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Creating Exquisite Retreats in High-End Home Architecture
Ar. Bhuvan Kapila, Principal Architect at Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture
While designing luxury homes, the pursuit of creating an exceptional experience has taken center stage and has become the defining essence of the home design discipline. Homeowners wish to seek more than just a place to reside, they yearn for an oasis of tranquility, a sanctuary where they can move away from the chaotic world around them and delve into unparallel comfort and serenity. Recognizing this growing desire, Bhuvan Kapila, the Founder & Principal Architect of Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture (WMA), details his perspective on crafting high-end homes that transcend traditional notions of luxury.
Gone are the days when opulence was solely defined by lavish materials and ostentatious displays. Bhuvan Kapila envisions a new era of luxury, one that seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality while embracing the concept of holistic retreats. Drawing inspiration from the world around us, Bhuvan breathes life into architectural creations that evoke a sense of harmony and balance.
At the core of WMA's design philosophy lies the belief that every space within a home should contribute to the overall soothing experience. From majestic entrances to the private quarters, each element is carefully designed to foster an atmosphere of relaxation and rejuvenation. Every nook holds the potential to evoke emotions, connect with nature, and create a haven for the soul.
One of the fundamental principles embraced by the firm is the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. In a recently completed residence ‘772’ at Faridabad, aspects of blurring the boundaries between the built environment and the natural world, insertion of expansive windows, skylights, and open floor plans that invite abundant natural light offering panoramic views of the surrounding were included. Thus, nature seamlessly becomes a core part of the adobe, allowing inhabitants to embrace and create a deep connection with the space in totality.
In addition to the physical aspect, one also perceives the importance of sensory experiences in creating an ultimate space of peace and solitude. While lighting, sound, and aroma work jointly to shape the aura of a space, gentle melodies, and strategically placed fragrances enhance the sensory experience, creating an atmosphere of pure indulgence for its residents.
However, the essence of an exquisite retreat not only lies in the physical surroundings but also in the intricate details that evoke the senses and stimulate imagination. Careful attention to craftsmanship ensures that every element, from bespoke furniture to handcrafted finishes, exudes timeless elegance and unparalleled quality. Luxurious textures, rich materials, and thoughtful use of space weave a tapestry of refined opulence that transcends trends, leaving a lasting impression.
In the pursuit of creating truly remarkable retreats, sustainability and wellness cannot be understated. A designer must incorporate eco-conscious design principles, integrating energy-efficient systems, renewable materials, and sustainable technologies. The homes created by prioritising well-being, featuring dedicated spaces for relaxation, meditation, and physical activity are sure to be examples of sanctuary one would also want to return to. Adding subtle elements like indoor gardens and water features further enhances the holistic experience, promoting balance and vibrancy.
As the demand for high-end residential architecture continues to evolve, we as designers must analyse and reflect on redefining the notion of luxury through the creation of retreat spaces. In a world where peace and respite are invaluable, let's continue to design home as a sanctuary where inhabitants can find solace, inspiration, and the ultimate luxury of calmness that nurtures the soul.
They say that seeing the world exposes you to the unknown, firing up a desire inside to be more, to be better, and that’s exactly what happened with Ar. Bhuvan Kapila. Sporty, skillful, adept, and dexterous, his story and motivation for his design career stay grounded with him having seen and been exposed to different parts of the world. Luckily enough, as he grew up, architectural magnificence and the sense of creating something new, creative, and larger than life piqued his interest. A curious kid, amidst vast opportunities and endless possibilities, he would perceive spaces in much more light and fine details than others his age. The sense of flow and movement, the volumes and voids, and the intricate features grabbed his attention. Delving further, he found inspiration and a calling while his conscious self tried to find harmony and balance in his own surroundings, his home. Bridging the gap between his business mindset and creativity, he found his true passion- Architecture.
He pursued graduation from TVB School of Habitat Studies. As a student in the field of architecture, he always kept himself on top of important subjects of adressal, academics and trends in the market. From maintaining a good rapport with his seniors to learning the nitty-gritties from them and taking part in competitions, he did it all. Divulging into extra-curricular activities and design interactions instilled innovation and motivation in him in a myriad of ways.
The transition from a student to an independent practicing architect wasn’t easy. Being the first entrepreneur in his family, things didn’t come smoothly for him. He had to adapt to the hustle culture and constantly be on the run to find the right opportunity. Accompanied by his portfolio, he visited developers door-to-door to present him with a chance and some room to manoeuvre. But above all, his talent, individuality, and inventiveness of his designs didn’t go unnoticed, so much so that the first time he approached a developer, he got three projects assigned to him on the same day. And that was just the beginning, a spark that lit up a bonfire, which we all now know as Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture (WMA).
As a dedication to extreme design excellence and sophistication in construction technology, Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture was founded in April 2012. Joining Bhuvan a couple of months later was Ar. Gagandeep Kapila, taking things ahead. Cultivating a healthy and collaborative culture in their studio, they paved the way for their team to find innovation paired with imagination, unflagging in their attempt to set a design language and typology that would define their works and the firm for years to come. Enthusiastic and determined to bring comprehensive fruition to their projects, he believes in constantly evolving and learning new things by being significantly involved in channelling more efforts as the dynamic architect duo grows together in the industry.
The sheer relevance of the human interaction with the space, the context, the surroundings, the environment, the interpolation of spaces, and the economic and cultural influences on design and living- that is the rooting philosophy that drives and governs his decisions in his planning throughout his design process.
Believing that we are constantly surrounded by motivation, inspiration, and new learnings, with a head full of ideas and dreams, Ar. Bhuvan paves the way for WMA to be nothing but an excellent reflection of its work for its high-end clients. The team at WMA believes that the way ahead in architecture can only be materialized by an efficient fusion of contextual design cues and sustainable practices, creating an assortment of experiences for our clients. The lineage of this prestigious practice has witnessed over a decade of designing meticulous spaces.
Ar. Bhuvan Kapila has been featured in various esteemed design & business platforms, including magazines and newspapers like Good Homes, Realty Plus, IFJ, Commercial Design, Times of India, Surfaces Reporter, Hindustan Times, Financial Express, India Today Home, Construction World, Society Interiors & Design, etc.
