Light is the first thing you notice in the Dune House: it is dramatic, it slips in, settles
softly, and sets the pace for the lifestyle to be lived here. Designed by architects Anmol
Waychal of his eponymous Pune-based firm in collaboration with Prashant Katkade of
Studio Two Bricks, this 1,300 sq. ft. home in K Town, Pune, opens with a sense of ease
rather than spectacle; the 3BHK is calm without being cold, minimal without being
stark, and quietly confident in the way it holds everyday life together.
From the foyer itself, the intention reflecting and inviting nature in, is clear. It opens
into an L-shaped living and dining area with sunlight pouring in through generous
openings - a feature that the architects like to refer to as the strongest bare bone of the
site. Instead of fighting the light, the design leans into it: sheer curtains, neutral walls,
soft furnishings and textures that only enhance the space further.
The couple that it was designed for wanted subtlety, warmth, and Japandi simplicity.
And that’s exactly what the space delivers. The living room wall, adorned with curved
geometric mouldings, becomes the quiet anchor of the home. “Most homes need art,”
she says, “but here, the walls themselves had to feel like crafted pieces.” It’s a
conversation starter and definitely something you can admire for a while—it’s softly
textured, sculptural, almost meditative.
Furniture across the home follows the same language: gentle curves, natural textures,
earthy upholstery, and pieces that look handmade rather than mass-produced. Tanvi
weaves her signature curved detailing through the space—visible in the panels, the
arches, the bed backs, the wardrobes. Each wardrobe, in fact, is built with a Japandi
sensibility but carries traditional craftsmanship in its carved, handmade shutters. This
marriage of modern restraint and artisanal detail is what gives the home its soul.
And then, there’s the kitchen—unexpected and refreshing in its soft mint green
cabinetry. It’s functional without losing charm: smart storage, a pull-out work surface,
cane touches, and warm wooden flooring tying it all together. The kitchen, dining, and
living areas all flow as one, echoing the couple’s fluid, uncluttered, and grounded
lifestyle.
A small passage splits off into three rooms—a work/kids’ room, the master bedroom,
and a guest room, two with attached bathrooms. Each space keeps the same quiet
colour story: light walls, earthy fabrics, thoughtful accents. The master bedroom
continues the curved-panel language on the headboard wall.
The home draws from two worlds—Japanese minimalism and a Middle Eastern-inspired earthy palette. Clean lines meet handcrafted edges. Structured forms soften under rounded corners. Warm neutrals sit comfortably next to muted greens. Nothing
screams for attention, yet everything feels intentional.
The project did come with limitations—a compact layout, tight corners, the need for
multifunctional elements—but these constraints shaped the design rather than restricted it. Built-ins, wall-hugging furniture, and minimal décor keep the space open
and breathable.
The Dune House doesn’t try to reinvent anything. Instead, it proves how thoughtful
design can turn a simple brief—Japandi-inspired, subtle, earthy—into a home that feels like a long, steady exhale. A space that supports its residents not through grand
gestures, but through the quiet comfort of good light, good materials, and details that
are felt more than seen.
