This wada-style bungalow in Maharashtra’s Amravati blends heritage with modern charm
It’s no wonder, really, that Deshmukh and Lahoti—whose team included architect Rushikesh Dhotre—christened the project Osari, after the verandah or semi-open platform in a wada-style house. “It is the standout for sure,” avers Lahoti of the shaded retreat that acts as the home’s centerpiece while harking to the natural surroundings. “More than just an architectural element, the osari embodies the spirit of the home—a space for pause, interaction, and reflection, staying true to the essence of a traditional Maharashtrian wada while catering to contemporary lifestyles,” says Deshmukh. And while the appeal is modern, the visual hallmarks—including robust wooden columns, a sloping tiled roof, and stone flooring—are inspired by the past yet designed for the future. “They not only enhance the traditional charm but also provide climate responsiveness by keeping the space cool and breezy,” Lahoti notes, citing the interplay of light and shadow and the ability of the interior, courtesy of its earthy palette, to effortlessly echo the landscape.
Matters Of Long Distance
Classic meets contemporary in the living area, where a double-height volume, exposed wooden rafters, a luminous skylight, and brick walls lend warmth and texture.Hemant Patil
It’s one thing to design a space in the same city as your contractors, labourers, and craftsmen, but quite another when your site is over 600 kilometres away. “Since the project was in a remote location, our biggest challenge was keeping things on track and making sure progress stayed aligned with the plan,” reflects Deshmukh. Not that it deterred him or Lahoti. The pair kept their noses to the grindstone, planning the home as one might have done 400 years ago. Here appeared a dewadi (storeroom), there was born a baithak (living space). An open-plan swayampak ghar (kitchen), complete with polished stone countertops, wooden cabinets, and exposed brick walls, was ornamented with traditional brass and copper utensils. The result is a home that seamlessly bridges past and present—one that honours the grandeur of traditional Maharashtrian Wadas while embracing contemporary sensibilities. More than just a residence, Osari stands as a testament to the idea that architecture, at its best, is not just about buildings but about the lives, stories, and traditions it preserves and reinterprets for the future.
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