In a city like Mumbai, where space is an invaluable asset, the Amardham apartment project by APICES Architects epitomises smart planning and design. Located in the heart of Chembur, this residential project makes a quiet yet striking statement. Imbibing minimalism, it showcases clean and resolved design – from the thoughtfully detailed façade to the efficiently planned units.
Project Name: Urban Haven (Amardham)
Studio Name: APICES Studio Pvt. Ltd
Location: Chembur
Year: 2023
Area: 36000 sq ft.
Design Team: Hardik Pandit, Sudhir Thorat, Ashika Salvi
Consultant: Associated consultant
Client: Shree Krishna Group
Photography Credit: PIX Studio
The façade tells an interesting story, one of balance and proportion. Stripping away excess, it speaks the language of simplicity fluently through interesting textures. Brick cladding dominates, offering a tactile warmth, while horizontal cornices neatly divide the structure into well-balanced sections. Slim vertical fins and intricately patterned jaali screens lend depth and visual interest without resorting to unnecessary ornamentation. The result is a building that feels grounded yet refined, with a contemporary take and subtle semi-classical undertones.
Apartment projects in urban environments often come with inherent constraints – tight plots, parking requirements, and the need to accommodate varied unit sizes. Here, those challenges have been met with precision, transforming potential compromises into opportunities. Functionality has been just as carefully considered. Open spaces and community hubs are central to any living environment. With that in mind, the stilt level has been thoughtfully dedicated to shared amenities, while a separate block houses a mechanized parking system. This clever move frees up valuable space, turning the stilt level into a lively communal hub complete with a fitness centre and green zones – offering a welcome respite from the fast-paced Mumbai life.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a vibrant, well-curated lobby that sets the tone for the clean and intentional design carried throughout the journey that follows. The nine upper floors house a range of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units, each laid out with efficiency in mind.
Each unit – whether a compact 1-bedroom or a larger 3-bedroom offers dedicated rooms that feel distinctly defined yet seamlessly connected. Bedrooms open out to generously sized decks, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors, and offering moments of quiet retreat with panoramic views of the cityscape. Ample natural light floods in through large windows, lending the interiors a bright, uplifting quality, while well-planned cross ventilation ensures a constant, refreshing breeze. This thoughtful planning offers a home designed for both comfort and functionality, where everyday living becomes effortless.
The material palette further reinforces the project’s restrained aesthetic. A combination of brick, concrete, and subtle shades of grey create a monochromatic façade that exudes a modern yet earthy appeal. This muted palette feels grounded without being heavy; minimal yet rich, and familiar yet refreshing. It emanates a discreet charm while keeping the structure visually engaging. It’s a design that doesn’t seek attention but quietly commands it with clarity and coherence.
What makes this project remarkable is how it transforms constraints into thoughtful design solutions. Every space has been allocated with intent, ensuring that it serves a clear purpose. Open spaces aren’t mere afterthoughts, but are integral to the overall planning, shaping how the building interacts with its surroundings. Despite the compact footprint, the strategic design ensures that the building feels open, breathable, and welcoming. It’s a rare quality in a dense urban context, making the project stand out in its vicinity.
Amardham stands tall with a sense of ease and confidence, a confidence that comes from careful thought and efficient planning. It tells a succinct story, one of proportions, a harmonious material palette, and spaces that elevate everyday living to new heights. In a city that never sleeps, this apartment offers a pause, urging residents to slow down and enjoy life with greater ease and comfort.
