MOSAIC MARVEL

A deep midnight blue derived from Lord Srinathji sets the tone for a home in Mumbai, designed by Veeram Shah of Design ni dukaan where myriad preferences come together like a canvas of beautiful mosaic

- FAREEDA KANGA

A home with multiple personalities and diverse needs is also a challenge for architects. Trying to please everyone can sometimes dilute the design process and hinder the end result. Enter architect and former EDIDA winner Veeram Shah of Design ni dukaan who incorporated multiple preferences and translated them into elements that communicate multiple interpretations, yet in sync when combined together in this 2,200 sq ft Mumbai home, designed for five adults-older parents, an elder son with his wife and the younger son.

"As we tried to formulate the concepts for the house, we decided not to have a linear approach and build and negate as we went ahead. One thing was clear-that we stick to the processes we have developed that involved artisans and craftsmen. We wanted more architectural inserts and wanted to avoid any superficial treatments or objects to beautify the space. The visuals developed eccentrically, adding and subtracting parts, pieces, textures and forms. We fondly started calling the project The Mosaic House," says the Ahmedabad-based designer. Although Mumbai homes tend to veer on matchbox sizing, this time a generous floor plate offered Veeram enough opportunity to carve out spaces for the family. The calming entrance is a precursor to the overall aesthetic and actually developed organically.