Mehul Solanki is a visionary architect hailing from a legacy of architectural excellence who stands at the forefront of Alankaar Studios Llp, a powerhouse in the world of design and architecture. He has nearly two decades of expertise in the field of planning and executing projects within the practices of architecture, planning, and interiors. His practice expands from projects being executed in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, Bilaspur, Bhuj, Ahmedabad, Warangal, Chennai and Delhi.
The array of projects where he has rendered his services are master planning, institutional buildings, resorts, commercial buildings, offices, private farmhouses and residences. As a pivotal member of Alankaar Studios Llp, Mehul Solanki’s role goes beyond design –he brings a wealth of expertise in project management, a skill set honed by his family’s established architectural background in Hyderabad. His arrival in 2020 marked a significant chapter for the firm, reinforcing its commitment to offering comprehensive architectural solutions.
The inception of Alankaar Studios Llp is a tale of collaboration and growth founded by Dhrumil Kumar, also an Architect, and Avinav Shah, an accomplished Interior designer, respectively. With a shared vision, they established their roots in Hyderguda, cultivating their expertise through dedication and successful project completions. In 2016, their ambitions led them to a larger canvas in Jubilee Hills. Mehul Solanki’s integration brought unparalleled depth to their services, propelling them into a league of end-to-end architectural solutions. Officially called Alankaar Studios Llp in 2021, the trio’s synergy magnified their capabilities, and their team grew to 20 members, managing more than 50 project projects with remarkable finesse.
Their company’s influence stretches beyond geographical boundaries, featuring a PAN India presence. Noteworthy projects like the Chhattisgarh High Court and Dhirubhai Ambani Home for All reflect their versatility and commitment to impacting both public and private domains. Mehul Solanki’s involvement embodies a commitment to architectural excellence that spans generations. With his dedication and Alankaar Studios Llp’s prowess, they shall continue to shape the architectural landscape.
Elemental Expression
A captivating interplay of light and shadows in office designed by Mehul Solanki
The visitors to the office are captivated by the presence of two intriguing windows. These finely crafted windows boast inclined fins, skillfully powder-coated with MS, to embrace natural light and shadows, creating a captivating interplay within the office. These windows serve a dual purpose, forming an integral part of the reception area, while their external facades boast a tasteful cladding of slate stone.
The Puja door, next to the windows is purposefully designed, and leads to a Puja mandir, accessible from outside, allowing visitors to pay their respects without entering the main office. At the end of the entranceway, a grill bifurcates the area, separating the entry space from the private domain.
The reception table is crafted with a seamless blend of wood and Satvario stone, radiating elegance and sophistication. Natural light filters through a grand window, connecting the outside with the interior. This beautiful north light illuminates the space, creating a warm and inviting ambience. The ceiling boasts a textured grey finish, adding depth and character to the area, while below the company logo, storage units done in Rattan infuse a touch of Indian essence into the setting. The flooring, in singular micro concrete, unifies the space, while the light greyish wall colour perfectly complements the wooden elements. Notably, the main door handle is fashioned from a single log piece, adding a unique and artistic touch to the entrance.
Adjacent to the main conference room, the small discussion room offers a connected yet private space for office members to engage in project discussions, design alignments, and collaborative brainstorming. One wall with soft pink accents, creates an impression of graceful lines, enhancing the room’s charm and inviting creativity to flow effortlessly.
The foyer bridges the reception area, lounge, and meeting room, with a coffered ceiling crafted from wood, polished in black. Shades of grey complement the black ceiling creating a seamless flow between the spaces. A pop of yellow colour on the door and on the column catches the eye and accentuates the length of the space.
The MD’s cabin boasts a blend of colours and thoughtful Vastu considerations. The flooring in vibrant yellow, the yellow artwork on the wall, the white unit in Corian, and the green sofa signify the importance of these three colours aligning perfectly with southwest Vastu principles infusing the room with positive energy. Two horse artefacts one on a white unit made from Corian material and the other on a captivating grey wall add a touch of artistry. Rattan work on the cabinet shutters adds a touch of traditional charm, incorporating elements of white, brown, and grey to maintain the Vastu harmony. The presence of two windows in the room ensures ample natural light and ventilation, enhancing the overall ambience of the MD’s cabin.
The puja door at the entrance extends here, thoughtfully designed for visitors outside the office to offer their prayers and offerings to the divine. This puja unit cubicle, along with the door and the adjoining area, forms an interconnected space. An open file cabinet serves as a practical storage solution for files and essential items, while also providing a platform to showcase captivating artwork and meaningful artifacts.
The ceiling made from High Pressured Laminate has been kept open, inviting natural light to filter in gently. The flooring is adorned with Tandoor tiles, while a touch of artificial grass crowns the top, infusing a hint of green tranquillity into this entranceway.
In the waiting area, a captivating Corian mural adorns the wall, featuring hieroglyphs inspired by ancient MAYAN designs. The waiting area further embraces an Indian touch with the addition of a Persian carpet. Subtle interplay of white, grey, black, and silver hues, creates a stylish and functional division.
The conference room boasts a serene ambience, with a delightful blend of white and veneer finishes adorning the storage units. The ceiling showcases a tasteful combination of wood and grey and the flooring is done in micro concrete. The true centrepiece of the room is the remarkable table, masterfully carved from a single piece of wooden log. Motorized blinds shield the room from external light, ensuring uninterrupted focus during meetings while allowing flexibility to embrace natural light when desired.
Situated in the southeast corner of the office, the design draws inspiration from the element of fire, beautifully manifested through accents of vibrant red. A metal artwork, shaped like a human face, adorns one wall, lending an artistic touch. Beyond the entrance door lies a seamless connection to the reception and office area, promoting a sense of openness and seamless integration.
The staff room is designed to embody simplicity and openness. The central space is kept uncluttered allowing staff members to feel a sense of freedom and not feel confined. Natural light and ventilation from the open windows welcome the natural elements in the staff area. Shades of grey and subtle blue table tops contribute to the tranquil ambience. Intriguing artwork on the wall adds a touch of visual interest while another wall commemorates the company’s inception in 1990, symbolizing the founder’s meaning and approach with the team. In essence, the staff room exemplifies a clean and clear space that fosters productivity, encouraging employees to immerse themselves in their work.
The MD’s son’s cabin features a refreshing green flooring, perfectly suited for its location in the northwest corner. A generous window bathes the room in natural light and ventilation allowing for a refreshing breeze to sweep through whenever desired. The Corian top, wooden table, with a fluted front, exudes elegance and durability. The consistent use of rattan work throughout the cabin adds a touch of traditional charm and continuity to the design. An impressive artwork adorns one of the walls, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the room. The cabin’s distinctive lighting showcases an industrial-style hanging light that catches the eye while subtly complementing the overall look and ambiance. The ceiling showcases creativity, designed to mimic an inclined roof with POP rafters, imparting a distinctive touch to the room.
