The Ramprasad Bungalow in Pune, designed by Principal Architect Ketan Gadgil & his team at Ketan Gadgil studio, is a space that breathes calm and quiet elegance. The home that spreads across, a 3,500 sq. ft. 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 design brief, Ketan says, “Our clients who work in the automobile sector sought an environment that feels open and effortless. They have 3 kids, so they wanted to have a floor plate of same size on all three floors which can be converted later into three separate tenements, but wanted it to be currently used as a complete single tenement bungalow with 5 Bedrooms, kitchen, dining, living & Home theatre. Located at Sahakarnagar, there is interestingly, a difference of almost eleven feet between the two parallel roads abutting opposite sides of the plot. We took advantage of this to provide two level parking. On the first floor, the living dining and kitchen enjoy plenty of natural light. Two bedrooms occupy the second floor and the master bedroom is on the third floor. The basic science of directions has been followed, with respect to windward planning, ensuring the kitchen gets fresh morning sun.
From welcoming the sunlight in to giving a view out, this bungalow radiates wholesomeness and style, with the design coming from the board of Ar. Ketan Gadgil. The living, dining & kitchen are completely open spaces of around 1200 sq, ft divided by furniture elements. Living room is attached with small covered terrace with Jhula. The living area has a 16-r. ft window which can also be used as a seating in living area. Puja room is designed considering clients requirements with wooden ethnic touch. All bedrooms have an attached washroom & walk-in wardrobe area. Three kid’s bedrooms are with three different styles but binding with single tone of veneer in combination with other elements. Master bedroom is on top floor with attached covered terrace having a personal bar space. Four post bed, adds the rustic charm to the Master bedroom. The Entertainment room with tiered seating lends a relaxed feel as clients love to watch the cricket matches, movies with kids in this area, while the outdoor area and top terrace are used for gardening.
Most parts of the home have leather texture Kotah flooring with some parts in patterned flooring tiles. “I wanted to have an earthy still contemporary look to the house. So, we have used the Leather finish Kota stone flooring all over the home in combination with handmade cement tiles and Bharat tiles. The Folded plate staircase is covered with wood, while wood is also used for staircase tread with cast iron railing & wooden handrail on top. The Palette is kept very simple with single tone veneer, Kota flooring & Basalt stone for cladding”, informs Ketan. The architect is a stickler for the „discipline in design‟. Hence, he will never indulge in contrived tactics. For example, balustrades and railing details follow meticulous working drawings that create authentic old world charm in conjunction with the folded plate slab that also throws shadows all day long. In another instance, collages and photographs of the family have been made into a composition that sits pretty within a wooden „frame‟. It is a lovely idea that becomes a conversation starter and also a feature in the home. This and umpteen other features ensure this is a home that is truly timeless not only in the design way but also in allowing banks of memories stored away safely in every corner of its charm and aura. Throughout ‘Ramprasad 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.
