Pune Houzz: This Luxe Penthouse is a Bungalow in the Sky
This spacious high-rise apartment by TAO Architecture is a gateway to the outdoors
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their three children
Location: Pune
Year built: 2016
Size: 478 square metres (5145 square feet); 5 bedrooms; 5 bathrooms
Interior designer and architect: Manish Banker of TAO Architecture Pvt. Ltd.
Photos by Vivek Sharma
“The clients had expressed their wish for the penthouse to be modelled on a bungalow, and thus, the project was conceived as a combination of open spaces and private enclosures, staggered across various levels. The project was fittingly christened the ‘Bungalow in the Sky’. Despite being perched 12 storeys above the ground, the home establishes a deep dialogue between the indoors and the natural environment, primarily via large glazed openings that maximise daylight, greenery and ventilation,” says Manish Banker, founder and principal architect of TAO Architecture.
Who lives here: A couple and their three children
Location: Pune
Year built: 2016
Size: 478 square metres (5145 square feet); 5 bedrooms; 5 bathrooms
Interior designer and architect: Manish Banker of TAO Architecture Pvt. Ltd.
Photos by Vivek Sharma
“The clients had expressed their wish for the penthouse to be modelled on a bungalow, and thus, the project was conceived as a combination of open spaces and private enclosures, staggered across various levels. The project was fittingly christened the ‘Bungalow in the Sky’. Despite being perched 12 storeys above the ground, the home establishes a deep dialogue between the indoors and the natural environment, primarily via large glazed openings that maximise daylight, greenery and ventilation,” says Manish Banker, founder and principal architect of TAO Architecture.
The apartment’s doorway is rooted in a soft-lit ambient aesthetic. The door, as well as the sweeping panelled door frame, are clad in deep-toned wood that infuses warmth and richness into the space. A cluster of ornamental wall lamps serve as a charming design statement while highlighting the bench beneath.
“The home’s material palette is primarily composed of naturally finished wood, marble, leather, metal and textiles, while the colour scheme alternates between soft pastels and bursts of colour,” notes Banker.
The plush formal living room, punctuated by indigo, beige and gold, reveals a larger-than-life abstract oil painting that mirrors the hues of the furnishings and statement chandeliers. The canvas is mounted on a custom ivory-hued storage cabinet that effectively works as a tasteful screen tailored for privacy. Oversized sofas present a picture of sumptuous comfort, while a rustic wooden coffee table lends an elegant edge to the room.
Flooring: Italian marble; paint: Asian Paints, San Marco; furniture: Fendi, Flexform
The plush formal living room, punctuated by indigo, beige and gold, reveals a larger-than-life abstract oil painting that mirrors the hues of the furnishings and statement chandeliers. The canvas is mounted on a custom ivory-hued storage cabinet that effectively works as a tasteful screen tailored for privacy. Oversized sofas present a picture of sumptuous comfort, while a rustic wooden coffee table lends an elegant edge to the room.
Flooring: Italian marble; paint: Asian Paints, San Marco; furniture: Fendi, Flexform
Adjacent to the formal living room, on the other side of the passageway, is a dramatic double-height family room that opens out onto an outdoor deck. Blessed with abundant daylight, the lounge offers a spacious, bright and airy aesthetic, while still managing to preserve a relaxed and cosy vibe.
The landscaped balcony acts as an extension of the family room, providing scenic vistas of the city, and establishing a connection between the indoors and the outdoors.
“The clients were keen on having plenty of common spaces that would allow for maximum family bonding. This balcony was an expression of that vision,” says Banker.
“The clients were keen on having plenty of common spaces that would allow for maximum family bonding. This balcony was an expression of that vision,” says Banker.
The sun-kissed dining room is a pastel haven, ideal for relaxed family gatherings. The pale mint- and sand-toned chairs and blonde onyx table conjure a minimalist mealtime setting.
Dining chairs: Flexform; dining table is custom-made
Dining chairs: Flexform; dining table is custom-made
The master bedroom, steeped in classic gold and champagne, features distinct zones for sleeping and lounging. While the former zone is muted and minimalist, the latter is embellished in rich wood panelling and measured pops of colour. The room opens out to a private open-to-sky deck that offers sweeping panoramas of the city.
Bedroom furnishings: Casa Nir
Bedroom furnishings: Casa Nir
The countertops and shower enclosure in the adjoining master bathroom are clad in green onyx stone, which provides visual variety against the pared-back ceiling and walls.
The son’s bedroom is outfitted in navy blue and steel grey, and embodies the quintessential bachelor pad. Opposite the bed, a partition wall and custom wall-mounted TV console table serve as a clever partition for the study niche beyond. The room also features a capacious walk-in wardrobe and a private seating area, both hidden from view in this picture.
A steel-and-wood spiral staircase connects the apartment to the terrace. It is highlighted by a spa-like basin counter.
The terrace hosts an indoor lounge-cum-home theatre area that can be instantly expanded into a sprawling party deck. Additionally, the floor houses a guest bedroom, house-staff quarters and a hobby room, apart from an expansive outdoor deck with seating. Beyond the deck lies an infinity pool and a salon and spa.
“The terrace rooms feature continual glazing along their walls, to allow for panoramic views of the Pune skyline,” says Banker.
“The terrace rooms feature continual glazing along their walls, to allow for panoramic views of the Pune skyline,” says Banker.
This cross-section view of the penthouse shows ventilation patterns through the double-height, staggered floor plates.
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Read more:
Two Mumbai Flats Combine to Create a Chic, Spacious Apartment
This Instagrammer’s Delhi Home is a Treasure Trove of Memories
Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.
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