SDA 2022 Entries

• Commercial Building - Buildings that are used for commercial purposes, and include retail, hospitality, workplaces, factories and warehouses and buildings where commercial services are provided. At least 50 percent of the buildings’ floor space will be used for commercial activities. 

This modern cafe draws inspiration from the havelis of Rajasthan serving as an oasis in the bustling streets of Bandra, the Bohemian suburb of Mumbai. Shah had the creative freedom to weave through the brief. ‘Joshi House’ pays homage to the client’s background reminiscent of his native place encapsulating the essence of artifacts and design objects from Rajasthan pushing the envelope with minimalism. The overall experience of dining at the restaurant draws parallels with the customs and traditions of fine hospitality while serving a guest paired with the warmth lent by the intricacy of Rajasthani artisanship. The outdoor area of the site along with its corridors were reminiscent of the haveli and reinforced the design concept behind the restaurant. This minimalist mansion with its elegant comfort paired with Shah’s signature Wabi Sabi aesthetic serves as the definition of modern luxury.

Journeying amidst the old courtyards of Rajasthan, the theme based ‘private rooms’ that spread across the two storeyed stand-alone bungalow exude the warmth of a haveli with its wooden rafters and raw plastered walls on the exterior. The restaurant celebrates craftsmanship through hand-carved columns, impeccably detailed marble railings and hand-cut mirrored ceilings, honouring the philosophies of wabi-sabi through a juxtaposition of perfect imperfection.

Every nook and corner was treated as a work of art and has a story to share. The bar transports one to a night safari with its characteristic charcoal wall murals featuring elephants etched by local artisans. These monochrome murals against the golden brass bar with its delicate mirror cut ceilings looming above represent a different side of Rajasthan throwing light on its pomp and pageantry. The courtyard styled al fresco dining area with its fluffy cushion laden sofas, vibrant red chairs and hand carved marble balustrades is placed beside a gurgling marble fountain and flanked by carefully moulded arches framing each table. The stairs pave the way on to an intimate balcony seating with emerald green high backed armchairs featuring their silver lion armrests. The various spaces in the restaurant are instrumental in evoking different moods and emotions taking the viewer through a medley of experiences. The interior setting plays with the minimal aesthetic and restraint, Shah gears towards and pairs it with a riot of colour, an entirely new avatar, a celebration into the post-covid world!

Much like Atelier Ashiesh Shah’s philosophy, the space is infused with design objects and processes celebrating artisans and the notion of craftsmanship. Whether the monochromatic bar characterized by its splendid ‘Tikdi’ work or the finely painted murals and wall paintings across the interior, done locally on site, ’Joshi House’ is a synchrony of artisanship from across the country. Custom-carved marble railings and columns are spread across the double heighted restaurant with intricate inlay work on its tables, a representation of impeccable handcrafted detail done by skilled artisans from Rajasthan.

Although traditional, the elements borrowed from Rajasthani architecture are steered towards a minimal lens with a modern flair celebrating Indian design. The infusion of vivid reds and colour blocking accompanied with geometric motifs in place of the traditional paisley layering makes the space more chic and vibrant.

Completion Date : August , 2021
Cost of the Project : ₹2,00,00,000/-

Joshi House is deeply inspired by the havelis of Rajasthan. The outdoor area and its palette accompanied with the sculptural water fountain exudes a cooler and calmer feel much like the aangan in a haveli. While each space internally has a subtle underlying theme, the indoors, with marble and wood used extensively, have a luxurious feel to it. The walls washed in white paired with the skillfully crafted marble balustrades and arches reminiscent of Rajasthan help view this genre. Although traditional, the elements borrowed from Rajasthani architecture are steered towards a minimal lens with a modern flair. From a monochromatic dining area to a gypsy courtyard, silver room to a luxe black and white bar lounge, the interior setting plays with the minimal aesthetic.

From the beaten metal edge detail in the marble inlay tables to the silver green arm chairs with delicate carvings, every piece of furniture is tastefully chosen to enhance the space. These are complimented with soft furnishings in an array of materials.Curtains in black velvet help demarcate the bar from the rest of the spaces and panels in linen with silver Gota details that exude a sense of luxury to the space. The addition of white sheers lends a sense of warmth to this minimal abode.

Much like Atelier Ashiesh Shah’s philosophy, the space is infused with design objects and processes celebrating artisans and the notion of craftsmanship. The monochromatic bar characterized by its splendid glass cut mirror ceiling or the finely painted murals across the interior done on site, ’Joshi House’ is a synchrony of artisanship from across the country thereby promoting a localisation of resources helping reduce the carbon footprint. Custom-carved marble railings and columns are spread across the double heighted restaurant with intricate inlay work on its tables, a representation of impeccable handcrafted detail done by skilled artisans from Rajasthan. In light of the pandemic, we had the opportunity of collaborating with a range of craftsmen; several artists from villages were commissioned to collaborate, thereby helping village crafts and providing them with employment opportunities.