Sculpting spaces of wonder with ‘The House of Curiosities’, MuseLab’s canvas
for contemporary Indian art and design
In the tranquil neighbourhood of Kolhapur, amidst the familiar urban landscape, stands a house that defies norms and sparks curiosity at every corner. This is the House of Curiosities, a project by the innovative design firm MuseLAB and its co-founders, Huzefa Rangwala and Jasem Pirani. It has transformed a 15,000-square-foot space into a living museum, a sanctuary of wonder and elegance.
Designed for a multigenerational family with roots in Kankavli, this residence is not just a home but
a treasure trove of experiences and stories, curated and elegantly displayed. It embodies the
essence of luxurious living intertwined with rich cultural narratives and artistic expressions,
offering a unique journey through its expansive and thoughtfully designed spaces. This house, with its towering volumes, intricate details, and collaborative art pieces, speaks to the soul of Indian craftsmanship and contemporary design, creating an environment where every moment is an opportunity for discovery and connection.
The House of Curiosities is a sprawling three-story structure, thoughtfully crafted to provide a
seamless flow of spaces that evoke a sense of wonder and exploration. The design approach by
MuseLAB ensures that every corner and every nook of the house reveals a new story and
perspective. The house's layout and the interplay of scales and volumes make it much like
wandering through an art museum. From the moment one steps into the house, the grandeur is
palpable. The entrance foyer offers a glimpse into the expansive living area, a space that rises to a
height of 30 feet. This towering volume is adorned with a cascading rug by the FAZO Project, which uses a fusion of weaving techniques to create a stunning visual centrepiece. The living area is further accentuated by Harshita Jhamtani’s 28-foot totemic clay lamp, a piece that emphasises the homes soaring heights. Each art piece and installation in the House of Curiosities serves a dual purpose: to decorate and to narrate.
The water court, designed in a Lego-esque style, features mythical sea creatures in clay, inviting
moments of pause and reflection as one moves through the home. This space, along with the atrium and other communal areas, embodies the home’s ethos of visual connectivity, ensuring that one is never isolated but always part of a larger, cohesive narrative. The house’s design includes a
network of bridges and jharokhas, or traditional Indian balconies, which add to its charm and
connectivity. These elements are veiled by a glass module whose pivoting sections cast transient
reflections of blush, orange, and ruby tints on the pristine white walls. This dynamic interaction of
light and colour creates an ever-changing visual landscape within the home. The staircase, a key
element of the house, is adorned with teak balustrades and pressed flower panels by Rooshad
Shroff, drawing inspiration from a meadow of flowers and also the homeowners' collection of
pressed flowers. This craftsmanship ensures that even the functional aspects of the home are
imbued with beauty and meaning.
Beyond the public areas, the house also boasts private spaces designed to offer solace and comfort. The master bedroom, with its walk-in closet and a sumptuous bathroom, is a haven of serenity. The bedrooms of the two sons are not just rooms, but personalized havens. Each is adorned with distinct colour palettes and design elements; one in shades of teal, aqua, and blue, and the other in tones of terracotta, salmon, and plum, reflecting their unique personalities and tastes. The upper floors are connected by bridges that offer glimpses into the central water court, reinforcing the house’s theme of interconnectedness. On the second floor, hidden treasures like the terrace hideout and the yellow-drenched escape room await discovery. These spaces, designed for leisure and relaxation, add an element of surprise and delight to the home.
The collaborative nature of the House of Curiosities is not just a feature but a testament to the
power of shared creativity. MuseLAB’s decision to work with various artists and designers ensured
that every element of the home was infused with a distinct creative energy. This home is more than a mere residence; it is a space designed to create and cherish memories. The client, Mr. Bauskar,envisioned a home that would not only wow visitors with its opulence but also provide intimate spaces for family interactions and new experiences. Huzefa and Jasem of MuseLAB have brought this vision to life, ensuring that every element of the house contributes to a rich, engaging living experience.
This project, completed in 15 months, shows us MuseLAB’s ability to blend luxury with functionality, creating a home that is as much a work of art as it is a space for living. The House of Curiosities, with its myriad details, artistic collaborations, and thoughtful design, truly lives up to its name, offering a journey of discovery and delight at every turn.