The interior design of a restaurant goes beyond mere aesthetics—it should evoke a range of emotions, create a memorable atmosphere, and enhance the overall dining experience. Upon entering Tuya’s, a warm embrace envelops you as your eyes wander in admiration of this beautiful intersection between nature and architecture. Nestled amidst the lush greenery on Juhu’s famed F&B road, Tuya’s is an all-day bar and restaurant crafted by the visionary team of Studio 6158—Natasha Chawla (lead designer) and Parzan Daruwalla (principal architect).
Emerging as a beacon of architectural brilliance and design innovation, this restaurant project takes patrons on a virtual journey through the distinct zones of a Sri Lankan home, seamlessly blending the essence of Geoffrey Bawa’s Tropical Modernist architecture with modern elements. “The day we entered the site we wanted to enhance the independent feel to the space. We look at Tuya’s as a space consisting of three zones. The 3 zones are divided into a courtyard section, outdoors curved garden seating and the indoor home section,” reveals the designer duo.
As you step through the main gate, a black barn door invites you into a world inspired by Geoffrey Bawa’s Tropical Modernist style. The first zone unfolds into a picturesque courtyard, adorned with a sloping Mangalore-tiled roof. Jute knit high bar stools, Otla IPS seating, round tables, and retro-style armchairs create an eclectic blend of seating reminiscent of an Indian home. The black and white columns accentuate the greenery, offering a serene ambiance. The outdoor bar, resembling a festive yet minimal canvas tent, completes the courtyard experience. The client’s vision for an ‘easy’ and ‘playful’ space set the tone for Tuya’s.
“’Play’ in an architectural space can get difficult but we chose to change the vibe in every corner, during daytime or the night. The beauty of the restaurant is that it feels like it always existed while the experience is ever changing. This change is achieved by the beauty of light in the day and night,” further elaborates Natasha. Breaking free from linear arrangements, Tuya’s introduces curved seater booths along the compound space. These booths, facing either the home or the compound wall, connect seamlessly with sliding doors, allowing guests to extend their experience outdoors.
Transitioning indoors, Tuya’s embraces a cosy, navy club vibe. The pop of colour from Japanese line work cloth on the bar back complements the warm, intimate setting. From large family tables to intimate date spots, the indoor space caters to every mood, embodying the essence of a home. Designing Tuya’s presented its share of challenges, from the uneven courtyard space to the unconventional table setup. However, the team overcame these hurdles with creativity and perseverance, resulting in a harmonious blend of spaces that evoked a sense of organic growth.
Tuya’s design incorporates various elements, from Kota stone pathways to MS grill gates and heart leaf philodendrons adding density to partitions. Wood, used decoratively, adds warmth, while the red clay tile roof defines the courtyard. The black and white color palette, with hints of green, creates a visually striking contrast. Hardwoods like teak balance this contrast in furniture, countertops, and table elements. With its predominantly outdoor space, Tuya’s boasts low energy consumption. The addition of plants not only enhances the aesthetics but also contributes to a comfortable outdoor experience.
The USP lies in its ability to transport diners to a tropical paradise within the bustling city of Mumbai, offering an unparalleled ambiance of tranquility and sophistication. Tuya’s stands as a testament to Studio 6158’s commitment to innovative design and functional clarity. With its ever-changing character, Tuya’s promises an immersive experience, where each visit feels like coming home to a familiar yet dynamically evolving space. This tropical marvel in the heart of Juhu is not just a restaurant —it’s an oasis that invites you to indulge in the magic of design, nature, and the art of hospitality.
FACT FILE:
Name of the project: Tuya’s
Firm Name: Studio 6158
Location of the project: Juhu, Mumbai
Design Team and Designation: Natasha Chawla- Lead Designer, Parzan Daruwalla – Principal architect, Tanishka Yadav – Junior Architect
Area (Sq.ft): 2770 sq.ft
Photographs: Anish Padalkar