Discover a Modern Penthouse in Surat, where brutalist design, curved concrete walls, and natural light create a seamless, minimalist living experience.

The modern penthouse completed in 2023 by DOT is a remarkable blend of functionality and elevated minimalist aesthetics. Spanning 650 square meters, this architectural marvel is situated on the 11th floor of a residential building in Surat, Gujarat, India. Designed to harmonize raw materials with spatial openness, this residence embodies the principles of brutalism while offering an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

A Grand Entrance: First Impressions Matter

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a softly lit entrance foyer, where bright artwork contrasts against a neutral gray wall. The bold black terrazzo flooring grounds the space, setting a sophisticated yet understated tone. The grand timber door, featuring an intricately carved handle, serves as a tactile and visual invitation into the home.

Designer Tip: To create an inviting entrance, use a mix of textures and subtle contrasts. A well-chosen statement door and layered lighting can significantly enhance the first impression of any modern penthouse.

Flow and Fluidity: The Essence of Brutalist Design

Inside, the design emphasizes seamless movement and natural light. A striking timber wall leads toward a curved cast-in-situ concrete plane, naturally drawing the eye to the well-lit living room and a lush landscaped balcony. This smooth flow fosters an organic connection between spaces, reinforcing the designers’ goal of openness.

“We wanted to create a sense of fluidity and openness,” say principal architects Krishna Mistry and Anand Jariwala, “allowing natural light to permeate every corner of the space.”

Designer Tip: Position large windows strategically and use reflective surfaces to distribute daylight more effectively. Incorporating open floor plans with minimal obstructions enhances spatial fluidity in any modern penthouse.

Living Room: A Drama-Free Haven

Encapsulated by three curved concrete walls, the living room maintains an unaltered layout, ensuring no inserts touch the peripheral walls or ceiling. This deliberate decision emphasizes the apartment’s linear expanse, allowing for an uninterrupted flow of light and air. Despite its raw materiality, the room avoids harsh, shadowy corners, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment.

Designer Tip: Brutalist elements, such as exposed concrete, can be softened with warm-toned furniture, plush textiles, and subtle lighting. Layering these elements prevents a space from feeling too stark.

Transitioning Spaces: Dining with a View

Moving from the living room to the dining area, a subtle step-up signals a transition into a more private domain. The dining area benefits from a strategically placed southern window and a double-height staircase on the north side, balancing light dynamics throughout the day. A skylight and a green pocket introduce natural elements, enhancing the sense of dining within a landscape rather than indoors.

Designer Tip: Using greenery inside a modern penthouse not only improves air quality but also visually extends the space. Consider indoor planters, vertical gardens, or glass walls to create a natural connection.

The Kitchen: Functionality Meets Aesthetics

The monochromatic color palette of the home is subtly warmed by timber details and bold red accents, particularly in the kitchen and dining table. The kitchen, seamlessly integrated into the open-plan layout, prioritizes efficiency while maintaining a refined aesthetic.

Designer Tip: A predominantly neutral modern penthouse can benefit from strategic color pops. Red, as used in this project, energizes the space without overwhelming the minimalist theme.

A Sculptural Staircase: More Than a Pathway

One of the standout features of the penthouse is its curved concrete staircase, which serves as both a functional and spiritual element. Leading to the terrace, it also houses a serene place of worship and a cozy reading nook beneath it.

“The staircase was designed to be more than just a means of vertical circulation,” explains Anand Jariwala. “It’s a space for reflection and connection.”

Designer Tip: A staircase in a modern penthouse doesn’t have to be purely functional. Experiment with sculptural forms, integrated lighting, or built-in seating for added visual and practical appeal.

Material Palette: A Lesson in Minimalist Consistency

The residence’s material choices—bare slabs, fair-finished curved concrete walls, teak partitions, handmade IPS walls, and terrazzo floors—are carefully selected to foster a cohesive and grounded ambiance. This consistency in materiality strengthens the minimalist philosophy, ensuring that every element feels intentional.

Designer Tip: Opt for a limited but high-quality material palette in a modern penthouse to maintain cohesion. Mix textures like wood, stone, and metal to introduce subtle contrast without visual clutter.

Grid-Based Design: Structuring Space with Precision

A key architectural strategy employed in this modern penthouse is the use of a grid system, evident in both flooring and ceiling designs. This meticulous approach ensures a rhythmic harmony between different structural elements, creating a balanced and structured environment. The interplay between the exposed beam grid, skylights, and terrace landscape extends the sense of spatial continuity across levels.

Designer Tip: Applying grid principles in design—whether through ceiling beams, flooring tiles, or furniture placement—enhances spatial order and visual harmony, particularly in minimalist interiors.

The Landscaped Terrace: A Private Urban Escape

The penthouse terrace, accessible via the curved staircase, serves as a secluded retreat above the city. Thoughtfully landscaped with native plants, seating nooks, and open spaces, it offers residents an outdoor oasis while maintaining the residence’s aesthetic coherence.

Designer Tip: A well-designed terrace should feel like an extension of indoor living. Include shaded areas, greenery, and multi-functional seating to create a comfortable yet stylish escape.

The Future of Modern Penthouse Design

The Modern Penthouse by DOT in Surat is a testament to the evolving nature of urban living—where brutalist principles merge with warmth, fluidity, and natural integration. Through thoughtful material choices, strategic spatial planning, and a commitment to light and openness, this residence offers a sophisticated yet livable environment.

For those drawn to the harmonious blend of brutalism and warmth seen in this modern penthouse, Marnois offers a curated selection of furnishings that can elevate any space. With pieces that embody both raw elegance and refined design, Marnois allows you to seamlessly integrate bold, structured elements while maintaining a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. Whether outfitting a new home or transforming an existing one, their collection provides the perfect balance to create an environment that feels both dynamic and serene.

Source: Yellowtrace