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Intricate timber screens characterise this multigenerational modern home in Nagpur

Designed by SJK Architects, the Light House is inspired by the 'wadas' unique to Maharashtra, featuring a contemporarily interpreted chowk, jharokhas and jaalis.

by Bansari PaghdarPublished on : Feb 04, 2025

Designed for a north Indian family of eight—the matriarch, her two sons, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren—the Light House 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-storeyed private residence, inspired by the wada style of buildings native to Maharashtra, featuring timber design and contemporarily interpreted chowk (communal courtyard), jharokhas (projecting balconies) and jaalis (brick or stone perforated screens).

  • The residential architecture is characterised by ‘jharokhas’ and ‘jaalis’ that inform the facade design | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    The residential architecture is characterised by jharokhas and jaalis that inform the facade design Image: Niveditaa Gupta
  • The ground floor houses the grandmother’s quarters, office suite and informal living area | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    The ground floor houses the grandmother’s quarters, office suite and informal living area Image: Niveditaa Gupta
  • The primary kitchen on the ground floor opens up to a shaded outdoor dining area | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    The primary kitchen on the ground floor opens up to a shaded outdoor dining area Image: Niveditaa Gupta
  • The floors are visually connected by a central atrium, which facilitates natural light and ventilation | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    The floors are visually connected by a central atrium, which facilitates natural light and ventilation Image: 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.

  • The central atrium is inspired by courtyards found in the ‘wada’ architecture of Maharashtra | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    The central atrium is inspired by courtyards found in the wada architecture of Maharashtra Image: Niveditaa Gupta
  • The operable wooden ‘jaalis’ regulate the ambience of the interior spaces | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    The operable wooden jaalis regulate the ambience of the interior spaces Image: Niveditaa Gupta
  • The combination of closed and semi-open spaces facilitates harmony and balance in the built environment | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    The combination of closed and semi-open spaces facilitates harmony and balance in the built environment Image: 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.

  • The terrace level comprises a glazed structure that houses amenities such as a gym, jacuzzi and spa | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    The terrace level comprises a glazed structure that houses amenities such as a gym, jacuzzi and spa Image: Niveditaa Gupta
  • Every level of the residential building features semi-open spaces such as running balconies, ‘jharokhas’ and shared terraces | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    Every level of the residential building features semi-open spaces such as running balconies, jharokhas and shared terraces Image: Niveditaa Gupta

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. The interior design features several bespoke interventions, including several vibrant Pichwai paintings, ceramic designs, jute and hemp rugs and bespoke lighting designs of glass and brass, resulting in well-curated spaces.

  • Ground floor plan | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    Ground floor plan Image: Courtesy of SJK Architects
  • First floor plan | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    First floor plan Image: Courtesy of SJK Architects
  • Sectional view | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld
    Sectional view Image: Courtesy of SJK Architects

In an attempt to seek the ‘right balance between culture and modernity’, as stated in the press release, SJK Architects 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.

Project Details

Name: The Light House
Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Architect: SJK Architects
Year of Completion: 2024
Project Area: 20,000 sq ft

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STIR STIRworld Designed by Mumbai-based SJK Architects, the Light House is a multigenerational family home inspired by the Maharashtrian ‘wada’ architecture | The Light House | SJK Architects | STIRworld

Intricate timber screens characterise this multigenerational modern home in Nagpur

Designed by SJK Architects, the Light House is inspired by the 'wadas' unique to Maharashtra, featuring a contemporarily interpreted chowk, jharokhas and jaalis.

by Bansari Paghdar | Published on : Feb 04, 2025