Set on a compact footprint, this house is designed around simple materials and thoughtful planning. A clay-red exterior wraps around the home, echoing the colour of the African tulip tree that dominates the front of the site. The tree was embraced—its form guiding the shape of the building. The architecture steps in and out around the tree’s canopy, with bold projections and soft recesses that reflect its presence. This thoughtful shaping also anticipates future buildings on either side, ensuring the house remains private on the outside and expansive on the inside.
Entry is through a narrow, low-ceilinged lobby that quickly gives way to a tall, double-height living room. This central space opens into a north-facing veranda, drawing in daylight and breeze. The staircase defines the edge of the living area, with the open kitchen and dining space positioned alongside. A bedroom sits tucked into the quiet southwest corner.
Vertical movement through the house creates moments of contrast. The staircase features two distinct landings—one that steps outward beneath a skylight, pulling in the sun, and another that remains enclosed. As one ascends, light and shadow shift around you. On the first floor, a corridor lit from above links two bedrooms and a study, while also looking down into the living area below.
Each room is carefully oriented. The east bedroom includes a deep window seat that catches morning light, while the west bedroom remains shaded in the afternoon. A pair of slim balconies visually connect these two rooms, offering quiet moments of connection. The northeast-facing study receives soft daylight.
Finishes inside are minimal and warm. Raw concrete ceilings are balanced by white walls, carpentry in soft pastels, and touches of natural wood. Flooring choices mark transitions—Kota stone in shared areas, Banswara marble in private rooms, and Jaisalmer highlights tying everything together with a subtle rhythm.
Rooted in its surroundings and designed with restraint, the house offers a simple, grounded lifestyle. It doesn't seek to impress from the outside—instead, it grows around light, nature, and everyday living.