The “House of Idiosyncrasies” in Pune was born out of an intriguing challenge: to design a space that celebrated individuality and contrast while fostering a sense of harmony. The owners, a young couple with distinct personalities and diverse tastes, approached DR&W with a unique canvas—two mirrored 2BHK apartments combined into a single, expansive 3BHK home. Their request was simple yet profound: a space that would honour their differences while creating unity. This challenge became a source of inspiration for the team at DR&W- Design, Research and Workshop.
Discovering the potential of space
“Walking into the Pune apartment for the first time, I was struck by its latent potential. The central space, flanked by two interconnected balconies, exuded an openness that felt inviting. At the same time, the mirrored layout presented an inherent symmetry that we decided to disrupt” says Jay Shah, Principal Designer at DR&W as he stands in the middle of the space, imagining how he could infuse personality into every corner without losing the structural integrity of the design. What resulted was a design exploration of asymmetry, materiality and the celebration of unique elements.
The expansive living and dining area was envisioned as the heart of the home—a space where textures and finishes could tell their own stories. To elevate the space’s relatively modest volumes, they introduced verticality through bison board panelling with wooden putties. This earthy texture felt raw yet refined, creating a striking contrast to the smooth surfaces typically seen in modern interiors. The beams that interrupted the ceiling became opportunities, not obstacles. Gentle curves softened their presence, adding subtle definition while cleverly concealing functionality.
Lighting played a critical role in balancing practicality with warmth. A mix of cove lights, hanging pendants and surface-mounted fixtures ensured that the space felt both inviting and functional.
One of the defining features of this space is the entryway. A deliberately low-ceilinged vestibule creates a moment of compression before the living area unfolds in its full expanse. This transition amplifies the spatial experience, guiding the eye and spirit toward the house’s core. Adjacent to the dining area, a custom white marble dining table with wooden legs takes center stage, complemented by a birch ply credenza. The credenza’s indigo-stained gradient subtly blends with its natural texture, creating a contrast that serves as a motif throughout the house.
Integral to the couple’s lifestyle, the kitchen was designed to be more than just a space for cooking. DR&W envisioned it as a place for conversation, collaboration and connection. The island counter, clad in Italian marble strips, bridges the kitchen and dining areas. Its serrated surface subtly disrupts the continuity of the marble veins, embracing imperfection as a design feature. Overhead, custom cylindrical stainless steel lights anchor the space, lending an understated elegance to this vibrant corner.
This kitchen became a stage for daily rituals—whether it’s enjoying morning coffee, preparing quick meals or engaging in late-night conversations, this space was designed to accommodate both function and connection.
A world of personality
Moving into the private spaces, each room was designed as a unique world, reflecting the distinct personalities of its inhabitants. The study, for example, serves as a sanctuary—a concealed wooden cabin that prioritises focus and warmth. Hidden behind a door, integrated into the living area’s panelling, the study is clad entirely in wood. A bent-glass study table further enhances the sense of immersion and calm. The space was imagined as a retreat—ideal for disconnecting from the rest of the home to foster deep work and creativity.
In contrast, the master bedroom’s larger volume allowed for layered functionalities. A built-in sofa beside the bed creates an informal seating area, making the room adaptable for both relaxation and interaction. The imperfections of misaligned beams were transformed into intentional design elements. Vertical wooden columns were introduced to frame these irregularities, turning them from flaws into focal points. This room became a reminder that design is as much about problem-solving as it is about aesthetics—finding beauty in what initially appears challenging.
The children’s bedroom, by contrast, is a playful celebration of growth and imagination. Designed for a Lego enthusiast, the room incorporates modular elements that mimic building blocks. Glass bricks form the backdrop for the bed, while black-and-white tiled side tables double as a chessboard. The central carpeted space is left open, a blank canvas for endless Lego creations and imaginative play.
Sensory retreats
The balconies, extensions of the living and dining areas, were treated as sensory retreats. Black china mosaic tiles lend a tactile, shimmering quality underfoot, while the ceiling, clad in cloudy marble, reflects diffused sunlight for a soft ambiance that evokes the feeling of a cloudy sky above. Filled with lush greenery and seating, these spaces serve as a natural extension of the home, inviting moments of pause and connecting the indoors with Pune’s gentle breezes.
In this home, raw materials such as bison board, birch ply and concrete were not concealed but elevated, becoming the protagonists of the design. The polished concrete column in the kitchen, which reveals its raw texture, and the exposed structural elements are a testament to this philosophy. The result is a home that feels lived-in and authentic, where every surface invites touch and exploration.
The ‘House of Idiosyncrasies’ is not just a residence; it is a dialogue—a conversation between materials and inhabitants, between structure and personality. It’s a space where the familiar meets the unexpected, where beauty is found in imperfection and contradiction.
FACT FILE:
Name of the project- House of Idiosyncrasies
Firm Name- DR&W- Design, Research and Workshop
Location- Pune
Area- 2,000 sq ft
Lead Designer- Jay Shah (Principal)
Team- Tanay Bora, Nikhil Yadav
Contractors- Sevalal Interiors, Saee Interiors (Loose Furniture Carpentry)
Photo courtesy- Vivek Eadara