Studio AVP’s surprising take on brutalism for a Pune office

Set within a redeveloped residential building, the office maximises natural light and ventilation through large east-facing sliding windows and uses landscaped greenery to screen the less desirable views. The muted colour palette – primarily light greys and whites from the Asian Paints catalogue – reflects sunlight, making the space feel expansive despite the modest dimensions. This is an office that balances sharp architectural lines with soft, human-centred touches, servicing the client’s vision while reflecting Panse’s experimental style.

In this conversation, Panse discusses the design philosophy behind the project, his collaboration with Asian Paints DecorPro and the importance of listening to the client.

Beautiful Homes (BH): What was the initial brief from the client and how did that shape the project?

Vikrant Panse (VP): The client, being a developer, initially wanted a straightforward office space. But during our discussions, the idea of brutalist interiors came up. It’s rare for a client to have such a strong design perspective and this became an exciting challenge for us. We approached it with a focus on contrasts – using cold, raw materials alongside soft organic forms and landscaping to balance the space. The result is a workspace that is functional yet far from typical.

BH: How did you balance the starkness of the brutalist theme with functionality for an office?

VP: Brutalism can feel stark and cold, so we used natural light, greenery and organic furniture forms to soften it. Landscaping was essential – not just for aesthetics but to add warmth to the space. For the interiors, we opted for light grey and white finishes to reflect light and make the space feel larger, creating a more welcoming environment for the team.

BH: Did you face any challenges during the project?

VP: One major challenge was the site itself – a two-bedroom apartment repurposed into an office, facing an old, dilapidated building. This meant dealing with a limited ceiling height and less-than-ideal views. Landscaping elements helped mask the surroundings, while light finishes and large windows brought in openness. Another challenge was working with the heavy stone slabs we used as highlight elements, some weighing over 300 kg. We had to design precise structural solutions to ensure both safety and visual impact. The stone wall in the cabin combines the elemental beauty of sandstone and its powder that gives a clean yet raw finish.

BH: What role did the Asian Paints DecorPro service play in the project?

VP: The Asian Paints DecorPro team played a significant role in helping us achieve the textured look for the light grey walls and ceilings. Initially, we had planned to use a different material, but it didn’t work out, and Asian Paints became the perfect solution. Their DecorPro service provided the finishes that not only created the concrete-like texture we wanted but also added a layer of sophistication to the space.

The choice of light greys and whites from Asian Paints was also instrumental in making the space feel bright and spacious. We applied the finishes seamlessly across walls, ceilings and even furniture, ensuring a cohesive look throughout. This was our first project with the DecorPro team but we were very pleased with the results and we’ve continued to work with Asian Paints for other projects since.

BH: Can you share some tips for readers looking to incorporate minimalist aesthetics into their spaces?

VP: Start by identifying what you need the space to do – function comes first. Then, experiment and have fun with materials and forms. Minimalism isn’t about following trends – it’s about creating a space that feels calm and purposeful, one that works for you.