TOTO

Anish Pathrikar

• Architects

In a city where growing families often find themselves negotiating the limitations of urban living, TOTO began with a simple yet transformative decision. Formed by amalgamating two neighbouring apartments into a single 1,500-square-foot residence in Goregaon, Mumbai, the home was designed by Studio Homzstead for a family of three, while also accommodating the ebb and flow of visiting relatives, returning children and long-term guests.
Named after the family's beloved turtle, TOTO embodies a quiet sense of comfort, belonging and individuality. Rather than becoming a literal design motif, the turtle informed the home's emotional character — protective yet expressive, grounded yet full of personality. Much like its namesake, the residence reveals itself gradually, through layers of materiality, form and personal narrative.
"The challenge was never simply joining two apartments together," says Architect Hormuzd Katrak, Principal Designer at Studio Homzstead. "It was about creating a home where every family member could find a space that felt distinctly their own, while ensuring the overall experience remained cohesive."
This philosophy shaped every aspect of the design. Rather than imposing a singular aesthetic throughout, the home was conceived as a collection of individual environments tailored to the people who inhabit them, united by recurring forms, materials and spatial gestures.

photo_credit Anish Pathrikar — Anish Pathrikar

The living and dining spaces form the social heart of the residence. Here, a sweeping curved ceiling traverses the length of the room in a single continuous gesture, establishing movement and visual continuity across the combined apartment. The intervention reveals itself differently depending on one's vantage point, creating an ever-changing relationship between architecture and inhabitant.
"The ceiling became our way of stitching the apartment together," explains Katrak. "No matter where you stand, the curve presents itself differently. It creates movement without relying on ornamentation."
Beneath this architectural gesture, the living and dining areas are distinguished through atmosphere and materiality. The living zone embraces warmth through soft neutrals, richly toned timber finishes and a sculptural rust-coloured sofa that immediately anchors the space. Curved furniture profiles reinforce a sense of comfort, lending the room an inviting softness that balances the apartment's stronger architectural elements.
The dining area adopts a more graphic expression. Black fluted surfaces, reflective details and darker architectural accents establish a stronger visual identity while maintaining a seamless dialogue with the adjoining kitchen. A travertine dining table introduces texture and material richness, creating a sophisticated counterpoint to the darker backdrop. Together, the two spaces embody contrasting personalities while remaining part of a unified whole.

The kitchen was conceived as an extension of the social spaces rather than a room apart. Through a series of bi-fold glass shutters and sliding partitions, it possesses the ability to transform according to circumstance. During gatherings, it opens entirely to become part of the larger living environment, encouraging interaction between host and guest. During everyday use, it can be enclosed to accommodate intensive cooking while maintaining comfort throughout the apartment.
A monolithic island crafted from river-finished natural stone anchors the space, its richly layered grains introducing texture and depth. Acting as both a functional work surface and a social gathering point, it reinforces the kitchen's role as an active participant in daily family life.
"Indian homes often revolve around the kitchen, but they also require flexibility," notes Katrak. "We wanted the space to participate in family life when desired, while still having the ability to function independently when needed."
A defining aspect of the project was recognising what did not need to change. The builder-provided flooring and recently renovated bathrooms were retained, allowing resources to be directed towards areas where the greatest transformation could be achieved. Rather than pursuing demolition for its own sake, the intervention focused on planning, bespoke joinery, furniture and architectural detailing.
"Good design isn't always about replacing everything," says Katrak. "The existing flooring and bathrooms already worked with the direction of the project, so we chose to invest where the transformation would have the greatest impact."

The private quarters continue the home's emphasis on individuality. The guest bedroom, occupied by visiting family members and the couple's son when he returns from abroad, embraces the lightest palette within the residence. Drawing subtle inspiration from Japandi principles, the room prioritises warmth, simplicity and adaptability, creating an environment that feels calm, welcoming and timeless.
In contrast, the secondary suite adopts a moodier identity. Almond-toned surfaces, black accents and sculpted forms create a more intimate environment while maintaining visual continuity with the broader language of the home. The room reflects the personality of its occupant rather than adhering to a predetermined style, reinforcing the project's overarching philosophy of personal expression.
The principal bedroom offers a quieter expression. Designed around the homeowners' affinity for green, the space is layered with muted earthy tones, abundant natural light and soft textures that reinforce a sense of restfulness. Here, architecture recedes and atmosphere takes precedence, allowing light, proportion and materiality to shape the experience.

"We wanted every bedroom to feel like an extension of the person living in it," says Katrak. "The design language changes from room to room, but the emotional intent remains the same — comfort, familiarity and a sense of ownership."
Elsewhere, a compact prayer room demonstrates the project's emphasis on multifunctionality. Faced with limited square footage and the need to occasionally accommodate guests, the room incorporates mirrored shutters that visually expand the space while concealing a Murphy bed within. The intervention allows the room to transition effortlessly between spiritual retreat and guest accommodation without compromising either role.
A dramatic departure from the home's otherwise subdued palette occurs within the den. Conceived as a destination space, it embraces immersive lighting, saturated colour and sculptural forms to create a distinctly different mood. A bespoke bar installation becomes the focal point, transforming the room into an intimate setting for relaxation and entertainment. Yet even here, recurring curves and softened geometry ensure the space remains connected to the larger narrative of the home.

Throughout the residence, rounded corners, fluted surfaces and gentle transitions establish a subtle rhythm that ties together otherwise distinct environments. These recurring gestures allow each room to maintain its individuality while contributing to a cohesive whole. The result is a home that embraces contrast without fragmentation, allowing multiple personalities to coexist comfortably under one roof.
"TOTO became less of a visual theme and more of an idea," reflects Katrak. "There is something comforting about the way a turtle carries its home with it. We liked the thought of creating a residence that felt equally protective, grounded and personal."
Much like its namesake, TOTO is ultimately a home defined by quiet character rather than grand statements. It is a residence that embraces different personalities, different routines and different generations, proving that the most meaningful homes are often those that celebrate individuality while creating a shared sense of belonging.