A meditative earthy home in Pune built with natural materials

Vaikuntha, designed by Koriv Design Studio, is a serene sanctuary with a harmonious blend of spirituality and design.

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Geomorph Studio; courtesy Koriv Design Studio

The brief

For architects Tejas Shintre and Ojas Hiwrekar, who head the Pune-based Koriv Design Studio, designing this 1,600-square-foot home was a deeply personal experience. The owners, a couple with roots in Gujarat, had a unwavering spiritual nature and a clear vision for their home. And they were they were involved in every step of the way to create their heavenly abode — aptly called Vaikuntha.

The design intent

From the outset, the owners expressed a desire for natural finishes that reflect their connection to the earth. “We wanted materials that felt organic and raw — textures that would feel soothing to the hand and grounding to bare feet. Inspired by this vision, we chose materials like wood, raw concrete, jute and stone, which bring an authentic and tactile quality to every corner of the home,” shares Tejas. “The colour palette was intentionally kept neutral, with shades of grey, white, and brown dominating the space. These colours serve as a calming canvas that enhances the raw finishes and natural materials,” adds Ojas.

The design highlights

In the living room one of the elements that hold special significance in Vaikuntha—the traditional Hichka or swing, which is deeply rooted in Gujarati culture—has been incorporated. Crafted from a raw wooden log, the Hichka forms the focal point in the living area. One of the key transformations was merging the previously separate balcony with the living room. Through careful modifications, the architects created a cosy indoor-outdoor seating area that feels distinct from the main living space. The balcony now features wooden finished cabinets, stone flooring, and a cane mesh ceiling that adds an artisanal touch, all contributing to a calming atmosphere. At the heart of this space, a solid wooden piece has been repurposed into seating that bridges the living room and balcony, providing a serene spot designed specifically for meditation and quiet reflection.

The kitchen, which is connected to the living room, features a multipurpose breakfast counter that creates an open, inviting atmosphere. This counter serves as a casual dining area and functional workspace, blending effortlessly into the home’s social hub. The temple room is a space that truly captures the essence of spirituality within Vaikuntha. The door, adorned with movable wooden balls, allows for playful customization and creates a sense of spaciousness and cultural depth. The arches, finished in a raw concrete texture, lend a mesmerizing quality to the space.

The master bedroom exudes the essence of the couple’s spiritual beliefs. Devotees of Sadhguru, they wanted a space that radiates positive energy, warmth, and harmony. The design of the bedroom draws inspiration from traditional Indian rural homes, where wooden lofts are often used for storage, and flooring is finished with natural materials like cow dung, which feels surprisingly pleasant underfoot and offers a profound sense of cultural rootedness. The architects recreated this experience using modern techniques and materials, ensuring the bedroom retains its traditional charm while offering contemporary comfort.

The natural finishes which makes this bedroom a sanctuary in its own has stone floors, concrete-finished walls and open grain wood veneer, that urges the users to experience the textures with their bare feet. And they walk, they can glide their hands along the walls to feel their raw, earthy character, immersing themselves in its natural appeal.

The children’s room introduces an element of playfulness with a custom-built staircase finished in a concrete texture. The bed and wardrobe, crafted from raw pine wood, complement the overall design, maintaining a consistent theme of natural materials.

Vaikuntha is more than just a house; it’s a home that reflects the soul of its inhabitants. Every detail, from the natural finishes to the thoughtful spatial planning, speaks of their love for spirituality, nature, and tradition. “Working on this project was a deeply fulfilling experience, as we were able to translate the couple’s beliefs and values into a space that truly feels like an extension of who they are,” the architects conclude.

Fact File

Project: Vaikuntha
Location: Wakad, Pune
Area: 1,800 sq ft
Principal architects: Tejas Shintre and Ojas Hiwrekar