Sculpted for Serenity
Drawing inspiration from lush greenery, Manish Kumat designed a spa washroom that celebrates nature through material continuity and sculptural geometry. Unified by micro-concrete finishes, warm lighting, and earthy hues, the space integrates discreet storage and a pool-like bathtub to deliver a calming, immersive retreat that balances functionality with meditative comfort.
When Manish Kumat, Founder and Chief Designer of Manish Kumat Design Cell, was tasked with creating a spa-like washroom, he took inspiration from the area’s natural surroundings. With lush greenery peeking through the washroom’s exterior openings, it was only fitting that the space imbibe a natural, earthy tone.
This was further magnified when the decision came down to enclosing the spa with glass or leaving it open. “After thoughtful deliberation and discussions with the client, we decided to keep the space open to create a seamless, infinity-like visual connection with the surrounding greenery. The aim was to create an immersive experience for users to enjoy a serene, nature-integrated retreat,” says Kumat.
Dissolving Boundaries
However, this blurring of boundaries between the built and surrounding natural environment was a design challenge, one that Kumat was focused on addressing. “Instead of treating the exterior trees as a backdrop, we wanted to position them as protagonists within the spatial experience. This was achieved through carefully framed openings and a layout developed primarily on-site, allowing the architecture to respond sensitively to the natural elements,” he explains.
He further added that, unlike many urban wellness spaces, acoustic treatment was not a primary concern here. The elevated location and surrounding foliage naturally insulated the spa from urban noise, establishing an already quiet and contemplative environment. This allowed the focus to shift entirely toward visual and sensory immersion in nature. From the bathing area, users can observe the gentle movements of leaves, hear the soft patter of raindrops, and feel a profound connection to the outdoors – all from within a constructed environment. “The result is a spa that transcends its metropolitan setting, offering an unexpectedly profound and meditative experience rooted in nature,” opines Kumat.
Earthy Hues and Sculptural Geometry
Kumat envisioned a space that imbues warmth and minimalism. To create this, he played with natural textures, earthy hues, and soft, organic geometries. “We incorporated clay-toned surfaces and delicately curved niches to introduce a sense of depth and tactile richness, while the ambient lighting and integration of greenery contribute to an atmosphere of calm and quietude. A key design consideration was incorporating an open cutout that frames the surrounding landscape, allowing natural light and breeze to flow freely into the space, thus transforming the spa into a restorative, immersive retreat,” he explains. The colour palette, too, was chosen with the intention to evoke the warm glow of the evening sun, lending the space a natural and calming ambience.
Moreover, the spa was Kumat’s first foray into achieving material continuity across walls, floors, and ceilings to create a seamless monolithic expression. He selected micro-concrete, a material that is well-suited for such an application, owing to its tactile quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
He shares, “Recognising the technical demands of the material, we collaborated with an experienced specialist who had an in-depth understanding of micro-concrete. Together, we evaluated its suitability for a spa environment, particularly in terms of its performance in wet conditions, its longevity, and how it would age over time. The construction sequence was carefully planned – brickwork and plastering were completed first, followed by the micro-concrete application. Special attention was given to detailing – edges were deliberately rounded to eliminate sharp corners, reinforcing the sense of continuity and visual fluidity.”
Key Lighting Strategies
Lighting was just as crucial to maintaining the spa as a place of retreat and sanctuary. Kumat was deliberate and purposeful in this – each lighting fixture was incorporated to serve a clear visual or functional purpose. He opted for warm light tones, where lights were strategically positioned to highlight key functional areas like niches, pathways, and counters, which also aided in accentuating depth and form.
Lights were also embedded in walls and ceilings for a clean and minimalistic aesthetic. “Unique wall niches, custom-designed as candle holders, create flickering flames that illuminate the space with a soothing radiance. This evocative interplay of light and shadow invites users into a calming embrace, transforming the atmosphere into an immersive haven for relaxation and rejuvenation,” highlights Kumat.
The Main Attraction
The defining feature of the spa is undoubtedly the expansive pool-like bathtub accessed through steps at the side, lending the entire experience a very ceremonial feel. This was designed with visual continuity in mind. Explaining this, Kumat says, “The junctions are fluid, with softly rounded corners and uninterrupted surfaces, lending the environment a calm, meditative flow. An infinity-edge approach was applied near water zones, allowing overflow to quietly merge into an adjacent water body without the need for visible drainage channels.”
Moreover, all challenges pertaining to waterproofing systems and the long-term durability of this choice were meticulously addressed with the help of expert applicators.
Elegance Meets Functionality
Kumat’s deliberateness is also seen in the choice of functional accessories used in the spa. These, too, were seamlessly integrated into the minimalist aesthetics of the space. “Through our collaboration with the specialists in micro concrete, we created a washbasin that mirrored the exquisite materials of our floors, walls, and ceiling. After looking over practicality and design potential, the concept quickly blossomed into reality – resulting in a stunning basin that feels like an organic extension of the space itself,” explains Kumat.
The space’s storage facilities were also strategically planned, aligning with the private, exclusive, and minimal atmosphere of the spa. “We wanted to encourage users to embrace a minimalist lifestyle while immersing themselves in this tranquil environment. Instead of overwhelming the space with built-in cabinetry, we prioritised visual clarity and openness. For essential storage, we explored elegant, discreet solutions, such as a clever space within the adjacent shower area or even the possibility of adding a beautifully handcrafted wooden trunk in the future. These thoughtful touches could elegantly accommodate towels, personal items, or cosmetics, all while preserving the serene simplicity that defines this extraordinary oasis,” Kumat elucidates.
Manish Kumat
Principal Architect, Manish Kumat Design Cell
The spa is also designed to be clean and low maintenance, achieved by incorporating micro-cement surfaces protected with chlorine-safe sealers and water-based coatings known for their durability. Moreover, the built-in counters, recessed niches, and softly curved edges reduce visual clutter and eliminate dust traps. The goal: “The spa remains a peaceful sanctuary that is as effortless to maintain as it is to experience,” asserts Kumat.