Lounge of The Lime Lounge by Space Karma Design Studio
At the heart of the terrace’s environmental performance lies a material that is far older and far kinder than modern construction dictates: Lime. Known locally as chuna and traditionally in Rajasthan as gutai, it is one of India’s most time-tested sustainable materials. Its preparation itself was a craft, carried out on this site by Rajasthani artisans who work with a mixture of jaggery, fenugreek, haldi and other natural binders to create a breathable mortar. Multiple layers are applied by hand, each one strengthening, cooling and smoothing the surface. We suggested this material early in the process because lime doesn’t merely finish a floor; it regulates a climate. During the peak heat of Ahmedabad’s summer, when black granite becomes impossible to touch, the lime surface remains comfortable enough to walk on barefoot. It breathes, self-heals, grows stronger as it ages, and its cooling property intensifies over time - subtly reducing the temperature of the entire terrace for years to come.
In shaping the spatial flow, we introduced gentle levels that serve both function and experience. A person can sit comfortably on one step while using the higher one beside it to place a drink, a platter or anything they wish to keep within easy reach. This ensures that even during the liveliest gatherings, no extra tables or furniture are needed.
Instead of stripping away existing greenery, we reorganised it from a rigid linear arrangement into soft curves that wrap around seating pockets. The biophilic layer strengthened this comfort! Together, the material and the landscape create a space that feels calm by day, intimate by evening and inherently responsive to the region’s extreme climate.
Lounge of The Lime Lounge by Space Karma Design Studio
Bar Area of The Lime Lounge by Space Karma Design Studio
From the open, flowing terrace, the social energy naturally leads to the bar. This happening zone is maximalist, layered and rich, a lively contrast to the terrace’s breezy openness. It connects seamlessly to the other pockets, allowing the host to move with ease. The ergonomic layout keeps everything within reach, so drinks can be served without breaking the conversation. The bar cabinet with its stained glass detailing was crafted in close collaboration with the client, bringing a touch of vintage nostalgia. The customised bar table with Egyptian-style inlays, also created through the same collaborative process, adds a luxurious richness to the space.
From lively to intimate, the enclosed lounge room steps into a deeper layer of personality. The furniture in the room was designed and built through a close partnership with the client, resulting in standalone pieces that feel truly bespoke to the space. The walls are kept in a lighter tone while the floor anchors the space with a saturated, grounding colour, creating the perfect canvas for the rust-coloured sofa that brings warmth without heaviness. Deeper tones were chosen intentionally to make the room feel darker, cozier and more intimate and elements like the Naga panels add handcrafted rawness that enriches the palette instantly. Nothing feels overly matched, yet everything sits in harmony.
Bar Area of The Lime Lounge by Space Karma Design Studio
Open Seating Space of The Lime Lounge by Space Karma Design Studio
Open Seating Space of The Lime Lounge by Space Karma Design Studio
Open Seating Space of The Lime Lounge by Space Karma Design Studio
Semi-Open Seating of The Lime Lounge by Space Karma Design Studio
The sloping roof introduced a generous volume that prevents the deeper colours from ever feeling dingy or heavy. The full glass facade amplifies this openness, allowing sunlight to pour in through the day and keeping the room visually connected to the outdoors even though it is enclosed. Paired with the wooden ceiling that adds an extra layer of warmth, the room becomes both intimate and expansive which is a balance rarely achieved in cosy spaces. Even with 15 people seated inside, the height prevents any feeling of claustrophobia, and the ability to open the sides ensures easy movement and airflow.
Even the compact powder washroom carries the project’s sustainable intent. The entire space is finished in lime. The basin counter is built through the brick masonry method and custom-crafted from scratch instead of relying on ready units, which cuts down on wastage and supports local craftsmanship. Every functional need has been seamlessly integrated into the form: Space to hold the towel basket, the soap display, the small storage pockets etc. Soft, diffused lighting replaces unnecessary brightness and brings in a sense of quiet luxury through simplicity.
This renovation project is a nod to the future of experiential design, one where sustainability is not an aesthetic or a trend but an ethic, a quiet layer woven into every decision. It protects the soul of what a party space should feel like: warm, immersive, unforgettable. It becomes a place that celebrates life today while leaving the planet a little better than it found it, grounding every experience in materials and choices that care for the world they belong to.
Powder Washroom of The Lime Lounge by Space Karma Design Studio
