A Modern Indian House Design for Multi-Generational Living
- Vaishali Mangalvedhekar
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Write up by Vaishali Mangalvedhekar
Designed for a north Indian family of eight- the matriarch, her two sons, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren- the Light House Nagpur sits on a 20,000 sq.ft. site in the city of Nagpur in Maharashtra, India, which housed the client’s former two-storeyed residence. The multigenerational residence is conceived by Mumbai-based Indian architecture practice SJK Architects, which crafts grounded, contemporary projects basked in natural light that the users may feel a strong sense of belonging towards. The Jain family’s liking for havelis (traditional Indian mansions) led the architects to design a multi storey building design inspired by haveli architecture and the wada style of buildings native to Maharashtra, featuring timber design and a contemporarily interpreted chowk (communal courtyard), jharokhas (projecting balconies) and jaalis (brick or stone perforated screens). These layers of traditional Indian architecture reference both regional customs and echoes of ancient architecture across India’s diverse built heritage.
The residential architecture is characterised by jharokhas and jaalis that inform the facade design; Image by Niveditaa Gupta
Situated amidst a dense and bustling urban neighbourhood, the 124 ft long and 75 ft wide site features several outdoor service and activity areas surrounding the residential building, along with a large parking area and a garden where the former residence stood. Featuring informal and formal living areas and private spaces divided by levels, the five-storey residential architecture offers privacy to all members of the family. A central atrium, inspired by the courtyards of the Maharashtrian wadas, facilitates natural ventilation, ease of circulation and visual connection among the levels and internal spaces—strengthening its resonance with haveli inspired architecture while addressing the needs of contemporary urban life.
The ground floor houses the grandmother’s quarters, office suite and informal living area ; Image by Niveditaa Gupta
The grandmother’s quarters and the primary kitchen are located on the ground floor, catering to her wish to participate in cooking and gardening activities while being closer to nature. Informal living areas and an office suite on the same level create a lively, uninterrupted atmosphere for the family to connect. While the first, second and third floors consist of private areas such as bedrooms, walk-in wardrobes, ensuite bathrooms, private balconies and a shared family terrace facing the north, the fourth floor has large formal living and dining areas for entertaining guests. The terrace level features a glazed structure sheltered by a hipped roof—comprising a spa, jacuzzi and gym—surrounded by a wooden deck that offers the views of the city. This spatial organisation reflects an evolution of haveli design, where multiple generations coexist in layered private and communal spaces within a vertical urban footprint.
Several architectural elements give the residential design its distinctive contemporary character. The facade design is informed by the spatial design elements including running balconies, shared terraces and jharokhas with intricate jaalis. The lattices, designed to be slidable and foldable, are crafted from Accoya pine wood from New Zealand. It is durable, offers effective rot resistance and is treated for termite and moisture prevention, making it suitable for exterior use even in harsh climatic conditions. The furniture design comprises recycled Burma teak wood, white Esil marble and brass elements, complemented by a neutral palette of upholstery and accentuated with motifs inspired by traditional stone carvings in India—an approach that draws on the sensibilities of heritage architects who reinterpret cultural memory within modern contexts. The interior design features several bespoke interventions, including vibrant Pichwai paintings, ceramic designs, jute and hemp rugs and bespoke lighting designs of glass and brass, resulting in well-curated spaces.
In an attempt to seek the ‘right balance between culture and modernity’, we weave together contemporary design spaces that integrate social norms with the built environment. The understated aesthetics of the residence exude quiet luxury, prioritising functionality and simplicity to accommodate the visual preferences and embody the lifestyles of the residents. Through the Light House’s sustainable design and construction approach, the Indian architects underline the importance of creating adaptable architectural languages for projects in the wake of rapidly growing urban densities—demonstrating how haveli inspired architecture and traditional Indian architecture can be meaningfully reinterpreted in modern living environments.
Originally posted as 'Intricate timber screens characterise this multigenerational modern home in Nagpur' on Stir World.
