Designed by The Furr Studio, Oku is more than a home — it is an immersive journey through memory, material, and craftsmanship.
Designed by Fiza Chhuvara, Principal Designer, The Furr Studio, Oku is a poetic dialogue between memory, material, and meaning. This residence transcends the notion of a home as a mere enclosure — it unfolds as an immersive, sensory-rich experience where every element is a tribute to cultural continuity. With Oku, Fiza Chhuvara crafts a space where lived histories and tactile traditions intertwine seamlessly with contemporary sensibilities, allowing the silent artistry of craftsmanship to speak through form, texture, and light.
Set within a quiet enclave of Bengaluru, this 4,300 sq ft. residence transcends conventional definitions of luxury, redefining it instead through the depth of material authenticity, the precision of artisanal detail, and the seamless interplay between architecture and lived experience. Every plane, every surface, and every transition is imbued with an unspoken narrative—one that is felt as much as it is seen. With an emphasis on crafted tactility, spatial fluidity, and an enduring connection to heritage, the home stands as a testament to a way of living that values nuance over novelty, depth over decoration, and meaning over mere aesthetics.
From the moment one approaches the home, its distinct architectural identity announces itself in quiet confidence. The facade composed of layered textures, a bespoke entry door with intricate motif work framed by a landscape that filters light and orchestrates an experience of arrival, marks the transition from the public world to a deeply personal realm.
Inside, the foyer introduces the spatial ethos of the house—handcrafted wooden panelling, ambient lighting, and carefully selected artworks establish the tone, inviting a deeper engagement with the material and emotional landscape that lies ahead.
The ground floor unfolds in a sequence of interconnected yet distinct spaces, each shaped by a meticulous balance of function, emotion, and spatial fluidity. The living area, bathed in natural light, embodies the philosophy of warmth and material depth. Here, a carefully selected material palette— locally sourced wood, textured wall finishes, and soft furnishings creates an environment that is both tactile and inviting. Bespoke furniture pieces, designed in collaboration with skilled artisans, act as sculptural elements, their forms reflecting both tradition and contemporary refinement.
Adjacent to the living area, the dining space serves as a nexus of interaction, designed to foster communal experiences. A custom-crafted dining table, hewn from solid wood, becomes the anchor of this space, complemented by lighting that accentuates its raw beauty. The integration of art, ranging from curated paintings to handwoven textiles, further reinforces the home’s narrative of cultural continuity.
The kitchen, conceived as both a functional and aesthetic space, is a seamless extension of the material dialogue. Natural stone countertops, custom cabinetry, and brass detailing reflect a reverence for craftsmanship, while modern ergonomics ensure efficiency and ease of use. A sense of openness pervades the space, with strategically placed windows allowing for cross-ventilation and diffused daylight to enhance the culinary experience.
In keeping with the ethos of fluidity, the ground floor also houses a private study, a retreat designed for contemplation and creativity. Here, warm wood tones, understated decor, and natural light create an atmosphere conducive to focused work and quiet introspection.
Ascending the staircase, an architectural feature in its own right, with bespoke wooden detailing and artisanal craftsmanship, the upper floors unfold as an intimate sanctuary of personal expression.
The master suite is envisioned as an immersive experience where materiality and memory coalesce. A curated selection of handcrafted textiles, bespoke furniture, and sculptural lighting pieces defines the space, ensuring that every element resonates with the client’s cultural roots. Large operable windows, set within deep recesses, invite natural light while ensuring thermal comfort. The ensuite bath, adorned with natural stone and tactile finishes, extends the narrative of crafted luxury.
The additional bedrooms follow a similar philosophy, each designed to reflect the personalities and preferences of its inhabitants while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic language. Thoughtful spatial planning ensures that each space feels expansive yet intimate, with integrated storage solutions and multifunctional furniture enhancing both form and function.
A secondary lounge area on the upper floor serves as a transitional space—an informal gathering spot that blurs the boundaries between private and communal areas. This space, with its soft furnishings, curated art, and access to a semi-open balcony, encourages moments of pause and interaction.
Crowning the home, the terrace is conceived as a contemplative retreat. Thoughtful landscaping transforms this level into an oasis, with native plant species and green buffers creating a microclimate that cools the spaces below. Seating niches, crafted from natural materials, invite quiet reflection, while the strategic placement of lighting enhances the terrace’s ambience as dusk falls.
At the heart of the project is a commitment to material authenticity and sustainable craftsmanship. Locally sourced wood, artisanal finishes, and handmade elements define the spatial experience, ensuring that every surface tells a story. Passive cooling strategies—deep recesses, operable windows, and textured wall finishes—enhance thermal comfort, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The integration of landscape elements, both within and around the built form, creates a dialogue between nature and architecture, reinforcing the project’s environmental sensitivity.
This residence is more than the sum of its architectural elements—it is an experience, an embodiment of cultural memory and contemporary life. The process of its making, enriched by collaborations with skilled artisans, engineers, and designers, has resulted in a space that transcends conventional luxury, offering instead an environment of depth, warmth, and belonging. Each crafted detail, from the intricately carved staircases to the bespoke furniture, is a testament to the power of design as storytelling—a narrative that unfolds in textures, light, and space, resonating with the people who inhabit it.
