A 280 Sq. Ft. Apartment Built with Leftover Stones? This Kolar Home Shows How Minimalism Meets Sustainability

The Room by Spaces by Divakar is the Gold Winner in the Interior Design – Residential Apartment (less than 1000 sq.ft.) category at the VOX Architecture Ideas 2024 competition—this project redefines frugal innovation through a refined, climate-conscious lens.

Project Name: the room
Location: Kolar, Karnataka
Year: 2024
Area: 280

2025 Winner

Category – Interior Design - Residential Apartment (Less than 1000 sq.ft.)

Divakara Murthy V

Spaces by Divakar

Spaces by Divakar, founded by architect Divakara Murthy V, is a multidisciplinary design practice driven by a passion for creating innovative, sustainable, and context-sensitive architecture. With a deep commitment to crafting spaces that are not only aesthetically compelling but also environmentally and functionally responsible, the studio engages in architecture, interior design, and furniture design.

Divakara Murthy V holds a B.Arch from R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore, and has earned international recognition for his academic thesis drawing, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Architecture Drawing Prize 2019 at the World Architecture Festival and exhibited at the Sir John Soane’s Museum in London.

The studio’s work is marked by an ethos of sustainability and resourcefulness. One of its notable projects, THE ROOM, exemplifies this approach—designed with a modest budget of ₹1200 per sq. ft., it incorporates repurposed materials such as leftover stone and granite, and highlights local craftsmanship and labor.

At Spaces by Divakar, every project is an opportunity to innovate with intention, combining form and function to create timeless, thoughtful spaces that resonate with people and place.

About the Project

Located in the heart of Kolar town in Karnataka, this 280 sq. ft. residence is not just a compact home—it’s a manifesto for sustainable living. Conceived and executed at a modest cost of ₹1200 per sq. ft., the project exemplifies how good design doesn’t need to be expensive—it just needs to be intentional.

The concept was simple yet profound: reduce the environmental footprint while crafting a warm, livable space. The architect sourced salvaged stones, marble, and granite remnants from Jigani stone yards, weaving these forgotten materials into a cohesive and expressive design narrative. Leftover materials—typically discarded as waste—were transformed into floors, surfaces, and accents that now radiate character and function.

What makes The Room remarkable isn’t just its material reuse, but how it still manages to feel beautifully resolved. Every detail—from the tactile quality of salvaged finishes to the layout that maximizes openness—is a testament to local craftsmanship and creative efficiency. Even within spatial limitations, the apartment provides comfort, personality, and a deep sense of place.

Led by architect Divakara Murthy V, Spaces by Divakar champions design solutions that are rooted in sustainability and local context. The practice is known for its sensitive material use, commitment to affordability, and hands-on collaboration with local artisans—values fully embodied in The Room.

✨ Have a vision that merges design with purpose? Submit your work to VOX Architecture Ideas 2025 and join a community shaping the future of meaningful spaces. Register now!