Studio Anhad

By Editorial Staff - 3 March 2025

Resembling a rock-cut cave, the spaces of the Malhar residential building in Lonavala, Maharashtra, are carved into an architectural volume. Designed by Studio Anhad, the home nestles into the landscape of the Sahyadri mountain range, in terrain characterized by dynamic winds and molded by streams nourished by monsoon rains, on a project site of a rectangular, east/west-oriented shape. Owned by the design studio’s founders, Gaurav and Aishwarya Bhangre, the residence accommodates five members of the family spanning three generations.

In addition to the street entrance, the ground floor layout features a lily pond, two parking spaces plus a designated area for bicycles and motorcycles, service rooms, and a back garden. A staircase from the semi-open entrance atrium leads up to the first floor. The living area located here includes a kitchen that serves as the centerpiece of family life, and the grandparents’ bedroom. The master bedroom is situated on the second floor, along with the child’s room; a play area is located on a mezzanine. Staggered levels, double-height spaces, balconies, a patio and an accessible roof offer unexpected views throughout the home, reinforcing the concept of architecture created by subtracting portions from an overall volume. Lighting plays a crucial role in this interplay of voids and solids, not least the inclusion of various skylights. The design’s strong focus on ventilation ensures natural cooling for the interior spaces. The project also incorporates a rainwater harvesting system.

Gaurav and Aishwarya Bhangre’s home captures the essence of Studio Anhad’s work, based on the inspiration of vernacular architecture, emphasizing characteristics associated with a tropical climate, and the creation of spaces that foster a deep sense of belonging.