Open Atelier Mumbai transforms the historic Green Gift Bungalow into a vibrant office space

Mumbai’s rich architectural history is often at odds with its rapid urbanization, where heritage buildings are increasingly demolished to make way for contemporary structures. Open Atelier Mumbai offers an alternative: adaptive reuse. The TOAST Events office, housed in the 100-year-old Green Gift Bungalow, exemplifies this ethos. Retaining the building’s colonial-era charm, the design introduces non-intrusive interventions to create a fluid, collaborative workspace that bridges the past and present.

Spanning 2,000 sq. ft. over three storeys, the TOAST office showcases a dynamic spatial configuration that encourages collaboration and creativity. Visitors are welcomed by a winding staircase leading to the first floor, where a spill-out area connects workstations, a pantry, accounts, and conference rooms.

The second floor embodies a non-hierarchical spirit, housing the founder’s workspace, a concept room, and a terrace area. The terrace fosters informal interactions and community building, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. Together, these spaces reflect a free-flowing layout that prioritizes connectivity and versatility.

Preserving Heritage with a Modern Twist

The design approach focuses on preserving the bungalow’s historic fabric while adding modern, colorful accents. White-washed walls serve as a neutral backdrop for pastel hues that highlight architectural elements like fenestrations, door frames, and roofing details. Shades of green, blue, orange, and red bring vibrancy to work areas, while geometric patterns and ornamental paintings in corridors add playful character.

The original flooring tiles, carefully refurbished, contrast beautifully with the minimalist white walls, celebrating the building’s century-old legacy. These heritage elements are harmonized with modern interventions, creating a visual dialogue between history and contemporary design.

Lighting as a Design Connector

A linear lighting system, featuring suspended luminaires in exposed conduits, unifies the office’s design. Strategically placed lights illuminate work areas while doubling as statement pieces that accentuate architectural details. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth and movement to the space, reducing glare and fostering a sense of spatial harmony.

Efficiency in Design and Execution

Completed in a record-breaking 25 days, the project demanded a meticulous plan. With just five days for design and 20 for execution, the team prioritized modular and prefabricated furniture, primarily sourced from IKEA. Minimal interventions, such as white walls with accent colors and the avoidance of complex panelling, ensured efficiency without compromising aesthetics.

The TOAST Events office reflects Open Atelier Mumbai’s commitment to adaptive reuse and purposeful design. By retaining the integrity of the historic Green Gift Bungalow and infusing it with modern functionality, the project bridges the gap between Mumbai’s rich past and its evolving future. A lively, collaborative workspace, it exemplifies how heritage can be preserved and repurposed as a sustainable way forward.

FACT FILE

Name of the Project: TOAST Heritage

Location: Mumbai

Principal Designer: Rahul Mistri

Design Firm: Open Atelier Mumbai

Design Team: Rahul Mistri, Anju Mukhi, Parth Soni, Nakul Saroj, Tejasvi Parashar

Site Area: 2000 sq.ft

Total Built-up Area: 2600 sq.ft

Start Date: 1stApril, 2024

Completion Date: 31st April, 2024

Photographer: Terrace

Interior Stylist: Anju Mukhi Mistri

Wall Art: Bhavesh Davane