Futuristic Craft: Sequel BKC in Mumbai, India by Ashiesh Shah.

Perfectly imperfect, Sequel’s latest outpost in Mumbai has an ephemeral quality, comfortably enmeshing Indian craftsmanship with futuristic stylings. Teaming up again with designer Ashiesh Shah, the luxurious interiors utilise raw and earthy finishes that speak to the organic, farm-fresh values of the popular eatery.

Housed in a bustling office centre in the residential and business area of Bandra Kurla Complex, Sequel sits in serene contrast focusing on slow living and refined textures. The space is guided by Shah’s signature Wabi-Sabi aesthetic with three distinct areas emerging from the seamless terrain – a Grab and go station catering to the eat-at-their-desk lunch break crowd, casual cafe seating and, in a first for the brand, a formal dining area.

With no sharp edges in sight, soft cornered partitions and custom crafted furniture pieces define the fluid volume. In the dining room off-white channapatna beads, handmade in Karnataka by a master craftswoman float above the tables emitting an illusional warm glow. Clad in a warm honey oakwood veneer, rounded dining chairs, elliptical arched tables, sinuous sofas and a bronze bar – all made in house – celebrate the curved facets and subtle luxuries of the interior.

The cafe side is characterised by fluid oyster-like light fixtures designed especially for this project, their raw finishes celebrating the handmade process. Familiar fixtures of the Sequel oeuvre are at home here with monotone textured walls and terracotta brick floors dutifully taking a backseat to the fresh and vibrant produce on the plate. Reminiscent of the original Sequel the design marries modernity and subtlety while embracing an entirely new context.

As a relaxed break from the bustle of the city the flexible layout also conveniently allows for social distancing with circulation patterns fostering one-way movement. Raw refined and organic Sequel BKC encapsulates a space that is futuristic in form and earthy at its core all within an enveloping muted ambience.

[Images courtesy of Atelier Ashiesh Shah.]