An architect's life is a balancing act, navigating demanding clients while tirelessly working both on and off-site. When Gargi Kulkarni Pherwani and Sahil Pherwani of Studio Gasp became their own clients to create their first studio office in Pune, it was a fun and uniquely challenging process. Transitioning from co-working spaces to their own office in Pune was surreal, marked by the transformation of a dingy, 40-year-old two-bedroom apartment into a robust and rustic work home. Reflecting on the theme, Gargi shares, “We envisioned a space that fosters creativity while being easy to maintain and execute. The joy of calling it our first studio was motivation enough to tackle the constraints of this 980-square-foot dilapidated apartment.”
One walks into Studio Gasp through a simple doorway that opens into the waiting area. The floor, crafted from pre-cut black basalt stone, is complemented by the concrete-finished walls and sets the stage for the creativity that flows throughout. The studio's open layout effortlessly connects its various spaces. Adjacent to the waiting area sits the conference room on one side, while offering glimpses of the bustling studio on the other. With its folding doors open, the waiting area expands, inviting a sense of spaciousness. Inside the conference room, a versatile live-edge table with mild steel legs serves as a focal point, easily transforming for both private meetings and collaborative sessions.
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The designer duo's deep passion for art and their growing collection of artefacts greatly influenced the design of their studio. Many of these pieces adorn the walls, evoking a sense of nostalgia and memories from their travels. Stepping through from the waiting area, visitors enter the studio space, complete with a material library and art display. Here, surrounded by samples, objects, artefacts, and books, creativity thrives. At the heart of the studio sits a large sage green table, where the team collaborates to produce exceptional work. The mix of new and repurposed doors and windows adds to the studio's timber-inspired atmosphere.
The studio's design incorporates an adjacent open cabin, thoughtfully designated for immersive work sessions amidst the dynamic atmosphere of the office's creative nucleus. This snug cabin features captivating artwork and a serene balcony at its rear, providing an inviting space for solo work endeavours or client consultations. Situated on the studio's western side, balconies serve as cosy breakout spots, their louvres adeptly blocking the evening sun while fostering a sense of privacy from neighbouring spaces, yet still offering glimpses of the outside world. These zones are strategically positioned around a central core, housing essential office amenities such as the pantry, restroom facilities, electrical distribution boards, and support services, ensuring a well-organised and functional workspace.
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The studio has a charming rustic vibe, with a blend of greenery, artwork, and modern lighting. The layout takes advantage of the existing residential structure, giving it a unique character. Design choices were influenced by the building's uneven walls, high ceilings, and reinforced concrete lofts. Renovating a 40-year-old standalone building was no small feat, involving repairs to structural elements, plumbing, electrical systems, and even some updates to the exterior. Specialised tools were used to carefully remove non-load-bearing walls and a mezzanine slab without causing vibrations. The overall design of the studio reflects the designers' personal style, influenced by their travels and the site's features, resulting in a functional and stylish space.
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