Rooted in Mumbai’s layered cultural ethos, Aarunya (meaning rising sun) translates the traditional Maharashtrian wada into a contemporary home shaped primarily through material expression. Drawing from the wada’s amalgamation of Rajputana, Mughal, and Deccan influences, the residence foregrounds terracotta, timber, textiles, and metal as carriers of Maratha heritage within a modern setting.
The journey begins at the mahadwar (main entrance), where a traditionally carved wooden door establishes a tactile vocabulary. Ashtavinayak panels on one side and an elephant bracket with a ceremonial bell on the other embed symbolic craft within the threshold, while the dindi darwaza (peep door) reintroduces elements historically associated with prosperity and protection.
This material continuity extends into the living and dining areas, anchored by a reinterpretation of the sopa -- the semi-open, pillared vestibule characteristic of wadas - where rhythmic wooden arches and konade-inspired niches lend depth and warmth. A linear partition-cum-storage unit, derived from the sopa, functions as both spatial connector and display system. Finished in lighter tones to offset the timber arches, it showcases Dokra metal, panchaloha sculptures, traditional utensils, and Mumbai dabbawalla memorabilia, allowing varied materials to articulate the family’s cultural journey. A mural depicting the Pandharpur Wari musical procession introduces visual texture and movement.
Textiles assume architectural presence across the home. A handwoven Paithani saree forms a partition for the puja space, while Kanchi cotton saree panels clad wardrobe shutters in the mother’s room. Terracotta tiles, green terrazzo flooring, mustard-toned walls, and a Warli mural ground the private areas in earthy tonality, while neutral furniture recedes to foreground the material palette.
AR MEENA MURTHY KAKKAR
Envisage, Gurugram
Envisage, founded in 2007 by SPA Delhi alumni Meena Murthy Kakkar and Vishal Kakkar, is a leading design and build interior and architecture firm renowned for merging contemporary design with India’s traditional crafts, supporting artisan livelihoods while creating cost-effective, culturally rooted residential and educational spaces.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project: Aarunya
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Typology: Residential
Built Up Area: 1,500 sq ft
Completion: 2025
Studio: Envisage, Gurugram
Principal Designers: Meena Murthy Kakkar and Vishal Kakkar
Photo Credits: Tarang Goyal