Amoeba Design
“We don’t really believe in ‘dream projects’. With every project, we dream of exploring something new within the context. It’s always about what the project needs rather than what we want as designers,” say the Principal Architects of Amoeba Design Studio.
The young and dynamic firm is inspired by the concept of Wabi-sabi, a perceptive way of living that encourages the users to appreciate the beauty of a naturally imperfect world and they thrive to manifest this approach in all their projects. They also aim to create ecological, culturally specific, and contemporary built environments.
Principal Architects, Pashmin Shah and Satyajeet Patwardhan have an inclination towards fashion, art, and paintings and probably that’s the reason most of their design projects tend to lean towards artwork rather than an architectural expression which is bound by economics.
The Philosophy
The architect duo confesses to being inspired by ‘designs’ rather than the ‘designers’. They strongly believe that the smaller houses in rural villages are sometimes way more contextual and sensitive in their responses towards the climate and the surroundings, than a dwelling designed by an architect. However, in terms of philosophy they certainly feel the connection with the works of legends like Geoffrey Bawa, and Bedmar & Shi because of their unique and contextual approach towards design, their landscape design in particular.
They believe that India is a rich land of art, craft, heritage, and culture and they ardently aspire to maximize the inclusion of craftsmen in every project that they design. They focus a lot on light, volume and materials, but always keep seeking for opportunities to change conventional thinking.
The Stream House
The architect duo knew that this journey of designing a bungalow was going to be equivalent to creating a poetic manifestation of the client’s lives into their home, which they proudly call the ‘Stream House.’ During the conceptualization stage of the house, they imagined it as a playful stream and not a quiet river. While rivers flow slowly, collecting water and shaping up civilizations along their banks, their design reflected the high youthful energy of a rushing stream akin to that of their clients. It surged ahead with power, embracing its twists and turns as it freely flowed forward.
The journey of designing commenced with an acknowledgement of Japanese minimalism, drawing inspiration from its sharp clean lines and uncluttered aesthetics. Additionally, they caught themselves inspired by the rich ideologies of Indian architecture, particularly its knack for crafting nested spaces within larger ones. This influence is evident in the strategic use of wooden columns and screens, that divide the space and bring in a sense of intimacy and intrigue, inviting exploration and revelation at every turn.
The interiors of this house aptly reflect the authentic essence and the underlying ethos of their design approach. From the exposed joinery of the table, kitchen cabinets, and bookstand to retrofitting of wooden elements, every detail is laid bare to reveal its true nature.
The Stream House strikes a balance between geometric precision and the innocent beauty of nature’s imperfections. Rather than allowing rigid geometries to dominate, the design embraces organic elements, allowing them to become the focal point. There’s an evident sense of softness and weightlessness that permeates into the space.
Arches, Pastels, and Barn Doors
Mirroring the contemporary life of the vibrant New York loft-style apartments that are modern, industrialist, rustic and airy; a home in Pune materialised with a captivating amalgamation of varied styles and unique layers of aesthetics. The house emerges as an elevated yet aspirational exuberance of ideas and styles that co-exist without dominating each other’s individual identities. The clients, who had moved from New York to Pune were keenly looking forward to creating a peaceful abode that can bridge the gap between the life they had experienced back then and the life they were about to embark upon once again.
As the designer duo describe it, it was like giving a shape to an architectural solution in the existing building. At the very first tantalizing glance, a slight sense of groundedness yet dynamic diversity wafts between minimalism and deliberate, but with minimalism the home wraps a double height brick-clad vertical wall decorated with arch window and Georgian bars.
Submerged in calming muted colours, one first enters the spacious living room that leads over to the terrace which is shared with a home theatre room. The living area which is also linked to the dining area enables the user to engage in a visual conversation with the earthy olive green kitchen through the fluted-glass barn door. Resembling the loft-inspired aesthetics of New York yet again, the open rail hardware of the barn door emphasises on a soft-hued rustic appeal combined with a cafe-like nook that resonates the cafe mood of Brooklyn for the clients.
Layering was one of the most important methodologies to create a sense of depth in the larger spaces. Fabrics of varied textures, pieces of furniture and artefacts belonging to various styles and eras, organic mix of indoor plants and vibrant artwork give the space a feeling of a home that is well decorated, lived in and grown over a time.
As a team of internationally trained architects, they bring global insights and best practices to their buildings. They have a real passion to create environments that are rich in material and texture. They focus on bringing a lot of light, creating different volumes, and adding materials, but always seeking opportunities to change conventional thinking. The name amoeba itself comes from the micro-organism known for being true to oneself without being stuck in a particular rigid shape, allowing constant change.
References:
Buildofy.com. (2025). Amoeba Designs | Architecture Firm in Pune, Maharashtra. [online] Available at: https://www.buildofy.com/architects-interior-design-firms-india/amoeba-design-maharashtra
www.surfacesreporter.com. (2022). This House Around The Skylight in Pune Captures The Spirit of Wabi-Sabi | Amoeba Design Studio. [online] Available at: https://www.surfacesreporter.com/articles/133758/this-house-around-the-skylight-in-pune-captures-the-spirit-of-wabi-sabi-amoeba-design-studio
ELLE DECOR. (2023). Amoeba Design reminisces arches and barn doors in a Pune home. [online] Available at: https://elledecor.in/article/pune-home-amoeba-design/
