Studio Pensieve
Mana

Mana

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13ManaBengaluru2023850 sq ftInteriors

This project began with a clear brief: to make an existing apartment safer and more comfortable for a retired couple, without allowing it to feel institutional. The response is a home shaped by quiet precision, where ease of use is embedded into every decision — from material choices underfoot to the calibration of everyday heights and reach.

A restrained palette of warm whites, soft creams, and muted taupe forms the base, layered with sage green furniture and teak woodwork to bring depth and familiarity. Brass hardware and natural materials lend a sense of warmth and permanence, reinforcing an unhurried, lived-in quality.

This approach extends into the more private spaces, where the master bedroom is conceived as a calm, intuitive environment — prioritising ease of movement, clear access, and a sense of restful enclosure without excess.

Rather than relying on overt gestures, the design focuses on subtle interventions that support daily life, balancing accessibility with comfort and practicality with a sense of home.

Lead Architects

Shashank Shetty

Sanjan Hoode

Junior Architect

Sahana Prabhu

Photographer

Nayan Soni

Mana — view 1
The apartment is finished in a warm white, neutral palette that keeps spaces open and well-lit. A muted taupe half-wall adds depth without compromising volume.
Mana — view 2.2

The apartment is finished in a warm white, neutral palette that keeps spaces open and well-lit. A muted taupe half-wall adds depth without compromising volume.

Fluted woodwork runs throughout, unifying wardrobes, TV backdrops, wall cladding, and built-in cabinetry. The vertical texture adds depth while maintaining a clean, tailored expression, with rounded edges reinforcing the focus on safety.

Woodwork boasts textured grooves and rounded edges for safety. Sage green furniture complements the neutrals, creating a subtle connection to the lush greenery outdoor. Strategically placed teak grab bars blend seamlessly, aiding navigation.
Mana — view 3.2

Woodwork boasts textured grooves and rounded edges for safety. Sage green furniture complements the neutrals, creating a subtle connection to the lush greenery outdoor. Strategically placed teak grab bars blend seamlessly, aiding navigation.

The dining zone is anchored by a monolithic foyer element that transitions into a crockery unit at the rear. A recessed seat with vertical teak slats, a curved canopy, and integrated drawers below is primarily part of the foyer, while also forming an engaging backdrop to the dining space. A sculptural brass chandelier above the dining table introduces a refined warmth to the lighting scheme.

The dining zone is anchored by a monolithic foyer element that transitions into a crockery unit at the rear. A recessed seat with vertical teak slats, a curved canopy, and integrated drawers below is primarily part of the foyer, while also forming an engaging backdrop to the dining space. A sculptural brass chandelier above the dining table introduces a refined warmth to the lighting scheme.

The kitchen was redesigned with ergonomics at its core. Lower counter heights reduce reach and strain during extended use. A built-in counter with a high stool offers a comfortable perch for food prep—small in gesture, significant in impact. Warm almond-finish cabinetry lines the perimeter, paired with matte black stone counters. Open steel shelving replaces overhead cupboards, keeping essentials within easy reach. A cool grey micro-cement splashback completes the palette.

The kitchen was redesigned with ergonomics at its core. Lower counter heights reduce reach and strain during extended use. A built-in counter with a high stool offers a comfortable perch for food prep—small in gesture, significant in impact. Warm almond-finish cabinetry lines the perimeter, paired with matte black stone counters. Open steel shelving replaces overhead cupboards, keeping essentials within easy reach. A cool grey micro-cement splashback completes the palette.

Mana — view 6
Mana — view 6.2
Mana — view 7