This clubhouse in Pune designed by The Arch Studio celebrates biophilia in the heart of a concrete jungle

Building from the roots

“Our goal was to craft a space that would transcend trends and embrace timelessness,” says founder and principal designer Siddhina Sakla. And what better way to do that than to go back to one’s roots and build on the natural beauty that forever surrounds us? Every design choice, from materials to colour palettes, reflects a deep-rooted connection to the earth. The result is a space that intuitively awakens the senses of touch, vision and sound at every step. 

The clubhouse sits behind an imposing set of double doors framed by indigenous plants. Wood-panelled and glass-clad, these doors play on the sense of perception by breaking the boundary between the indoors and outdoors. The illusion continues inside, with large windows and glass doors lighting the space up with natural rays. 

Each room is thoughtfully designed to flow into the next, mimicking the organic and intuitive experience of ambling through naturally set environments. From the cosy seating areas to the communal spaces buzzing with guests, all spaces use sustainable or eco-friendly materials for depth.

Designing an ecosystem 

“We wanted people to feel relaxed and connected, both to the environment and to each other. The integration of natural elements, sustainable materials and a warm colour palette was all geared towards fostering a sense of tranquillity and well-being, making this a place where visitors could escape from the fast pace of life and feel rejuvenated,” says Siddhina.

As if expressing this very philosophy, natural light dances on the walls, triggering subtle shifts in mood throughout the day to make the space feel alive. Brick accent walls create tactile sensations, energy-efficient lighting systems complement the sunlit space and cement-based texture paint adds to the rustic yet polished look, establishing continuity in this design language. Locally sourced tiles on the floor lend character and durability to the entire picture. 

In contrast to the stimulating flooring, the earthy colour palette soothes the senses with warm browns, soft greys and muted greens grounding the space. The colours create a neutral backdrop while bursts of green steal the focus. Introduced through plants as well as the natural backdrop of the surrounding glades, this contrast breathes life into the space while reminding us of the natural order of life. 

But what are we if not a sum of our tastes and sensibilities? That’s exactly the question we ask ourselves upon spotting the Pichwai art creating a bridge of relatability between us and our cultural sensibilities. “We focussed on impactful art, realising its importance in creating a strong connection between the interior design and its natural environment. The artworks draw inspiration from the surrounding 50-year-old trees, enhancing the space’s organic feel while introducing a sense of heritage and timelessness,” Siddhina explains while talking about how such works deepen the emotional connection between the clubhouse and its environs.

That’s how this landscape does justice to its name, with earthy elements fitting into a cohesive puzzle of elegant design. Each piece connects with the other until everything comes together to reveal a bigger picture where there are no boundaries or differences between the natural and the manmade.

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