Mumbai, August 2025 – Architect Apoorva Shroff, Founder and Principal Designer of Lyth Design, has brought her creative vision to a cause close to her heart. Ashray, an orphanage in Bandra West, Mumbai, is a place Apoorva has been visiting since her childhood. She approached the orphanage with a desire to create something special for the children residing in the orphanage, and within three months, she managed to transform a storage space into a vibrant play area. The space was designed to spark imagination, encourage learning, and foster a sense of belonging among the children.
Wanting to make a tangible difference, she offered her core skill: design. The team at Ashray showed her a store room and a few washrooms that could be repurposed, and her mind immediately filled with possibilities.
Apoorva envisioned the new space as a “hive”, a nurturing environment where children could feel safe, inspired, and free to explore. A double hexagon sliding door welcomes them inside, echoing the entrance of a beehive. Along the north wall, hexagonal reading cubbies connected by rope ladders invite adventure, learning, and quiet moments of reading.
Opening up the south wall revealed a beautiful tree just outside. Large sliding doors now frame this natural view, flooding the space with sunlight. A colourful mural behind the tree bears the uplifting words “you can do it”, adding a daily dose of encouragement for the children.
The west side features a Lego wall, while the opposite side holds a soft board for art displays, celebrating creativity. Outside, the perimeter wall proudly bears the names of the children, giving them a personal sense of ownership. The courtyard features playful outdoor mats, forest-themed walls, and 3D trees that extend from the walls into the ceiling, creating a magical canopy.
“This project is deeply personal,” says Shroff. “It’s about giving the children a space that’s entirely theirs, a place to play, dream, and feel they truly belong.”
The recreation was a collective effort, made possible through the generosity and skill of multiple brands and contributors, including:
NewMika Laminates, Signet Group, Consonni Contracts India Pvt. Ltd., Nitco Ltd., Jaquar, ICA, Home Decore, Cara Aluminium, PAINTON INDIA, Koochie, and Grow with Love.
With this transformation, Apoorva not only designed a room but also reimagined how design can create meaningful community impact, proving that when creativity meets compassion, the results can be life-changing.
About lyth Design
Founded by Apoorva Shroff, Lyth Design is a boutique architecture and interior design firm known for its innovative approach to spatial storytelling and sustainable design. Since its inception, the practice has had a growing roster of noteworthy clients like SoftBank, Prestige Group, Ashoka University and notable celebrities, with upcoming projects including destination homes. Lyth Design aims to translate inspirations, ideas and memories into efficient and practical spatial solutions that are breathtaking.
