Ar. Shreyansh Lunkad and Ar. Sachi Lunia, Principal Architect, White Tree Architect, has skillfully restored an old bungalow, converting it into their functional and efficient office space.
Beyond Four Walls: How White Tree Architects reimagined an ageing bungalow into a living, breathing office space that blends tradition, modernity, and the essence of nature.
An office is more than just a place to work— it is a reflection of those who shape it. When architects design their own workspace, every detail becomes a deliberate expression of their philosophy, blending functionality with creativity, and structure with soul. This is not just about constructing walls and filling rooms; it is about crafting an environment that nurtures ideas, fosters collaboration, and evolves alongside the people who bring it to life. In this space, every material, texture, and design choice carries meaning, embodying a vision that is both deeply personal and profoundly intentional.
White Tree Architects’ new office is a direct ode to this philosophy. As the firm continues to grow, it has become imperative to find a space that resonates with its vision of design— organic, rooted in nature, and fluid in its evolution.
An old bungalow in Raipur, nestled opposite a lush garden, spread over an area of 2,670 sq ft. provided the perfect canvas.
The presence of an ancient Neem tree on the site was a serendipitous gift, reinforcing their deep appreciation for nature and sustainability. Retaining and celebrating this tree became central to the design process, ensuring that the workspace would not just exist within its surroundings but harmonise with them.
To further enhance this connection, creepers have been introduced from the terrace, cascading down the elevation to create a lush backdrop for the Neem tree. In time, as the curtain creepers take over, the façade will transform into a verdant greenscape, seamlessly blending architecture with nature.
“The structural challenges of the bungalow, partly loadbearing and partly framed, required careful intervention. Additional columns and beams were introduced to stabilise the building while allowing for thoughtful spatial planning. Skylights were incorporated to invite natural light into the space, with planter beds beneath them to bring greenery indoors.The entry sequence was designed with reverence for traditional Indian architecture.
The first threshold, a wooden door beneath the Neem tree, is adorned with handcrafted brass torans, typically made of jute rope, mango leaves, and marigolds, imbuing the entrance with cultural symbolism. Dragonflies and birds, motifs of nature and movement, embellish the doorway, seamlessly blending tradition with the firm’s modern ethos,” explains Ar. Shreyansh Lunkad.
Beyond the entrance, a passage lined with plants leads to a uniquely crafted reception door. One half remains fixed, featuring a mosaic tile panel with the word “ART” carved in Hindi, while the other half opens to reveal a glass-encased flat vase holding dried flowers, a poetic gesture that bridges nature with design. As one steps into the reception, the flooring immediately commands attention.
Inspired by rainwater puddles that collect on roadsides, the floor is a patchwork of highlighter tiles featuring handcrafted motifs of leaves, flowers, insects, and fish, custommade by ceramic artist Priyansha Jaggi. Complementing these tiles is an intricate mosaic work that adds depth and detail to the flooring. The majority of the surface, however, is unified by a seamless nano-topping in a rich wine-coloured shade, creating a striking contrast that ties the elements together in a visually cohesive composition.
“Natural materials and repurposed elements form the backbone of the interior. The reception wall is built from rocks unearthed during excavation, a conscious decision to integrate the site’s history into the new design. Positioned against this rock wall, the reception desk is complemented by hand-painted artwork from artist Shilpi Verma. Created using natural pigments derived from soil, the painting reflects the firm’s commitment to sustainability, weaving a textured, earthy narrative that replaces synthetic paints with organic expression.” Says Ar. Sachi Lunia.
Moving further into the space, a corridor extends to the pantry on one side, its flush veneer-finished door subtly ombre-tinted to echo the hues of the flooring. This corridor seamlessly connects to the main workspace—a vast, light-filled environment where designers collaborate. Here, skylights with planter beds beneath them soften the interiors with dappled sunlight and verdant foliage. One of these planter beds incorporates built-in seating, reminiscent of traditional Indian verandas, creating a serene nook for reflection and informal discussions.
The conference room, adjacent to the main workspace, is designed with similar attention to detail. Crafted from wood with a veneer finish and ombre-tinted legs, the table is topped with a medley of small handmade tiles sourced from a local tile store, infusing the space with artisanal charm. Comfortably accommodating eight, the setting maintains an air of understated elegance.
Reflecting deeply personal design philosophies, the private cabins of principal architects Shreyansh Lunkad and Sachi Lunia Lunkad embody their distinct creative sensibilities. Shreyansh’s workspace exudes a sense of functional artistry. His desk, featuring an onyx marble top with a brass inlay of musical notes, is designed with a rotating lazy Susan stone, facilitating ease of collaboration. The background wall, initially a structural flaw, has been transformed into a textural statement; wooden spheres threaded onto iron bars are interspersed with arched and randomly placed rectangular grooves, mimicking a brick masonry pattern. The entire composition is finished using the traditional burnt wood technique, adding depth and character to the space.
Sachi’s cabin, by contrast, is a hymn to nature and the delicate intricacies of craftsmanship. Her desk, adorned with brass inlay, is patterned with interwoven florainspired motifs. A prominent wall installation draws inspiration from the Bowerbird, a species known for its elaborate nests decorated with collected stones and natural elements. This narrative is echoed in the wall’s organic texture—clusters of hand-selected stones affixed with earthen adhesives, creating a tactile and visually arresting composition.
A cantilevered mild steel staircase leads to the dining space on the first floor, its laser-cut motifs mirroring the imagery found in the handcrafted tiles below. Sunlight filtering through the skylight casts dynamic shadows, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and form. Art remains an intrinsic part of the space, with framed pieces by Sachi punctuating the walls, reinforcing the belief that design is a continuous dialogue between space and its inhabitants.
More than just an office, this space is a reflection of its creators—shaped by their values, vision, and deep connection to design. It is a place that evolves with time, adapting to new ideas while staying rooted in its essence. Every material, texture, and detail speaks of intention and craftsmanship, ensuring that the workspace is not just functional but inspiring. White Tree Architects have not merely built an office; they have shaped an environment that nurtures creativity, fosters collaboration, and embodies the very principles that define their practice.
Photography Credit: What We Click
