A Calming Space Near the Indian Coast
The verdant Mangaluru landscape forms a dramatic backdrop for this calming, minimal space by Studio Das. Founder Rishita Das tells us more
Can you tell us about the client and their lifestyle?
Rishita Das: We met the client couple through a mutual friend. They balance their hectic lives with time at home enjoying a healthy lifestyle and meditation. They love hosting friends and families, so they wanted a home that would allow them to create a cosy atmosphere for their loved ones and be their personal hideout.
What was the brief?
They were building their home in Mangaluru, and were looking for a designer who could create a minimalist space that kept the regional flavour in mind. But they really wanted to work with us closely through the design process and build it in a very organic way, so client-designer chemistry was really important. That was a major part of the brief — that we get along and have a good time while building their dream home! What you see is the result of great love, respect and friendship for each other.
What’s unique about the building and the location?
The space spans 800 square metres, and the unique thing about the building is the central courtyard that opens the house up and keeps its connected with nature at all times. The house is built on a slope with views of the beautiful Mangalore landscape. The architecture is by Manjarie and Praveen Saldana.
Tell us about some of the material, art and furnishing choices.
The products might be diverse, but the core tenet was to keep it simple. The idea behind the selection of all the material, art and furnishings was to help keep the space unbothered of distractions and ‘slow’.
As a studio, we focus less on individual pieces and more on customising the space to the clients’ comfort and movement. and how it makes them feel when they use the space. The best part about this project is the blending of the architecture, interiors and landscape that comes together for the people who live there.
Images by Suryan and Dang