A sinuous brick wall flows through this 11,000-square-foot Mumbai apartment

What makes the perfect modern living space? Something that looks to the future for inspiration but is rooted in traditional design. Something that has enough breathing space to house a family of any size but still retains the element of comfort. Something that can be enjoyed by every generation living there. Designed by Arjun Malik of Malik Architecture, this Mumbai apartment is all that and then some. Here, everything comes together to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an immersive, one-of-a-kind living experience.

Entering the courtyard

Flourishes of warm wood, terracotta and indigo balance out the grey tones.

Bharath Ramamrutham

One of the defining features of the Sampurna Residence is the central courtyard, a design choice that reimagines apartment living. The western façade of the residence is organised into three zones: a formal living area, an informal living space, and a formal dining room. Running along this façade is a seven-foot-wide balcony that offers sweeping views of the cityscape.

The apartment is bathed in natural sunlight, allowing for a visually striking play of light and shadow.

Bharath Ramamrutham

The informal seating area in the central indoor courtyard.

Bharath Ramamrutham

Whimsical elements like this sturdy Rhinoceros statue lend an element of fun to the otherwise grown-up space.

Bharath Ramamrutham

The highlight is the central bay that houses the informal living area. Here, a simple yet transformative architectural gesture—shifting the glazing line inward—creates a shaded, open courtyard. “It creates a space that belongs more to a greenfield house than an apartment and allows the family to have a large verandah where they can spend a lot of their time,” says Arjun Malik, principal architect of the project. “By placing this space in the central bay of the three-bay public part of the house, it automatically begins to behave like a courtyard,” he adds. This evokes the timeless charm of traditional Indian homes, where courtyards serve as the heart of communal life.

Following the Brick Wall

The statement brick wall weaves its way through all common spaces of the home.

Bharath Ramamrutham

Sunlight permeates every corner of the home.

Bharath Ramamrutham

A large buddha statue nestled in the brick wall watches over the home.

Bharath Ramamrutham

The most eye-catching feature is the dynamic brick wall, a self-supporting element rooted in local building traditions. This versatile structure weaves its way through the communal spaces, defining and connecting various zones within the home. Its undulating form adapts to the residence’s spatial needs, incorporating alcoves, perforations, and structural apertures. The brick wall is not just an aesthetically pleasing element but also a functional one. It acts as the perfect backdrop for the residence, combining raw materiality with contemporary finesse.

Balancing Form and Function

A glimpse into the formal living areas.

Bharath Ramamrutham