The Oak House by Studio Poche does not demand attention but rather invites quiet appreciation

The Oak House, designed by Larsen Christian and Keithy Gandhi of Studio Poche, transforms a 2,500 sq ft space into an embodiment of  quiet luxury—where gentle curves instill a profound sense of calmness. Set against the picturesque skyline of S.G. Highway, Ahmedabad this bachelor pad for an industrial businessman melds Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian aesthetics, offering a retreat that is both contemplative and inviting. “The client did not provide any specific design preferences but expressed a desire for simplicity and minimalism in the house, particularly avoiding wall panelling. They favoured oak and walnut wood, which we’ve integrated throughout the spaces,” reveal Larsen and Keithy.

The Essence of Japandi Minimalism

Stepping into The Oak House is like entering a sanctuary. The journey begins in the 38 feet long living area, where natural light dances across lime-washed walls, travertine marble flooring, and boucle-upholstered seating. The living space flows with an almost musical rhythm—curved bean sofas encourage movement rather than static sitting, brass-inlaid wooden center tables reflect light in subtle ways, and striped upholstered armchairs paired with polished black side tables create visual counterpoints. Above, customised dome lamps from Atelier Lumys respond to human movement, enhancing the room’s sense of being alive and responsive.

Further into this thoughtfully composed space, the lounge area is furnished with a chaise lounge and baggy sofa with detachable backrest,  surrounded by a center table perched atop a carved wooden tray.

A Culinary and Social Experience

The Japandi philosophy gets more evident in the dining and kitchen area. A study in contrast, the dining space comprises of a dark tabletop with jute-wrapped chairs, illuminated by exquisitely handcrafted cane lamps. A long granite bar table extends gracefully from a circular column, appearing to hover effortlessly in space. Pendant lamps from Oorja further enhance the interplay of light and shadow, reinforcing the home’s commitment to a natural, atmospheric aesthetic.

The kitchen is an ode to materiality. Stonelam’s Bianco Satuario Venato surface contrasts sharply against walnut-toned shutters and a cement micro-concrete floor, striking a balance between elegance and utility. Here, the seamless integration of materials echoes the homeowner’s preference for a clutter-free, functional environment. “We found the process of designing the living room and kitchen particularly enjoyable,” the Studio Poche team reflects, “as these areas needed to be crafted as open, inviting spaces conducive to social gatherings, without any hindrances towards the exterior. This concept not only enhances the perceived spaciousness but also allows for accommodating a larger number of people comfortably.”

The Tranquility of Private Spaces

The Oak House’s bedrooms focus on textures and restrained colour palettes. The master bedroom features a minimal Japandi bed with cane details. Trapeze side tables lend a sculptural element, while the warm glow of a Kanso handmade pendant lamp by Length Breadth Height envelops the room in a soft ambiance.

One guest room is equipped with a metal bed frame and a velvet-cushioned backrest, accompanied by dome side tables from Objectry and a raw wood-panelled backdrop adorned with brass ambient lamps. A cantilever study table, suspended by sleek metal rods offers a minimalist workspace without visual obtrusion.

The second guest room introduces a modular approach to sleeping arrangements. Two single beds, crafted from polished black wood and cane webbing, can be combined into a double bed, with a movable backrest offering flexibility. A wardrobe finished in textured cane further elevates the design, reinforcing the organic material palette.

A Personal Library of Memories

One of the most distinctive areas of The Oak House is the dedicated office and reading room. Designed as a collector’s haven, it features built-in bookshelves that showcase souvenirs from the homeowner’s travels. A standing desk and a solid wood table with river-polished granite offer both functionality and artistry.

For Studio Poche, The Oak House was an exercise in restraint and purpose. “The challenge lay in curating every element to serve a function while maintaining aesthetic harmony,” the architects explain. Through an unwavering dedication to Japandi principles, they have crafted a home that reflects its inhabitant’s way of life—engineering a sublime balance between light and shadow, material and form, tradition and innovation.

FACT FILE

Project Name: The Oak House

Location: Seventy, Ahmedabad

Area: 2,500 sq ft carpet

Designed By: Larsen Christian & Keithy Gandhi, Studio Poche

Photographs by: Harsheen Mengar