The Masterclass ‘Beyond the Surface: Stories around Natural Finishes’ is led by Agnimitra Poornima Bachi and Shruthi Ramakrishna. It explores the relationship between craft, material, and human emotion through natural finishes like unburnt lime and hardened clay. This immersive storytelling performance examines how ancient, tactile materials carry memories of land, water, and skilled artisan hands. The narrative links artisans’ calluses to emotional states such as longing, revealing the depth behind traditional techniques. It demonstrates how these methods lend dignity and richness to contemporary design, connecting heritage with modern aesthetics.It invites viewers to explore how fostering relationships with our materials brings lasting value to the spaces we inhabit.
Shruthi and Agnimitra exchange letters exploring natural materials in contemporary construction. Shruthi discusses a Bengaluru residence where lime-plastered walls developed delicate hairline cracks. These cracks, though beautiful, sparked concern about imperfection and material behavior. Agnimitra replies from Morba, reflecting on similar haveli restoration experiences. He notes that process variations like uneven carbonation or hand-polishing are not defects. Such nuances celebrate the artisan’s hand, adding depth, texture, and narrative to the surfaces.
Building a large curved wall for the Kavali Literature Festival. Agnimitra revealed the secret to a perfect finish: traditional Kodi plaster from a three-generation-old hidden vat. The plaster was mixed by taste using ingredients like Google resin and jaggery for authentic texture. Despite modern deadlines, Shruthi struggled to justify natural materials against trending glass and concrete designs. They found common ground in the slow, graceful process of these traditional methods and their value. The story emphasizes that true craftsmanship lies in the relationships built, with plaster mixes sometimes gifted meaningfully.
Ultimately, Beyond the Surface challenges modern architecture’s preference for flawless, rapid finishes. It advocates resilience and beauty in traditional materials. The narrative shows that cracks and variations in handmade lime and clay plasters are not failures, but evidence of a living process and skilled hands. Honoring artisan knowledge and allowing materials time to settle creates spaces with stories and enduring dignity. The journey from doubt to realization reveals that sustainability connects deeply with our emotional bond with the earth.
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
In Indian homes with dynamic spaces, identification of standard interior door dimensions can have a positive impact on space optimization. First impressions matter, right? Beyond spaces inside the homes, doors carry long-time impressions through various panel sizes, intricate details, and more. While most of us remember the material and design, we tend to forget the […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
Welcome to the dynamic world of Moodboards For interior design, where creativity melds with functionality and imagination reshapes spaces. As an interior designer, you wield one of your most potent tools: the moodboards for interior design. Acting as a visual manifesto, it comprises a curated collection of ideas, textures, colours, and furnishings that converge to […]
Anthropometry in architecture is the study of human body measurements and proportions to design and layout spaces, furniture, and other elements. It is important to create environments that are comfortable, functional, and cater to the needs of occupants. Anthropometry in architecture considers cultural differences in body size and shape, ensuring diverse backgrounds and characteristics are […]