living area is a composition of these earthy tones, centred around a traditional Hichka or swing, which is a culturally significant element for the Gujarati couple.
Devoted to Design
One of the major interventions in the design was the transformation of the existing balcony. Rather than treating it as a separate outdoor zone, the architects fused it with the living space to create a seamless indoor-outdoor lounge. The materials used here, mainly including wood-finished cabinets, stone flooring and a cane mesh ceiling, contribute to a cozy yet airy atmosphere. A solid wood bench doubles as a meditative spot and a transitional element between the two areas.
The temple room, or puja area, is a visual and spiritual highlight. Its raw concrete arches and a door adorned with movable wooden beads offer both sensory engagement and a reflection of Indian craftsmanship.
The kitchen, directly adjacent to the living room, is anchored by a multifunctional breakfast counter that doubles as a casual dining and work space. The continuity in materials and tone helps it blend harmoniously into the social core of the house. The temple room, or puja area, is a visual and spiritual highlight. Its raw concrete arches and a door adorned with movable wooden beads offer both sensory engagement and a reflection of Indian craftsmanship. This space is intended not just for prayer but for introspection and stillness.
The master bedroom, inspired by rural Indian homes, evokes nostalgia with its cow-dung-like stone flooring and overhead wooden lofts for storage, a traditional feature that is reinterpreted using contemporary building techniques.
The master bedroom, inspired by rural Indian homes, evokes nostalgia with its cow-dung-like stone flooring and overhead wooden lofts for storage, a traditional feature that is reinterpreted using contemporary building techniques. The result is a space that radiates warmth, simplicity and spiritual energy. Barefoot-friendly finishes like stone floors and textured walls create a deeply sensory experience that invites the inhabitants to slow down and reconnect with their surroundings. The children’s room introduces a playful, imaginative twist with a custom-built concrete staircase and pinewood furniture, thus maintaining material coherence while embracing youthful energy.
Image credit: Geomorph Studio