The Design aim of the “Lime House” revolves around transforming the concept of interior design in dense India urban cities. The owners of this small two-bedroom apartment in an old gated colony of Mumbai approached us while looking for someone ‘who could understand the use of natural or recycled materials in making a simple, comfortable living space.’ Incorporating greener methods & materials in one’s home is not just for the purpose of being sustainable, it is a step taken to protect our eco- system. We worked in collaboration with the owners and other material experts to consciously design the space, and improve their quality of life. The Lime House is designed using sustainable materials, passive design strategies and user-oriented furniture design.
The Lime House Is Designed Using Sustainable Materials, Passive Design Strategies And User-Oriented Furniture Design | Design Unbound
Visit : Design Unbound
Fully openable windows enhance the natural ventilation in all rooms, serving as a passive design strategy. Both the furniture design and layout are done in a flexible manner which allows spaces to be used in multiple ways.
For example, the window seating in the living room becomes a part of the dining area when the table is unfolded. As necessary for any Indian household, we’ve made the space adjustable to accommodate upto 15 people, which can be done by re-arranging the furniture.
With the rise in air temperature due to global warming, there is a need to keep the indoors as comfortable as possible without excessive use of electricity for air conditioning.
The apartment being west and south- facing created a challenge of its internal temperature rising because of its external walls being exposed to the sun.
A wall plastered with lime has the tendency to absorb moisture due to its high level of porosity, as opposed to a wall plastered with cement and paint that are impermeable. Due to this property of lime plaster, dampness or water leakages on the surfaces of the walls during monsoons are reduced.
As a solution to this, we were prompted to revisit traditional methods that were much more prevalent before the discovery of modern materials like concrete – the principles of building with mud and lime plaster.
A cushioned niche near the master bedroom window also serves two purposes- to be used as a bench with a desk for writing or to enjoy a lazy afternoon nap.
The plaster simply absorbs the water which then evaporates on its own. This absorption of moisture causes a transfer in the latent heat which keeps the walls cooler in summers.
It also repels dust and the high pH of lime prevents the growth of mould, making the air quality healthier especially for people with allergies.
The process involved making lime plaster with natural aggregates. A base coat of surkhi or brick bat powder obtained by crushing and sieving waste bricks from construction sites further eliminates the need of using virgin materials like river sand.
Multiple samples involving varied combinations of surkhi and river sand were made in order to come up with a mix best suitable for the climatic conditions of the site.
The Lime House has been envisioned as a contemporary solution to the changing climate through incorporating well-designed spaces in sustainable materials. Focusing on comfort and minimalistic living, this space intertwines modern design with the simplicity of life.
Fact File
Designed by : Design Unbound
Project Type : Residential Interior Design
Project Name : The Lime House
Location : Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Year Built : 2021
Duration of the project : 8 months
Project Size : 700 Sq.ft
Project Cost : 25 Lakhs
Principal Architects : Ar. Sagar Kudtarkar & Ar. Akash Sharma
Team Design Credits : Ar. Khyati Patel, Ar. Manna Sam & Ar. Gargi Sawant
Photograph Courtesy : Relic Studio
Products / Materials / Vendors : Sanitaryware – jaquar / Furniture – Aamir Wood Works / Flooring – Vishal Mhapralkar / Kitchen – Sleek Kitchen / Paint – 3 coats of lime plaster / Artefacts – Antara Pain
Firm’s Website Link : Design Unbound
Firm’s Instagram Link : Design Unbound
Firm’s Facebook Link : Design Unbound
For Similar Project >> This Mumbai Apartment Is Flooded With Ample Natural Light And Huge Fenestrations
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 […]