2025 Winner
Category - Interior Design -> Residential Villa & Bungalow
Kamakshi Shah
Kasha Design
Tucked away in the folds of the Sahyadri hills, this villa offers a sanctuary far removed from Mumbai’s restless rhythm. Envisioned as a tranquil retreat, the home draws from the client’s nostalgic love for North India’s hill stations—destinations where time slows down and architecture effortlessly blends vintage charm with contemporary comfort. The design responds to this sentiment with a warm, earthy palette and carefully curated tactile materials that evoke familiarity while celebrating the surrounding scenery.
The spatial planning emphasizes leisure, openness, and a deep connection to the outdoors. Adorned with Kota stone, teak wood, and granite, every space is rooted in natural textures and understated luxury. The villa comprises a spacious living and dining area, four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, an entertainment room, and a machaan that sits like a crown atop the home. Simple yet thoughtful interventions enhance the existing structure—strategic openings encourage unhindered visual and spatial flow, while window benches, daybeds, and integrated study niches transform transitional corners into inviting moments of pause.
The machaan is designed as a cherished vantage point: a built-in Kota bench paired with a slatted granite sill creates the perfect spot to recline and take in sweeping panoramic views of the valley. Below, a grey Kota stone deck wraps around an emerald-green infinity pool that visually dissolves into the treetops, creating a sense of floating within the natural terrain.
Materiality anchors the design narrative from the moment one steps inside. Green Kota stone runs seamlessly through the home in two subtle finishes—each adding depth, visual continuity, and a nuanced play of light and shadow. Its varying patterns evoke the ridges of the hills and the layered textures of the forests beyond. Teak wood accents introduce warmth, while curated vintage-inspired furniture and décor infuse personality without overwhelming the architecture.
This villa is crafted as an escape—one that revives the soul through closeness to nature, understated luxury, and design that feels both rooted and timeless. Here, the landscape is not just a backdrop, but a constant, living presence—calming, grounding, and shaping the experience of home.
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