This Effortlessly Chic Pune Home Is A Lesson In Birch-Centric Interior Design

It is often said that architecture is a visual art, and buildings speak for themselves.  This statement could not be truer in the case of this lakeside home in Pune, whose serene ambience and understated elegance make a quiet yet powerful statement. Designed by Founders Darshan and Ashish Jana of Jana Architects, this single-floor home combines two 3BHK apartments into a four-bedroom residence.  It is located on the sixth floor and has two terraces overlooking the lake. 

The space, which is home to a family of five (parents and three children), has a central foyer replete with a mandir niche.  This opens into the living and dining areas, anchored by an open kitchen that keeps the spaces visually connected. The bedrooms are arranged in two private wings, and two spacious terraces bring in natural light, ample ventilation, and panoramic views of the lake.

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Tactile Textures, Earthy Hues and Warm Vibes

The first thing that strikes your eye as you enter this tastefully done-up abode is the generous use of soft birch plywood.  It was an obvious choice for the architects who approached the design as a quiet conversation with the tranquil landscape and the nostalgia associated with it.  “Moisture-resistant properties were essential due to the lakeside setting, and this prompted us to move beyond conventional laminates. Birch plywood emerged as the ideal choice—not only for its durability and strength but also for its ability to withstand humidity while remaining exposed and visually honest. Its natural surface allowed flexibility for refreshing colour tones over time, making the home adaptable as needs evolved,” says Darshan Jana, Co-founder, Jana Architects.  He also adds, “convincing our parents, however, required a leap of faith as they initially preferred tried-and-tested laminates. In the end, the quiet resilience and evolving beauty of birch won them over.” Apart from lending a clean, neutral aesthetic, the smooth surface of the wood adds a refined and contemporary touch to the space.  

The main focus of the design was to achieve a balance and curate a tranquil space where even the smallest corners invite pause and reflection.  Think lime-washed walls, achromatic flooring, and birch plywood furniture, all of which blend seamlessly to create a tactile shell resulting in a warm and intentionally pared-back look. Complementing this are carefully curated accents, which include elements of sculptural décor, custom artwork, and artefacts that lend a unique personality to each space and ensure the interiors never feel austere.  

Handpicked and Bespoke Furniture

Another standout feature of the home is built-to-spec furniture.  “Every furniture piece has been custom-designed in birch plywood and machine-cut before being hand-assembled on site. This approach reduces excess material waste while maintaining precision and durability.  We have also sourced personalised pieces from SoulofMache art studio, which include sculptural pieces such as the black chair, black bench, sofa-side totem, and wall artwork.  Thoughtfully crafted from papier mache, these pieces have been made using handmade techniques and textured finishes,” says Ashish Jana, Co-founder, Jana Architects.  

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The mandir is again a lesson in the skilful use of birch.  Inspired by temple traditions, the mandir has louvres reminiscent of heritage ventilation screens that filter light into rhythmic patterns. By combining contemporary and traditional elements, the mandir forms a focal point where divinity and devotion meet.

In every bedroom, the clean verticals of Birch plywood make a quiet return. In the parents’ suite, the warmth of Birch pairs with poetic Jotun-finished walls, balancing the gravity of permanence with moments of gentle pause.  Storage has been thoughtfully integrated into the architecture through custom birch plywood cabinetry, wall-integrated wardrobes, and concealed units that maintain the home’s minimal aesthetic while ensuring functionality.  

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“By embracing Birch plywood as both material and motif, we have created a space that feels quietly pioneering yet deeply rooted.  Further, by combining architecture, interior design, and handcrafted art, the project creates a layered environment where design and daily life merge seamlessly. The intention was not to build only a residence, but to create a calm and evolving space that reflects both the family’s lifestyle and the studio’s design philosophy,” say Ashish and Darshan.