Paradigm Shift

Pravir Sethi-headed Studio Hinge’s interior design for 219 Boat Club, an uber-luxe boutique residential complex in Pune, sets a new benchmark for the rest of its ilk by tackling luxury at a more fundamental level rather than employing it as a cosmetic overlay.

- Rupali Sebastian

Setting benchmarks, upping the ante, creating precedents… are always that much more challenging for those spearheading the change. This was also true in the case of Merint Developers — part of Merint Group with its diverse business verticals and a presence in over 15 countries — when it sought to redefine the concept of luxury apartment living for Pune, and indeed, for the entire country. By getting international firm Atkins — of the Burj Al Arab fame — for master-planning and schematic design, they made their intent clear right at the outset. When it comes to full design services (concept to completion) for all interior areas, Merint started by inviting proposals for the lobby interior. That’s how Mumbai-based Studio Hinge entered the picture. “As the building was just coming above ground with the superstructure, we were invited along with others to pitch for this work by showing a proposal for the lobby interior. Upon successfully winning this pitch, we were awarded the work for all interior areas. As time progressed and we won the client’s confidence, we were also entrusted with the design of exterior areas. Eventually, therefore, Studio Hinge controlled design and finishes across the entire property, and steered the project to completion,” says its principal architect Pravir Sethi.