A home shaped by craft, collaboration, and quiet experimentation, House with a Vault is a 1,500 sq. ft. 3 BHK apartment in Sewree, Mumbai, designed by Prachi Parekh Vora and Vineet J. Vora of Studio Urban Form + Objects for Mihir and Bhavika Gandhi and their two young sons. Set within a high-rise overlooking the eastern waterfront, the residence was envisioned as a calm, clutter-free home that balances durability with artistic expression. While the family sought a space resilient enough for everyday play, it also needed to reflect a deep appreciation for craft, resulting in a neutral architectural canvas layered with bespoke, handcrafted interventions.
At the core of the project lies a shared vision between client and architects: to celebrate the processes of making. The home is composed of custom pieces commissioned from across India, each contributing to a larger narrative of material exploration. A terrazzo dining table from Surat, a marquetry artwork from Mysore, a traditional Pichwai from Rajasthan, and an experimental aluminium console from Ahmedabad together create a richly layered yet cohesive environment. These elements are set against a restrained backdrop, allowing their textures and craftsmanship to stand out without overwhelming the space.
Received as a bare shell, the apartment was planned in response to its orientation and the movement of natural light. Structural constraints, including fixed RCC columns, limited spatial alterations, but the design resolves this through a thoughtful sequencing of spaces. The experience begins with a compressed, monochromatic antechamber designed to heighten the sense of arrival. Its vaulted ceiling, clad in antique ceramic mosaics and inspired by Parisian metro stations, reflects light through carefully calibrated illumination, lending the space an old-world charm. This leads into the expansive living and dining area, oriented towards large windows overlooking the waterfront. A marble inlay set within Italian Statuario flooring subtly defines the seating area, replacing the need for a rug. The living space is anchored by a custom marquetry artwork depicting the Fibonacci sequence, introducing depth and visual intrigue. Along one side, a wooden wainscoting wall referencing a Parisian aesthetic extends across both living and dining spaces, forming a backdrop for a raw aluminium console developed as part of the studio’s material research.
The dining area integrates a discreet, concealed bar that allows the client’s wine collection to be revealed during gatherings without becoming a constant visual presence. This thoughtful integration reflects the home’s larger design approach, functional, adaptable, and quietly expressive. Private spaces extend from the main living zone, each tailored to its user while maintaining a cohesive language. The master bedroom echoes the vaulted entry through sculptural detailing and features wallpaper by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The children’s room introduces pastel tones and playful panelling, with a study table detailed in marble inlays. In contrast, the father’s bedroom is deliberately understated, accented with prints of works by S.H. Raza.
Material choices throughout the home balance durability with refinement, ensuring ease of maintenance while supporting the family’s lifestyle. The neutral base palette allows flexibility, enabling the interiors to evolve through objects, art, and personal additions. Coordinating multiple collaborators across cities posed a challenge, with each handcrafted piece requiring careful integration into the overall design. Yet, this complexity became a defining strength, lending the home a layered richness rooted in craftsmanship.
Ultimately, House with a Vault is an exploration of balance between play and permanence, neutrality and expression, architecture and craft. It is a home where every element is intentional, and where material storytelling becomes an integral part of everyday living.
