A residence designed by the part-to-whole methodology
“Venu wasn’t about beginning again; it was about gradually altering what was already there into something whole, soulful, and very personal. Every decision, whether material, spatial, or symbolic, was made in response to the emotional demands of the family as well as the physical limitations of the structure.” — Z-Design Studio.
We realised an opportunity rather than just an incomplete project when a young family of four and their two cherished dogs showed us their partially finished home, with the materials selected and the layout in place, but no emotional anchor.
The home, named Venu, became an experiment in how design might work under specific limits to produce something unified, useful, and soulful. With no civil alterations permitted, the design had to respond totally within the existing structure, resulting in novel spatial methods.
The project was guided by a “part-to-whole” methodology, with separate pieces detailed first and subsequently harmonised into a single spatial story. From incorporating previously acquired tiles into a visually consistent material palette to including multifunctional solutions such as a TV wall that conceals entry to the master bedroom, each choice added subtle layers of utility and elegance. The customers desired a home that was sober, easy-to-maintain, bright with natural light, and spiritually anchored.
The Vitthal Murti at the centre of the residence provided both calm symbolism and architectural significance. Bespoke interventions, like the pivoting window shutters in the master bedroom and a slatted screen that doubles as a bed in the son’s room, provided everything from privacy to airflow to visual clarity.
The centrally positioned dining area served as a fluid bridge between the living room and kitchen, promoting openness. A modest outdoor space was transformed into Angan, a verdant contemplative garden with a Tulsi Vrindavan and ambient seating, providing a unique respite in an otherwise confined area.
Hand-painted artworks throughout the home reinforced the minimalism and added warmth, establishing a mix of restraint and personality. Venu is not a story of reinvention but of thoughtful reimagining, of softly transforming what is into what can be.
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