Café Vanah | Twenty Eight Architects | Pune
Vanah is an intimate 100-seater diner nestled within the bustling Aundh–Baner suburb of Pune. True to its name, Vanah—meaning forest—is conceived as a tranquil retreat rooted in a nature-centric philosophy envisioned by its promoters.
An erstwhile bungalow has been thoughtfully transformed into a tropical dining destination, drawing inspiration from the timeless works of master architect Geoffrey Bawa. The design celebrates a seamless dialogue between indoors and outdoors, with expansive glazing inviting abundant natural light while framing serene views of the surrounding landscape.
Greenery is not treated as an accessory but as an integral design element—strategically woven into every level and corner, becoming the focal point of spatial experience and detailing. The interiors are anchored in a neutral colour palette, allowing materials, light, and nature to take centre stage—an essential restraint in a carefully curated dining environment.
Texture, a fundamental sensory quality associated with food, is subtly reinterpreted across the walls and surfaces, enriching the tactile experience of the space. A defining moment unfolds as patrons ascend the staircase, gently wrapping around a tall Brassia tree, fostering an immediate and intimate connection with nature.
Designed to engage all senses, Cafe Vanah is a sensory-led dining experience—where architecture, landscape, light, and materiality come together to create a calm yet immersive urban conservatory.
Interior lover team’s view on the project
Amid Pune’s evolving urban landscape, Vanah cafe offers a refreshing interpretation of contemporary dining—one that celebrates nature as the defining element of the experience. Designed by Twenty Eight Architects under the leadership of Ar. Abhishek Rahate and Ar. Saleel Sanjay Savarkar, the restaurant presents a calm and immersive setting where architecture and landscape are thoughtfully intertwined.
A restrained palette of natural materials and earthy tones establishes a sense of quiet sophistication, allowing light, greenery, and texture to shape the character of the space. Expansive openings strengthen the connection with the outdoors, drawing natural light deep into the interiors and creating a constantly evolving visual experience. Lush planting is seamlessly integrated into the architectural narrative, becoming an intrinsic part of the spatial composition rather than a decorative addition.
Subtle tactile finishes enrich the sensory quality of the environment, while fluid spatial transitions encourage a natural flow through the restaurant. Every design gesture is carefully orchestrated to create a setting that feels relaxed, immersive, and deeply connected to its surroundings. The result is a contemporary dining space where nature and design exist in effortless harmony.
FACT FILE
Project Name : Café Vanah
Design Firm : Twenty Eight Architects
Principal Architects : Ar. Abhishek Rahate and Ar. Saleel Sanjay Savarkar
Project Type : Hospitality (café) Interior
Project Location : Pune
Photography Credits : Kshan_collective
