"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit," mused Ralph Waldo Emerson.This timeless maxim underscores the essence of our innate connection with nature, a bond that landscape architect Shivani Satpathy Oberoi masterfully rekindles in the bustling urban settings of Pune. With an innovative vision, the founder of Idea Lab Design Studio (ILDS) reimagines the outdoor space of a villa, transforming it into a lively oasis where nature and contemporary living coexist in perfect harmony.
Nestled at the end of a row of houses, this corner villa presented an enviable opportunity. The extra outdoor space, often a rarity in city homes, was a canvas waiting to be brought to life. Designed for a family of three, the space was envisioned as an extension of their dynamic lifestyle.
Shivani recounts, “The family’s brief required the space to accommodate a multitude of activities. The lady of the house, a celebrated jewellery designer whose creations are a blend of Indian and contemporary styles, desired a space that echoed this fusion. For the toddler, a playful area was essential. Moreover, their active social life-style called for a versatile space that could seamlessly transition from a playful haven to a sophisticated entertainment area." The resultant space is an evidence of Shivani’s design prowess - The Elysian Nook- where carefully crafted segments coalesce gracefully, while a motley of vibrant hues and patterns breathe life into the alfresco, albeit maintaining its inviting cosiness.
Stepping outside the living room, the outdoor area unfurls, immediately drawing the eyes to a striking centrepiece - a bold yellow wall mural adorned with intricate lotus motifs, carrying profound symbolism from Hindu mythology. “We finalised the design of this bespoke artwork after numerous iterations”, Shivani reveals. Crowning this composition are curtain creepers, cascading gently to add a touch of natural elegance. Adjacent, a water feature in steel grey granite cradles a white marble Buddha statue sourced from Rajasthan, illuminated by embedded lighting elements that enrich the ambiance of this ensemble. A wooden bar cabinet stands nearby, with European hexagonal tiles serving as its rich backdrop.
Across, a sitting area manifests in the form of a gazebo, perched atop a platform elevated to sidestep the potential technical complications arising from the underlying water tank. The designer elaborates, "We chose textured cement board for fabricating the gazebo's structure due to its resilience against weather conditions, low maintenance requirements, and robustness. Its roof has been covered with a polycarbonate sheet for added protection."
This nook boasts two distinct sitting arrangements. One is a fixed granite bench adorned with a lively multi-colored tile backsplash and plush blue leatherite upholstery. The other is a custom-made wooden swing, reminiscent of traditional Indian aesthetics and evoking a sense of rustic charm. Decked in weather-proof floral printed fabric, it beckons visitors to unwind in comfort. Surrounding walls, clad in rough textured plaster and intentionally raised to provide privacy, partly enclose this inviting set-up. Contributing to the space's cultural richness is a miniature Rajasthani jharokha showcasing exquisite wooden carvings, and an array of meticulously curated lighting fixtures that augment the overarching theme.
Journeying forward, a sylvan path emerges, featuring an oblong planter teeming with a lush blend of peace lilies and palm foliage. Alongside, a set comprising a light-weight wooden coffee table and pouffes constitute an alternative seating configuration, easily movable to create an open space. However, the highlight of this lane is the accent flooring, embellished with spirited Azulejo inspired tiles that lend artistic flair.
Contemplating further on the underfoot choices, Shivani notes,”The clients selected distinct types of tiles to be integrated throughout the whole outdoor space, each presenting unique shades and patterns. Balancing their placement posed an exciting challenge, ensuring they complemented rather than overwhelmed the design concept.”
She elaborates on the verdant landscape,”From table palm and bougainvillaea to calathea and ferns, a palette of perennial house plants were handpicked to dot the entirety of the alfresco, with an inclination towards those with dense foliage and resilience. For the pots, we replaced the existing ones in plastic with ceramic ones to enhance the organic appeal.”
As one traverses through this outdoor sanctuary, the visitors are enveloped in a sensory experience where nature’s symphony consorts with human creativity to offer a rejuvenating escape from the urban hustle.
Team:
Architects: Idea Lab Design Studio (ILDS)
Other participants: Shivani Satpathy Oberoi, Founder and Lead Designer
Text Credits: Mehar Deep Kaur
Photo credits: Hemant Patil
Materials Used:
Gazebo Louvres: Shera Boards
Wall and Gazebo finishes: Asian Paints
Swing Upholstery: D’Decor