Matka house is a sustainably designed and built abode in the suburbs of Mumbai, for my family. Sustainable interiors being an unconventional option in the market, was difficult a choice for the family to make. Trusting my conviction, our eco-home started taking shape, featuring the fusion of traditional materials with contemporary design. This project celebrates the spirit of art by using handcrafted skills and adopting hand-painted murals to decorate the spaces.
An Eco-apartment Following Norms of Sustainable Interiors | Tina Kedia Architects
Material selection was the most critical task as the chosen natural materials needed to suit the urban context and lifestyle. The key material used in all the spaces majorly is terracotta. Terracotta tiles are one of the oldest forms of flooring and are good at maintaining indoor temperature.
My concept behind designing spaces was to give a holistic experience of visual appeal, physical comfort, and psychological calm. In this eco-home, terracotta tiles are used in flooring, giving it the desired rustic vibe and responding to Mumbai’s heat.
Hand-carved stone washbasins are used in bathrooms made by local stone masons. The idea was to replace conventional materials with natural materials to reduce carbon consumption, wherever possible. The entrance opens up into a terracotta jali wall directing the users towards the living area, while also partially displaying the dining area in the rear.
The living area portrays a well-balanced composition of space using reclaimed teakwood furniture with elementary design. It is built skillfully by local carpenters. The original kitchen wall was brought down to allow natural light to spill into the dining area.
The access for the passage is merged with the kitchen to design an extended seating by the kitchen. The access overlooks a green corner with a hand-carved and painted stone basin surrounded by natural greens over the bamboo screen.
The art murals reflect the client’s heritage, Rajasthani roots, and present-day yogic lifestyle. They are all painted by me, adding a personal touch to the dwelling. The walls and floors are humble documentation of Rajasthani folk art-Mandana (a dying art form). It perfectly blends with the red terracotta background as they were traditionally painted on red mud walls with lime.
These murals are symbolic portrayals of the family’s culture. The bedroom’s walls reflect murals of yoga asanas and meditation creating the desired serene ambience for the family. I wanted to create a feeling of sense of belonging for the family beyond their ownership of the house. For which the paintings and cross-stitch work done by my mother and sister in their growing age are used as artworks.
To beat the glare of Mumbai’s tropical sun, locally handcrafted bamboo blinds are used for the openings. It adds to the rustic palette of the house. Naturally dyed and traditionally block-printed upholstery and curtains are selected as a screen between the inside and the outside.
The clients enjoy hosting guests for which the need for extra seatings. This is fulfilled by designing baithak seats in all the rooms. The terracotta used on the terrace backdrop wall creates a magical effect with the combination of folk-art murals and a hand-painted wooden swing.
The former doubtful clients now adore this natural habitat which continuously keeps them connected with nature and peace due to its sustainable interiors. Matka house is the name given by my mother after feeling the coolness and tranquillity in her new home.
Fact File
Designed by: Tina Kedia Architects
Project Type: Apartment Interior Design
Project Name: Pot House – Matka house
Location: Ulhasnagar, Mumbai, India
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 18 Months
Project Size: 1000 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Tina Kedia
Photograph Courtesy: Nipun Prabhakar (Instagram)
Photograph Courtesy: Nipun Prabhakar (Website)
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Terracotta tiles- Prajapati tiles Morbi / Lighting – CraftLipi- terracotta lights, Rattan lights, Philips lights / Doors and Partitions – Jindal sliding systems, Wooden doors handcrafted, Bamboo partitions handcrafted, Stone partitions, Terracotta jali partitions- Prajapati tiles / Sanitaryware – Jaquar / Windows – Jindal sliding systems, bamboo blinds – Tokar ecoart / Furniture – Hand crafted reclaimed teakwood furniture / Flooring – Terracotta tiles- Prajapati tiles Morbi / Kitchen – On site carpentar made kitchen furniture / Paint – Asian paint Royale / Hardware – Haffele, Enox, Hardwyn, Shapes handles
Firm’s Instagram Link: Tina Kedia Architects
For Similar Project>>> A Cozy and Charming Casa with a Splash of Spanish Flair
In the midst of Mumbai’s restless hum, where the city rarely slows, stands an apartment house that feels like a deep breath. A sanctuary where quiet luxury intertwines with the timeless philosophy of wabi-sabi, it celebrates subtlety, imperfection, and the beauty of restraint. This is not a house that shouts; it is one that speaks […]
The clients, both working professionals in the IT industry, approached the design of their home with clarity and conviction. Their vision was a curated design that is elegant in a modern, sophisticated home with golden accents and a curated colour palette reflecting their style. A Curated Design And Clear Conviction Reflects The Client’s Vision In […]
In a city where every square foot comes at a premium, The Design Chapel has transformed a modest 2BHK house into a canvas of quiet sophistication and spatial ingenuity. The project exemplifies how minimal living, when executed with precision, can make a home feel not just larger—but infinitely more liveable. This 2BHK House Is A […]
“Minimal, Elegant, and Personal” — this guiding motto shaped the vision and execution of a smart space. This turns it into a calm and inviting retreat amidst the city’s constant hustle. The family’s primary wish was to have a space that felt soft, cosy, and nurturing while being highly functional for their everyday needs. “The […]
This Zen Home Reflects The Perfect Balance of Memory And Functionality. The residence was designed keeping in mind the unique personality of our client who believes in simple living and high thinking, and wanted an understated and uncluttered space. The overall design language was based in ‘mindful elegance’ with minimal yet functional elements that strive […]
In the modern house interior design of this residence, every detail tells a story of creativity and individuality. The contemporary wooden door, features exquisite black glass that adds a touch of drama and allure to the entryway, and a central metal rod accent in the safety door between those arches embraces the perfect blend of […]
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 […]
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 […]
Let’s dive into a brand new topic – sliding wardrobe design, where functionality meets modern style! Whether you want to add a sleek, contemporary touch to your room or an Indo-fusion design aesthetic, sliding wardrobe can make a perfect choice to optimize space. In this post, we’ll delve into the latest trends on sliding wardrobe […]
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 […]