Embodying the spirit of Vaikuntha, a Sanskrit word that means ‘a place without anxiety’ and refers to the spiritual abode of Hindu deities Vishnu and Lakshmi, Koriv Design Studio’s modest residential design for a Gujarati couple is located in the diverse neighbourhood of Wakad in Pune, India. "The clients wanted a space that embraced natural, raw finishes with subtle Moroccan influences,” say Indian architects Tejas Shintre and Ojas Hiwrekar, co-founders of the 2021-established Pune-based practice. “Our goal was to craft an environment that felt organic and unrefined,” they add. Guided by the faith and meditative spirit of its residents, the interior design of every space is grounded in simplicity and purity. It features a primarily white and grey palette, skillfully made built-in furniture and minimal freestanding pieces.

An L-shaped built-in sofa design defines the living room with carved niches as a backdrop, accentuated by components such as wall decoration, coffee table, chandelier and rug. “We incorporated elements like the hichka (swing) and the otta—a traditional bench used for seating—to enhance the home’s cultural authenticity while providing practical comfort,” the studio tells STIR. Such distinct seating arrangements act as an extension of the living area and materials such as wood, concrete, stone and jute foster a deeper connection to the earth.

A multipurpose breakfast counter links the living area and the kitchen together, ideal as a casual dining table or a workspace. The kitchen offers a neutral grey canvas for kitchenware to take centre stage, featuring neatly placed cabinets for storage, a built-in open display cabinet, a wooden open shelf and hanging rods for plants and kitchen accessories. A solid wood piece surrounds a column in the space to form a seating, which creates a cosy spot in the hall to read or meditate, complemented by a series of planters.

Originally a balcony, the formal dining area is coupled with a long, in-built concrete bench along the large windows to form a seating space filled with natural light. Wooden furniture, cabinets, white walls and a floating console table create a spacious environment with ample room for storage and display of decorative items. The black and white stone flooring and cane mesh ceiling with integrated storage make the space stand out from the rest of the 1800 square feet apartment design.

The master bedroom, maintaining the home's neutral colour palette, uniquely features a combination of grey and earthy red concrete flooring. “The design draws inspiration from traditional rural homes in India, where wooden lofts are often used for storage and flooring is finished with natural materials like cow dung, which feels surprisingly pleasant underfoot,” remarks the studio while underlining the traditional elements and cultural roots that inform the bedroom design. “We recreated this experience using modern techniques and materials, ensuring the bedroom retains its traditional charm while offering contemporary comfort,” the studio adds. Open grain wood veneer storage, overhead open storage and a wooden column accentuate the space and frame views of the window.

The playfulness of the children’s bedroom is characterised by bunk beds crafted from raw pine wood, encased in a soft blue concrete structure with a built-in staircase design. Featuring recessed lighting, small niches and slender shelves for storage, the space creates a clutter-free environment as the rest of the home. “Vaikuntha aligns seamlessly with our core design philosophy of embracing raw finishes and prioritising sustainable materials," the studio tells STIR, “our approach emphasises crafting unique, immersive spaces that go beyond surface aesthetics, bringing authenticity and purpose to every detail.”

“One of the key challenges we encountered was convincing the client to embrace several built-in features, such as beds, living wall niches, sofas and a staircase in the kids' room. These elements were new and unfamiliar to them, which made them hesitant,” the studio informs. Through thoughtful addition and subtraction of the built-in volumes, the spaces create a harmony of interconnected functions. The bespoke wooden interiors and furniture design add a personal touch to spaces and are essential to the rustic yet contemporary design of the apartment. Working on Vaikuntha was a "deeply fulfilling experience" for the architects, as every aspect of the sanctuary’s design embodied the couple’s values and faith.