The design of White Tree Architects’ new office is deeply rooted in organic principles, seamlessly blending a traditional modern interior with nature. The project is highly influenced by the context of its site—an old bungalow in Raipur, opposite a lush garden, and home to an ancient neem tree. The presence of this tree became a central design element, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to sustainability and creating a workspace that harmonizes with its surroundings. To further integrate nature into the architecture, cascading creepers were introduced from the terrace, allowing the façade to evolve into a verdant greenscape over time.

Editor’s Note: “Anchored in the quiet strength of a neem tree, the WTA office flourishes into an oasis of light, art, and tradition. White Tree Architects presents a narrative where handcrafted detail, filtered sunlight, and nature’s quiet presence converge. Moreover, this office is a rebirth that redefines what a workspace can be.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

The Neem Tree Inspired A Traditional Modern Interior For This Architecture Studio | White Tree Architects

Structural modifications were thoughtfully executed to stabilize the partly load-bearing, partly framed bungalow while maintaining a fluid, open spatial arrangement. The inclusion of skylights and planter beds brought natural light and greenery indoors, transforming the space into a living, breathing environment. The design embodies a philosophy where every material, texture, and detail carries meaning, ensuring that the workspace is not just functional but also deeply intentional.

Entrance

The entry sequence is designed with a deep reverence for traditional Indian architecture. The first threshold is marked by a wooden door beneath the Neem tree, adorned with handcrafted brass torans, traditionally made of jute rope, mango leaves, and marigolds.

This detail infuses the entrance with cultural symbolism, while motifs of dragonflies and birds embellish the doorway, representing nature and movement. Beyond this door, a green passage lined with plants leads visitors further into the space, setting the tone for an office that merges architecture with organic elements.

Reception

The reception door itself is an artistic statement—one half remains fixed, featuring a mosaic tile panel with “ART” carved in Hindi, while the other half opens to reveal a glass-encased flat vase holding dried flowers, a poetic nod to the firm’s connection with nature and craftsmanship.

Inside, the flooring takes inspiration from rainwater puddles and features highlighter tiles with handcrafted motifs of leaves, flowers, insects, and fish by ceramic artist Priyansha Jaggi. Intricate mosaic work enhances these elements, while a seamless Nano topping in a rich wine shade unifies the surface and creates a visually striking contrast.

The reception wall, constructed from rocks unearthed during excavation, integrates the site’s history into the design. Shilpi Verma painted the artwork using natural pigments derived from soil, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to sustainability. The reception desk stands positioned against this wall, complemented by the piece.

A corridor with a flush veneer-finished door, subtly ombre-tinted to echo the hues of the flooring, leads into the main workspace. Skylights with planter beds beneath them define this light-filled, collaborative environment. They bring dappled sunlight and lush greenery indoors.

Waiting Area Seating Arrangement

One of the planter beds incorporates a unique seating arrangement. It evokes traditional Indian verandas and offers a serene space for reflection and informal discussions.

Conference Room

The conference room, adjacent to the main workspace, exudes artisanal charm. A wooden table with a veneer finish tops a medley of handmade tiles sourced from a local tile store. Thus, bringing craftsmanship and warmth to the space. The room accommodates eight people comfortably, maintaining an understated yet elegant atmosphere.

Private Cabins

The private cabins of principal architects Shreyansh Lunkad and Sachi Lunia Lunkad reflect their distinct creative sensibilities. Shreyansh’s cabin balances functional artistry with unique details. His onyx marble-topped desk features a brass inlay of musical notes. Additionally, it includes a rotating Lazy Susan stone to facilitate collaboration. A structural flaw in the background wall became a textural composition. Wooden spheres threaded onto iron bars, along with arched and randomly placed rectangular grooves. Thus, the surface mimics a brick masonry pattern. The entire wooden composition took shape through careful execution. Moreover, the traditional burnt wood technique finished it with added depth and character.

Sachi’s cabin, in contrast, celebrates nature and intricate craftsmanship. The brass-inlaid desk features flora-inspired motifs as decorative elements. A wall installation takes inspiration from the Bowerbird, a species known for decorating its nest with collected stones and natural elements. Echoing this theme, clusters of hand-selected stones affixed with earthen adhesives create an organic and visually arresting composition. Moreover, they reinforce the interplay between nature and design.

Adjacent to this cabin, a handcrafted wooden art piece adorns the window on the workspace side. Inspired by the historic columns of the Pallava and Chola dynasties, it adds a layer of cultural depth to the design. Designed in-house and brought to life by the skilled artisans at Hello Bastar, it seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary craftsmanship.

Dining Space

A cantilevered mild steel staircase leads to the dining space on the first floor. Moreover, it incorporates laser-cut motifs that mirror the handcrafted tile patterns below. Sunlight streaming through a skylight casts dynamic shadows, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and form.

Art remains a defining feature of the office, with framed pieces by Sachi punctuating the walls. Moreover, it underscores the belief that design is a continuous dialogue between space and its inhabitants.

The inspiration for this project emerged from White Tree Architects’ core philosophy. Their approach centers on design that is organic, rooted in nature, and fluid in its evolution. Moreover, the site itself played a vital role in shaping the concept. With its ancient Neem tree and lush surroundings, it became a foundational element. As a result, the workspace transformed into a living, breathing entity that harmonizes with its environment.

The architects drew from traditional Indian architecture, incorporating handcrafted elements and locally sourced materials. As a result, the workspace embodies cultural symbolism and feels timeless yet contemporary. Every material choice, textural detail, and design element carries meaning. Moreover, the office is not just a functional space but an evolving expression of creativity and sustainability.

Fact File

Designed by: White Tree Architects

Project Type: Office Architecture Renovation and Interior Design

Project Name: WTA Office

Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Project Size: 2670 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Ar. Shreyansh Lunkad & Ar. Sachi Lunia Lunkad

Photograph Courtesy: What we click- Yash Katariya

Artefacts: Hand-painted artwork at reception desk by artist Shilpi Verma; Wooden composition in Ar. Shreyansh Lunkad’s cabin by Hello Bastar

Tiles: Highlighter tiles by artist Priyansha Jaggi

Firm’s Instagram Link: White Tree Architects

For Similar Project >> This Design Office Is Crafted With Artistic Interior