Architecture

13-11-2025

Photographer : Manthan Yadav

Text provided by Architect

The Ugaoo Flagship Store in Pune, India, designed by Concept by Sowe, reimagines retail as an immersive biophilic experience where architecture, nature, and people come together in harmony. Guided by the brand’s philosophy “Plants grow people” the store transcends traditional commercial design to become a living, breathing environment that celebrates the deep connection between humans and the natural world. 

The design concept is rooted in the belief that nature should not simply decorate a space but define it. Every design decision, from the spatial planning to material selection, reflects a deep commitment to biophilic principles and sustainable living. The store’s organic language, rhythmic arches, and earthy palette embody a sense of calm and continuity, inviting visitors to slow down and reconnect with their surroundings. 

The architectural approach emphasizes a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. The main road-facing façade, articulated with a series of arches across multiple levels, frames lush greenery and reinforces Ugaoo’s plant-centric identity. Expansive glazing blurs the boundary between the built form and landscape, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and creating a constantly changing interplay of light, shadow, and foliage.

Pune,Maharashtra,India

Architects : Concept By Sowe
Area : 3143.06 sq. ft.
Year of Completion : 2025
Website : https://www.instagram.com/concept_by_sowe/

Exterior view of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe


Entrance of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe

Visitors enter through tall French doors that open into a warm and inviting reception area. At the center stands a custom-designed reception table, crowned by a striking arched frame that highlights a pyramid display of curated plants and products. This sculptural composition sets the tone for the store’s experiential narrative - where every detail has purpose and meaning. 

A stylized archway leads from the reception to the main display area, subtly dividing zones while maintaining openness and flow. The design encourages organic movement through the space, with shelving and displays arranged to guide exploration without overwhelming the senses. Each shelf is custom-designed to respond to the building’s structural and lighting conditions especially its large windows, which provide abundant daylight essential for plant health. 

Rather than obstructing the windows, the shelving systems are integrated around them, maximizing visibility and maintaining a light-filled interior. This approach ensures both visual connection and functional efficiency, balancing the needs of plants, people, and architecture. 


Reception of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe


Plants Display Area of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe


Plants Display Area of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe

Each floor unfolds a new experience. The first floor introduces a communal table surrounded by curated greenery, fostering social interaction and shared appreciation of plants. At its center stands a sculptural tree installation - a symbolic centerpiece from which plants cascade downwards, creating a multi-sensory focal point that draws the eye while maintaining openness and circulation. 

The second-floor houses flexible workshop and event spaces that extend the brand’s mission of education and community engagement. Movable display units and open layouts allow the area to adapt easily to various formats from intimate workshops to larger gatherings. A small coffee station enhances the relaxed atmosphere, encouraging visitors to linger and connect. 

Through this vertical narrative, visitors experience a gradual unfolding of the brand’s story, moving from discovery and display to interaction and learning a journey that mirrors the growth of a plant from root to bloom. 


Communal table of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe



Plants Display Area of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe


Plants Display Area of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe

Material choices anchor the project’s biophilic ethos. Textured terracotta walls, natural wood finishes, and organic surfaces evoke the warmth of the earth, providing a rich tactile experience. Every element - arches, shelves, and custom furniture - is designed to highlight craftsmanship and authenticity. The restrained color palette and minimal detailing ensure that plants remain the protagonists of the space. 

Beyond the interiors, the design extends into the exterior setback and backyard. Here, metal pergolas draped with climbing plants form shaded outdoor zones that invite pause and reflection. Wall-mounted lighting casts delicate shadows that animate the space at night, enhancing the connection between architecture and landscape even after sunset. 


Corridor of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe

The existing structure presented two primary challenges: an irregular column-beam grid and numerous large glass windows that limited available wall space. These constraints became opportunities for creative problem-solving. The introduction of arches not only established a cohesive visual rhythm but also helped mask structural irregularities, creating a sense of order and fluidity. 

Custom-designed shelving addressed the challenge of daylight and display needs, ensuring maximum functionality without compromising openness. The result is a space that feels effortless and intuitive yet carefully orchestrated in its design logic. 


Pyramid Shelf Display of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe

Inclusivity is an intrinsic part of the spatial strategy. Circulation paths are wide and accessible, display heights vary to accommodate diverse users, and multiple entry points including lift access ensure equitable movement across levels. The interplay of natural light, greenery, and earthy textures fosters emotional comfort, making the store a welcoming environment for everyone. 


Pyramid Shelf Display of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe


Tree Display Unit of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe

Sustainability lies at the core of the design approach. The project makes extensive use of natural light and ventilation, minimizing dependence on artificial systems. Locally sourced materials - terracotta, wood, and metal reduce environmental impact and root the project in its regional context. Living greenery acts as both a visual and ecological layer, enhancing air quality and supporting the well-being of visitors and staff alike. 

The Ugaoo Flagship Store stands as an exemplar of contemporary biophilic retail design. It transforms a commercial typology into a place of interaction, reflection, and rejuvenation. Through its sensitive blend of architecture, materiality, and landscape, the store redefines how design can connect people with nature - one plant, one space, one experience at a time.


Facade elevation of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe


Ground Floor Plan of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe


First Floor Plan of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe


Second Floor Plan of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe


Site Plan of Ugaoo Flagship Store by Concept By Sowe




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