penthouse by metaphors blends neo-classical details with brutalism

A COLLISION OF NEO-CLASSICAL DETAIL AND BRUTALIST GEOMETRY

The penthouse residence by Metaphors is defined by a balance of extremes, where bold neo-classical elements are combined with the raw mass of brutalism. The architectural program rejects a singular aesthetic, instead opting for a material collision that pairs deep-veined, sculpted marbles with intricately detailed ceilings and embossed wall panels. This allows the residence to function as a versatile home, shifting between an expansive stage for high-society hosting and a series of intimate, quiet sanctuaries for family life.

Penthouse residence by Metaphors | all images courtesy of Metaphors

AESTHETICS, UTILITY, AND MINDFULNESS DRIVE METAPHORS’ Practice

Based in India, Metaphors was co-founded by Anand Bhagat and the late Amala Sheth, gaining early recognition for designing large-scale IT campuses and commercial spaces during the country’s technological boom. The firm’s expertise spans hospitality, residential, and institutional sectors, always prioritizing functional and contextually sensitive design. Bhagat, a certified naturalist and martial artist, steers the studio’s vision through his personal mantra, ‘AUM’ – Aesthetics, Utility, and Mindfulness. This philosophy ensures that every project reflects technical precision alongside a deep respect for the user’s experience and the environment.

bold neo-classical elements are combined with the raw mass of brutalism

PENTHOUSE RESIDENCE WITH CONTRASTING INFLUENCES

To animate the interiors, Metaphors utilizes a sequence of strategic ceiling cut-outs that allow natural light to penetrate the deep plan. These openings transform the atmosphere of the home throughout the day, casting shifting shadows across the heavy stone surfaces and textured wall treatments. The spatial organization follows this logic of contrast; while the brutalist influence introduces a sense of permanence and austerity, the neo-classical detailing provides a rhythmic ornamentation that softens the structural rigor.

By navigating this balance of extremes, the design ensures that movement through the home becomes a processional experience. The heavy, veined marbles ground the living volumes, while the light-filled voids overhead introduce a sense of verticality and openness. This layering of history and modernism results in a residence that serves as an experiential study in harmony and contrast.

light-filled voids introduce a sense of verticality and openness