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
Where Contemporary Elegance Meets Colour-Pop Charm Nestled in the heart of the city, this elegantly designed 3BHK residence by informe designs is a celebration of balance where contemporary sophistication is effortlessly layered with playful colour-pop elements. The result is a home that is not only visually stunning but also deeply personal and welcoming. Informé Designs […]
Designed for a family of four, this 3BHK apartment strikes a balance between openness and functionality. “The client presented a straightforward brief, rich with intent—design an open furniture layout in the common areas to allow flexibility, and create bedrooms that maximise storage while maintaining clarity and ease of flow.” The design approach, therefore, was to […]
In an age when life stretches easily across borders, a second home isn’t just a luxury — it’s a lifestyle. For a young Dubai-based couple, originally from Surat, their fluid design vacation apartment was never meant to be a quiet hideaway. Instead, the designers imagined it as a stage for living well — a place […]
Located in Baner, Pune in an up-and-coming neighborhood is the 3-bedroom residence housing the Kulkarni family. The vibrant home is an intimate space and has been designed as such with sparse furnishing and bright, lively touches. While the living and dining areas remain light-filled and anchored by a beautiful breakfast bar perfect for hosting, the […]
It is a 2000 Sq. Ft. 4bhk residential flat’s interior project at Surat. it’s one of our most special project because form very beginning, our client Mr. Jayesh Bhai Naik and his wife Mrs. Sonal Naik gave us full freedom to design and execute. They allowed us to showcase our creativity. It was naked flat […]
What makes House of Heart stand out isn’t a new gadget or flashy material, it’s the intention. Most homes today want to look perfect; this ultra modern home wants to feel perfect in the way comfort and memory make you feel perfect. This Ultra Modern Home Stands Out For Its Clean Lines And Thoughtful Planning […]
In the monsoon of 2023, our client came to us with a newly purchased 3 bedroom apartment of the recently launched Prestige Hillside Gateway Apartments in Kakkanad, Kerala. Similar to most apartments, this one too had limitations in space in terms of a flexible layout. On our first visit, the main requirement that our client […]
The 36th Horizon offers a sweeping view of Mumbai’s ever-evolving skyline from its position as a mindful high-rise retreat perched on the 36th floor. Framing the chaos of the city in soft silence, this home covered in pastel colors strikes a delicate balance where urban energy stays outside, and a warm, grounded calmness thrives within. […]
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 […]