Touch of Lustre
Khaitan & Co., a renowned law firm in Emerald House, Kolkata, was looking to revamp its age old office which included the male and female washrooms too. Utopian Associates took up the design task for the overall office and took special interest in designing the washrooms that possessed a premium and private experience that was innately distinct with a colonial flavour.
The Design Brief
“The client wanted the washrooms that met international standards, catering to an executive staff floor with a user ratio of 70:30 (male to female). The key requirement was incorporating brick partitions instead of conventional stall dividers to enhance privacy and durability,” Soumitra Majumder, Co-Founder, Utopian Associates, says.
To achieve this, Utopian Associates carefully planned the spatial layout to ensure an optimal distribution of WCs, urinals, and washbasins for efficiency and comfort. Additionally, high-quality finishes, sophisticated fixtures, and ambient lighting were incorporated to reflect the firm’s stature.
However, the designer firm encountered a few hurdles along the way. “The primary challenge lay in space optimisation while adhering to plumbing constraints and ensuring seamless ventilation in a 100-year-old properrty. Moreover, the brick partitions, while offering sturdiness and exclusivity, required precise planning to maintain accessibility and avoid cramped feeling. Through meticulous detailing and material selection, we balanced functionality with a refined aesthetic, delivering a washroom that aligned with the firm’s professional and elegant image,” Majumder says.
Soumitra Majumder
Co-Founder, Utopian Associates
“As for the gents’ washroom, we incorporated semicircular arches and POP moulding, bringing in the essence of European architecture. These elements elevated the space, adding a sense of depth and sophistication while maintaining a functional and seamless user experience.”
Blending Classical Elements with Elegance
The washrooms were conceived by incorporating a sophisticated blend of conventional English design along with a refined, classical European touch. Instead of following a purely utilitarian approach, the focus was on creating a space that exuded elegance and exclusivity that was on par with the prestige of Khaitan & Co.
Talking about both the washrooms, Majumder shares, “For the ladies’ washroom, we departed from the standard practice of full wall tiling and introduced wallpaper instead with a tone of dirty powder pink — a nod to authentic classical design. This element added warmth, character, and a sense of luxury, making the space feel more curated and inviting. As for the gents’ washroom, we incorporated semicircular arches and POP moulding, bringing in the essence of European architecture. These elements elevated the space, adding a sense of depth and sophistication while maintaining a functional and seamless user experience.”
Creating a Distinct Visual and Functional Identity
For a renowned law firm like Khaitan & Co., it was imperative for the washroom design to reflect sophistication, functionality, and a timeless aesthetic. Touching upon this, Majumder says, “The ladies’ washroom embraces a classic and warm ambience, drawing inspiration from traditional European interiors. Instead of full-tile coverage, vinyl-based wallpapers with damask patterns were used, bringing a refined and luxurious touch to the space while ensuring durability in a high-moisture environment. Moreover, the monochrome geometric-patterned floor tiles add a contemporary contrast while maintaining an overall classical theme. As a finishing touch, a circular backlit mirror above a sleek floating vanity was added to enhance the space, creating a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.”
“In contrast, the gents’ washroom embodies a bolder, architectural character. The most striking feature is the semicircular archway, a direct nod to colonial architectural heritage. Accentuated with POP moulding, this element brings depth and grandeur to the space. The blue-tiled walls introduce a refreshing yet stately feel of the sixties, breaking away from conventional monochromatic designs. The floating vanity with a textured finish maintains uniformity with the ladies’ section, ensuring a cohesive identity across both spaces,” Majumder adds.
From a functional perspective, the layout of the washrooms was carefully planned to accommodate the firm’s executive staff while optimising the space for efficiency. The client’s preference for brick partitions over standard stall dividers provided a more private and durable solution, while fixtures and fittings were selected to meet international standards.
Overall, Khaitan & Co.’s washroom design successfully balances luxury with practicality. By integrating classical elements with modern detailing, the space resonates with the firm’s legacy.