Project Chintan

Hand-Carved Thresholds: The Rise of Sculptural Doors in Contemporary Interiors

Bengaluru design studio Kosh introduces 'Sabha,' a collection of artisanal wooden doors and panels that function as focal architectural points. The series blends diverse timber types with motifs ranging from South Indian temple guardian imagery to Gothic cathedral arches.

· 1 min read
Updated

Key takeaways

  • Bengaluru-based Kosh studio has curated the 'Sabha' collection, transforming functional doors into high-art sculptural panels.
  • The pieces utilize diverse materials including Ghana teak, Mysuru teak, and mango wood to ensure durability and aesthetic grain patterns.
  • Design motifs range from Gothic cathedral arches and African-inspired masks to South Indian temple guardians like the Simha.
  • Custom orders are painstakingly handcrafted, typically requiring a lead time of two to three months for delivery.
  • The range features high-end pricing, with the light-manipulating Jaali Jaal panel priced at ₹2,77,200.
Hand-Carved Thresholds: The Rise of Sculptural Doors in Contemporary Interiors

Artisanal Storytelling Through Timber and Form

Modern residential design is witnessing a transition where functional elements, such as doors, are reimagined as central art installations. Bengaluru-based studio Kosh has responded to this shift with its 'Sabha' collection. Launched gradually since 2023, the series focuses on tactility and the concept of a home as a vessel for memory. Founders Nidhi and Ketan Gupta emphasize that these pieces are designed to define their environment rather than simply occupy it.

Materiality and Craftsmanship in 'Sabha'

The collection relies on sophisticated joinery and a specific selection of woods chosen for their grain quality and ease of carving. Material sources include:

  • Ghana teak
  • Teak harvested from Madhya Pradesh and Mysuru
  • Mango wood

Production is a deliberate process. While some stock items are maintained, most custom orders require two to three months of handcrafted labor. The studio utilizes 3D rendering technology to assist clients in visualizing how these large-scale sculptural objects integrate with their specific interior layouts.

Thematic Explorations and Pricing

The collection draws from a broad spectrum of cultural and architectural history. The Mukhda series (₹1,69,800) features featureless facial carvings inspired by African masks and Stonehenge, representing individuality within a collective. Archival influences continue with Atvi (₹15,240), which translates Gothic cathedral geometry into mahogany and ivory-toned panels.

Regional Indian influences are particularly prominent. The Simha (₹59,400) mirrors the lion guardians of South Indian temples, while Meena (₹64,080) and Maya (₹49,800) offer intricate religious and feminine imagery, often pairing wood with burnished metal frames. For those seeking play between shadow and structure, the Jaali Jaal (₹2,77,200) serves as a heavy threshold designed to manipulate light, while the Vayra (₹1,32,500) utilizes a fusion of Indian and Native American tribal totem motifs to create high-relief animal and armor details.

Source: The Hindu - Lifestyle

Related stories