Designed by Atulya Patwardhan of Artek this bungalow in Ahilyanagar is a refined expression of Avant-garde one-of-a-kind residence, where calm meets sophistication.
The Nagar Bungalow in Ahilyanagar, designed by Principal Architect Atulya Patwardhan & his team at Artek, is a space that breathes calm and quiet elegance. The bungalow that spreads across, a 9500 sq. ft. of Built-up area at its heart, it is a pursuit of quiet beauty — finding sophistication in simplicity. Every decision reflects the belief that design is not about adding more, but about knowing when to stop — turning constraint into creativity and simplicity into timeless elegance. Sharing the client’s brief, Atulya says, “The client who is an advocate by profession desired for a home that was an Avant-garde one-of-a-kind residence, something like a dream home for him in his town of Ahilyanagar. The bungalow was semi-constructed in classic style with complete freedom of design given to us there was no major hurdle in executing this project and one can only say that the only challenge was to get the local teams to adhere to the crisp standards and speed of work matching the designing firm Artek.”
The residence is in a prime area of Ahilyanagar and encompasses a formal and informal Living room, home office, Dining area, Kitchen, Store Home theatre, and 5 massive bedrooms with walkin wardrobes and allied spaces like a Gazebo and huge landscape areas. “A beautiful landscape area was designed for recreation and amenities that included a lawn for hosting small events and break out”, informs Atulya. This bungalow is a modern Indian home interpreted through French Neo-Classic language. With intent of restrained grandeur, every room begins with architecture, not furniture: wall paneling, moulded cornices, stepped ceilings and symmetry that lends a palatial scale while staying livable.
The main entrance is framed by fluted columns and a double height void. LED lit black granite steps rise to a richly carved teak door, glowing between fluted marble panels. Above a cascading chandelier crowns the arrival. Light crowns the foyer of the entrance lobby, a monumental crystal chandelier floating in a cove-lit dome, spilling over pristine marble anchored by an intricate geometric inlay. The formal Living room pairs Louis XV- inspired sofas in cream and soft blue against ivory boiserie, all crowned by twin crystal chandeliers . The hero is the floor, a hand cut marble pietra dura vine unfurling beneath. Layered drapery and quiet teal accents complete the restrained opulence. The home has a private office space that is designed as a deliberate counterpoint to glass box modernism, The room is wrapped floor to ceiling in richly stained wood and Veneer Panelling. The coffered ceiling draws the eye up to a classic brass chandelier. Hand applied rococo carvings break the strict geometry of the panelling, adding the layer of old world ornament. Flanking library bays glow with integrated light, while tufted leather chairs further adorn the room.
Draped in deep blue sapphire velvet, the home theatre trades black boxes for Baroque Drama. Backlit paneling, gilded damask motifs and a floral carpet that glows underfoot. Tiered recliners meet a front row lounger for indulging viewing. The powder room wraps cream marble dado in a blush damask wallpaper, leading old world charm to a compact plan. A floating vanity and a wall hung WC keeps it crisp, while the antiqued mirror boarder catches light. The lounge pairs rich cognac leather chesterfields with floral arm chairs, a vintage gramophone and warm wall paneling. Adjacent, the dining anchors under a blossom chandelier. Open light filled and rooted in ritual has been designed for family bonding and togetherness. The Master Bedroom features an ivory, rococo carved bed set against inky blue damask, flanked by gilded sconces and pearl white paneling. Layered taupes, lavender accents and heavy drapes temper the ornament. The parent’s room leans into timeless comfort, a richly carved rosewood bed against soft blush walls and ivory mouldings, grounded by deep timber floors. Peach linens add a gentle lift. The daughter’s bedroom is soft Parisian romance- a shell- pink upholstered bed, damask wallpaper panels, and layers of mauve linen. Sun spills through embroidered sheers onto a bay window seat made for books and day dreams. The twin kid’s bedroom swaps pastels for action – a full wall captain America cityscape soaring over ribbed blue paneling. Two identical beds, twin study nooks with backlit cabinets, and a sunny bay seat keep it practical. A manicured green carpet rolls to the bungalow’s classical portico, framed by palms, white walls and layered planters. Stone inlays with pebble detailing lead from the shaded car porch to a serene tulsi pedestal. Atop the bungalow, a lush green terrace unfolds under indigo dusk- artificial turf for barefoot evenings, bordered by white pebbles and potted greens. A classic white gazebo with deep seating for chai and conversation acts as a center stage.
“A lot of effort and emphasis has been put on artwork, in terms of wall paintings, artwork, artifacts, and murals to enhance the minutest nuances of the design language. The landscape enhances the beauty of the project with features like water bodies and pergolas. The solitaire lobby crafted as a welcome zone to the terrace is a novel theme to this space. Each space within Artek’s designs becomes a canvas for creative expression, where even the symbolic use of simple elements transcends mere aesthetics to symbolize a tranquil environment. The carefully selected colors elevate the narrative of Artek’s designs, creating immersive environments that resonate with the inhabitants”, informs Atulya.
Throughout the bungalow, the collaboration between the client and design team manifests in unison. The resultant abode is one that translates experiences and aspirations into a milieu of ease and belonging.
