the seed
- completion
- 2024
- location
- Gamdevi
- city
- Mumbai
- area
- 1,050 sq. ft.
The Seed is a 1,050 sq. ft. apartment in a heritage neighbourhood of South Mumbai, shaped by the character of its old structure, abundant cross-ventilation and views of surrounding jackfruit and mango trees. Designed for a close-knit Kutchhi Gujarati family, the home brings together old-world charm and contemporary living through a reinterpretation of traditional Bhunga architecture. Hand-shaped niches, rounded edges and intricate inlay details are woven into the planning, allowing walls to serve simultaneously as architecture, storage and display while making the most of the existing footprint.
The material palette is rooted in local craft and traditional techniques, with hand-applied lime plaster, earthy limestones, repurposed Burma teak, Indian marble, woven rattan and solid brass defining the interiors. Different limestone mosaics add subtle variation across the home, while custom niches accommodate everything from plants and appliances to a dedicated space for the family’s dogs. Rather than introducing a contemporary aesthetic in isolation, The Seed explores how India’s architectural heritage and handmade traditions can be thoughtfully adapted to a modern urban home, creating a space that feels tactile, timeless and deeply connected to its surroundings.
