A vernacular dialogue: Making of VG House

A vernacular dialogue: Making of VG House

by Esvee Editorial on

2 min read

Surrounded by digital mood boards, endless Pinterest feeds, and furniture available at the click of a button, architects Naina Reddy and Rajat Sanghvi of Hyderabad-based Makespace Architects arrived at the Esvee Atelier gallery with a clear brief.

During their visit to finalize pieces for a private residence in Hyderabad, a conversation unfolded that quietly challenged how furniture is commonly perceived in modern interiors.

"Furniture is the soul of a space; the materiality of the wood doesn't demand attention; it merges seamlessly into the architecture"

- Naina Reddy, Makespace Architects

What began as a specification visit transformed into a dialogue on design philosophy, material integrity, and the nature of bespoke creation. As they explored the gallery, memories surfaced. The Jantar Mantar coffee table reminded Rajat of Jaipur’s astronomical geometries, while Naina gravitated toward the sculptural silhouette of the Butterfly Lounge Chair.

When asked what impression they carried away from the atelier floor, their response was shared:

"Hope. Hope born from experimentation and bespoke making. Hope in seeing natural materials, vernacular craftsmanship, and Indian design spoken of with quiet confidence." Rajat described the gallery visit experience as transformative.

"First, you encounter the finished object. Then you witness how it is made, and finally you understand the craft behind it. Only then do you truly appreciate what you are looking at. The object hasn't changed; your relationship with it has."

- Rajat Sanghvi, Makespace Architects

Planned for fluid, informal living, the lounge centers on four Butterfly accent chairs around the octagonal Magma coffee table, a low-slung visual anchor crafted for easy transition between games, drinks, or reading. In the main living room, spatial balance takes priority: the low-profile Nova sofa and glass-top Dune coffee table establish a grounded focal point that accommodates multi-directional conversation without disrupting surrounding architectural lines or natural light.

What was the vision for this home?

Naina: "We had a very tight timeline when the client approached us. The vision was centered around their personal philosophy of living, a contemporary vernacular style fusing traditional Indian roots with clean, modern lines."

What specific needs brought the client to your practice?

Naina: "The client’s approach was remarkably restrained. He wanted nothing extravagant, and more importantly, he was committed to supporting Indian design. Every product in this home was crafted in India. It was a conscious choice to honour local artisans and preserve techniques deeply rooted in our culture."

Who was this home designed for?

Rajat: "The home was designed primarily for one person's daily life, but with a flexible layout that allows guests to be hosted effortlessly. We wanted the spaces to remain multipurpose and uncluttered."

The master bedroom shifts to a quiet, tactile sanctuary centered on the bespoke Savanna Luxe bed. Upholstered in caramel Nappa leather with a vertical channel-tufted headboard set against warm architectural timber, it forms a restful focal point supported by rich hardwood flooring and low-profile integrated lighting.

Which room resonates most with you?

Naina: "The library, doubling as a study and home theatre. This is my favourite room in the home. Sometimes it's good not to give a function to the room. It can grow with time, and also, because I bought these four lovely chairs and the center table", she added smilingly.

Rajat: "The wood tones and finishes of the products shaped the room’s entire mood board, and this versatile space adapts fluidly for reading, quiet conversation, or hosting guests."

Where did you find alignment with Esvee Atelier?

Naina: "What drew me immediately was the treatment of materials; the wood was handled with such reverence. You could see the depth of research and development behind every joint and connection. The designs felt stripped of complexity, yet remained deeply elegant."

Rajat: "We strongly connected with the sense of integration and clean execution. Our own practice strives to keep spaces minimal and quiet. When we inspected Esvee’s pieces, we saw that same discipline, no exposed hardware or artificial fixings, just wood joining wood. The subtle integration of brass was handled with restraint. Nothing felt overdone.”

When an architectural studio and a design atelier share a commitment to material truth, local craftsmanship, and structural restraint, furniture ceases to be mere decoration.

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