Set within a sprawling gated society in Pune, this project is the first bungalow to be constructed in the area. During our initial site visit, the intense heat highlighted the importance of natural insulation to ensure comfort. While the site currently offers unobstructed views, we anticipated the construction of neighbouring bungalows, making privacy and safety crucial, without sacrificing the bungalow’s airy comfort and connection to the outdoors.

To address the region’s climate, we incorporated large openings, courtyards, and north-facing skylights. Recessed windows with projecting concrete supports, a layer of vertical fins, and wooden louvred windows were added to manage glare and reduce solar heat gain. Additionally, we introduced brick jali screens, positioned parallel to the external walls, creating air cavities that serve as thermal breaks while also adding a dynamic play of mass and void with staggered brick courses.

The design, adhering to Vastu principles, features a minimal palette in the communal areas, with exposed brick walls, natural Kota stone flooring with chatai work, and wood. Openings are aligned to maintain visual connectivity, while courtyards and skylights invite natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing energy efficiency.

The mandir, accompanied by a calming water step walkway, adds a spiritual touch to the communal space. The step-up dining area, supported by a sleek MS slab and column, creates a striking visual contrast, while the adjoining louvred windows provide maximum privacy and natural light. The family space above offers a dedicated hangout for the children, conveniently located next to their bedroom. The modular kitchen, featuring fresh colours, includes a breakfast counter that visually connects to the double-height living room. The dry balcony benefits from excellent airflow, aided by the brick jali facade. The C-shaped staircase, with provision for a future lift, opens to the living and kitchen areas, with a separate entry for househelp.

The southwest side of the house accommodates four spacious bedrooms, two of which feature walk-in wardrobes and en-suite bathrooms. Lime-washed walls in the bedrooms add subtle texture and colour, aligning with the minimalist furniture. The children’s room, with its playful blue hues and ample storage, maximises play space with beds aligned to the walls. The guest bedroom, designed with family gatherings in mind, offers a large bed for game nights, while a home office on the terrace level caters to modern work-from-home needs. Finally, the ground floor, which doubles as a party space, mirrors the home’s design elements, making it the perfect venue for social gatherings.