Stepping into this penthouse apartment, located in India, you’re immediately greeted by a sense of calm. The softly lit entrance foyer sets the tone for what’s to come—an intimate mix of minimalist design and earthy textures that define this brutalist-inspired home. Neutral grey walls and black terrazzo floors frame the space, while bright, contrasting artwork adds a bold splash of color, injecting personality into the otherwise subdued palette. The aesthetic is clear: raw, organic, and deeply rooted in a natural, undisturbed charm.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: India
Architecture & Interior Design: DOT
Photography: Ishita Sitwala
The design principles here champion openness. The house follows an open-plan layout, embracing exposed panels, aesthetically curved concrete walls, and beautiful teak partitions that slice through spaces like clean planes. The craftsmanship in these elements is impeccable, evoking a feeling of seamless flow and connection within the apartment. Every feature in the space speaks to brutalism’s hallmark of honesty in materials, but with a softness that makes the apartment feel inviting and far from harsh.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the penthouse is how its layout remains unchanged from the original structure. The absence of any modifications to the exterior walls or ceilings allows for uninterrupted natural light to stream into every corner of the apartment. There’s a sense of airiness that prevails throughout, ensuring no dark spaces remain hidden. The exposed concrete ceiling, with its grid of beams, works harmoniously with the clean lines of the floor, further enhancing the feeling of space and height within the apartment.
When the wooden doors swing open, they reveal a straight, seamless wooden wall that guides your eyes to the heart of the home—a large, curved cast-in-situ concrete structure. This sculptural element leads naturally to the living room, a space drenched in sunlight thanks to the oversized windows and access to the landscaped balcony.
The balcony is more than just an outdoor space—it’s a retreat. Designed for the homeowners to unwind over the weekend, it offers a serene escape from the urban environment. On the west side, the balcony is shaded, making it the perfect spot for brunch with friends or a quiet nap in the afternoon. The upper deck, designed like a treehouse, adds an element of playfulness to the space, giving homeowners and guests alike the chance to retreat into nature.
As the day transitions into evening, the gravel courtyard offers a peaceful nook for reading, while dinner can be enjoyed as the sun sets, casting golden hues across the landscape. The versatility of the balcony shines when entertaining; whether hosting a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the space easily accommodates both, providing comfort and effortless elegance.
The interior design, carefully executed by DOT, maintains the balance between brutalist rawness and natural warmth. Every element is deliberate, from the subtle textures of the concrete walls to the smooth teak partitions that provide privacy without sacrificing the apartment’s open-plan feel. These organic materials bring the outside in, grounding the apartment in its natural surroundings.
The photographs, skillfully captured by Ishita Sitwala, highlight the raw beauty of the space. Sitwala’s lens captures the interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the natural textures that make the apartment so striking. Her photos offer a glimpse into a world where brutalism doesn’t have to be cold or uninviting—instead, it can be warm, personal, and deeply connected to nature.
In this penthouse, the philosophy is simple: materials are celebrated for what they are, and spaces are crafted to enhance natural light, warmth, and human connection. The result is a home that’s not just visually captivating but also thoughtfully designed for everyday living.
