Eshita Marwah and Rutvan Sheth transforms this Mumbai residence by fusing centuries-old antiques with cutting-edge design

Situated on the 72nd floor, this 4,000-squarefoot residence—a combination of two adjacent apartments—represents a collaborative triumph between by Eshita Marwah ‘s e & co. and V Create Architects who have transformed a bare shell into what may be one of the city’s most distinctive homes. Discussing the homeowner’s brief, founder of by e & co.

Eshita Marwah shares, “They were looking for something that would suit their young son’s taste which leans towards a more modern, new-age, wabi-sabi aesthetic, while the parents’ preferences are rooted in a more refined and polished style.” The project’s most striking feature is its commanding 270-degree views of Mumbai’s cityscape and the Arabian Sea, but what truly sets it apart is how these spectacular vistas are integrated into a carefully choreographed interior that serves as both a family sanctuary and a professional creative space.

“At our first joint visit to this bare shell apartment, I clearly remember the first thing our client said as we entered was—What a view!!! Let’s make the most of this, and so we did,” reveals Rutvan Sheth, Partner – V Create Architects.

Christened ‘The Antiquarian’s Home’, this residence is a sacred sanctuary for a family of artists, where the design supports their creative endeavours, from painting and sculpture to music and literary pursuits, coherently blending these passions with luxurious living. Here’s an intriguing piece of trivia about this extraordinary dwelling: It is home to what is likely the world’s highest-altitude music production studio. Designed in collaboration with Rolins Acoustics—the acclaimed team behind A.R. Rahman’s award-winning Firdaus Studio—this studio exemplifies cutting-edge design and innovation.

The home’s layout is a masterclass in spatial planning. It features two living rooms, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, two master bedrooms, two guest bedrooms, four bathrooms, an office, and a state-of-the-art recording studio. Each space is meticulously designed to reflect the family’s artistic inclinations and penchant for antiques. The entrance foyer sets the tone with 16th-century antique doors sourced from The Great Eastern Home, leading into living areas that are a harmonious blend of old and new. The curved living room, adorned with strategically placed furniture, invites lively interactions while offering breathtaking views of Mumbai.

When asked about her favorite aspect of the project, Eshita expressed her fondness for the living areas and their seamless connection to the dining room, “It’s a feeling when you enter the home which is indescribable, because of the scale, the views, the use of colour and the high contrasts which is all very bold, striking and breathtaking.” The dining area features hand-drawn artwork on veneer pocket doors, concealing a hidden bar counter, seamlessly merging functionality with artistic expression.

Each bedroom tells a unique story, reflecting the personalities and preferences of its occupants. Suite I, with its micro-concrete finished walls and floors, embodies a wabi-sabi aesthetic that aligns with its occupant’s love for simplicity and natural imperfection. A striking live-edge wood bed back enhances the tranquil retreat, perfectly complementing the panoramic views and creating a space for quiet reflection and relaxation. Suite II exudes warmth with mustard-toned micro-concrete flooring reminiscent of Jaisalmer stone and Burma teak wood cladding, balanced by a custom-made green console and intricate hand-drawn artwork. The guest bedrooms, though compact, maintain the design’s cohesive narrative with terrazzo floors and tailored colour palettes.

Also Read: Inside the Tandem House—How The Melange Studio conceived traditional family living through contemporary design

The son’s domain, including his professional recording studio, known as Evolve Studio, embraces a more contemporary, wabi-sabi aesthetic. The studio itself presented unique technical challenges, requiring comprehensive sound isolation solutions, including a massive 4-foot wide, 5-inch-thick door. For Rutvan, the platform bed in the son’s bedroom represents one of the project’s most compelling design solutions. The architect highlights how this distinctive feature exemplifies the project’s sophisticated approach to design. “This is a low height platform bed, placed right beside the floor-to-ceiling windows, finished in a seamless concrete finish with a large single piece live edge wood headboard. Just imagine walking up here every morning… Pure bliss!” The two balconies, positioned on the southeast and southwest sides, serve as natural transitions between interior and exterior spaces, offering contemplative spots for enjoying Mumbai’s dramatic sunsets.

Material selection played a crucial role in achieving the desired aesthetic balance. The common areas feature black marble flooring juxtaposed against light grey concrete-textured walls, creating a sophisticated backdrop for the family’s collection of artifacts and artworks. The designers employed micro-concrete flooring in varying hues for different rooms, executed by Colourtek, while walls showcase a thoughtful mix of concrete, polyurethane, and stucco finishes.

The Antiquarian’s Home transcends typical luxury residential projects. It’s a space where every element—from the custom-designed hardware to the carefully curated antiques—contribute to a larger narrative about the intersection of art, architecture, and family life. It’s a space that doesn’t merely house a family of artists but actively participates in their creative journey, proving that when executed thoughtfully, architecture itself can be the highest form of art.

FACT FILE:
Location of the project: Mumbai
Design Team: Eshita Marwah, Rutvan Sheth, Moli Patwa, Akshay Jariwala, Ekta Patel
Area: 4,000 sq ft carpet area