孟买三层公寓丨Neterwala Aibara

This gorgeous Mumbai triplex is a play of monumental proportions

Sculptural forms, restrained tones and eclectic art take equal pride of place in this three-storey apartment by Neterwala Aibara.

Mumbai, the Maximum City. It's a description befitting all its parts—the suburbs and the sky rises, the streetscapes and the seafront—ever spirited, yet never spent. Rare, then, are those places that slow down long enough to let its dwellers stop and truly breathe. Rare, but not impossible, as interior designers Freeyan Neterwala and Zarir Aibara of the Phirosa Neterwala- and Sunu Aibara-led AD100 practice

Neterwala Aibara

, know only too well. Their latest

residential project

, an 8,000-square-foot Mumbai apartment in a

South Mumbai

suburb, exists in a tranquil realm of its own, with sculptural forms, double-height ceilings and characterful corners that at once coalesce and contrast, delivering an object lesson in optical illusions.

Sculptural Statements

"The idea took root with a sculpted wall as our first reference point. From there, we began crafting a space that celebrates sculptural elements, embracing the rawness of materials and allowing organic forms to dictate the design," recalls Freeyan of the genesis of the Mumbai apartment’s sculptural identity. The wall served as the point of departure for more attention-worthy details, including lighting fixtures, sculptures and statement-making corners. The design team, which also included designer Priyanka Jain, abstained from imposing a sense of perfect geometry in order to let the home breathe and to promote fluidity between spaces.

The wall behind the staircase, emblazoned with sinewy curves, is the crowning glory of the common areas.

The double-height lounge, situated upstairs, is equally suited for lounging and entertaining. A textile by Lorenzo Vitturi and a collage by Samanta Batra lend an eclectic flourish.

The formal living room is an ivory oasis with bouclé sofas, diaphanous curtains and pristine marble flooring. “It serves as a gathering space for the whole family,” says Freeyan. Artworks by Martand Khosla and Jitish Kallat act as focal points. The lighting is by KSA Lighting Designers.

An exquisite outdoor seating overlooking the ocean – a classic Mumbai view to die for!

Many textures meet in the dining room: matte-finished marble characterises the floor, wooden panels clad the ceiling, and a cement-effect paint brings the walls to life. The chandelier is by Arjun Rathi, while the mirror sculpture is an Astha Butail design. The tangerine artwork is a Manjit Bawa original.

Material Minimalism

Throughout, the palette is restrained and unpresuming. But insipid it is not. The majesty of timber, finished to its natural grain, serves as a continual counterpoint to the rough lime-plastered walls, while marble, meticulously matted down to look like natural stone, offsets the jute-like finish of the handcrafted wallpapers. Basalt stone is a recurring leitmotif, uniformly underpinning the design language. "The same palette runs through the entire space, creating a harmonious flow. We did, however, break the monotony in certain areas with strategic

splashes of colour

, as in the case of the eye-popping artwork on the sliding doors in the family room," says Zarir. The muted palette equally serves to highlight the homeowners’ considered art collection. “The clients have a penchant for collecting art from young, emerging artists, which adds a fresh and vibrant energy to the space,” Freeyan observes.

A peep into one of the two primary suites, where timber walls and muted furniture breathe a tranquil air.

Futuristic robots and playful rugs animate the kids’ bedroom.

Creative Outcomes

The project, the designers note, was not without its challenges. For example, the installation of the staircase, the fabrication of the

mezzanine structure

and the design of sculpted wall were all monumental feats. "Additionally, we encountered restrictions on

brickwork

and masonry within the building, which posed an interesting challenge. But limitations often lead to innovation, and we found creative solutions," reflects Zarir. Indeed they did, for the home today is a sum of many intriguing parts, each just as brilliant.