In the bustling outskirts of Chandigarh lies the House of Mango Shadows, a holiday home that seems to transcend as well as materialise traditional architectural tropes by blending seamlessly with its verdant surroundings. Conceived by Design i.O, this 3800 sq. ft. sanctuary offers an interesting dialogue between human habitation and nature, creating spaces that feel connected within and outside.

Upon approaching the House of Mango Shadows, visitors are greeted by a serene pathway flanked by mature mango, chikoo and guava trees. This lush entryway sets the stage for what lies beyond – a dwelling designed to dissolve the boundaries between the built environment and the immediate natural surroundings of the structure. The facade, characterised by clean lines and a minimal design in aesthetic more than intent, features a harmonious blend of natural materials and sweeping glass windows.

Entering the home, one is immediately struck by the absence of conventional barriers. The design eschews traditional brick walls and concrete columns in favour of open, fluid spaces that tend to invite the outdoors in. Expansive, full-height windows frame the picturesque surroundings, furthering the studio’s narrative of the proverbial blurring of the line between interior and exterior. Strategically placed and generously sized, these openings are not just for viewing but for enhancing the house’s sensory pleasures derived from its natural landscape, making the inhabitants feel as though they are perpetually within a shaded grove.

The central communal areas of the residence—the living room, dining room, kitchen, pool room and TV lounge—are delineated by functional partitions that serve dual purposes as screens and display units. This use of space allows for both openness and intimacy, depending on the need of the moment. The interiors are further designed tastefully with modern furnishings that complement the building’s natural surroundings. Neutral tones and natural materials such as in the woven cane sofa create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the soft textiles and striped cushions add a touch of comfort and style.

Adjacent to the stairs, sleek wooden partitions offer subtle separation between spaces without compromising the home's open, airy feel. Teak and ash wood are used for doors and furniture, offering warmth and texture. The flooring is composed of Kota stone known for its durability and earthy appeal, while the washrooms feature Green Spider marble and Jaisalmer stone, adding a touch of rustic elegance. These choices further underscore a commitment to mindfulness and minimalism, stripping away unnecessary ornamentation to focus on essential beauty and functionality.

The private spaces, including the bedrooms, offer a retreat within a retreat. These rooms are designed with secure outdoor openings, that provide privacy without compromising the aforementioned connections to the site’s natural environs. Adjacent to the bedroom, a cosy outdoor area furnished with understated seating invites occupants to indulge in the views and sensory upliftment the designers claim to offer. As foliage and tree branches foreground the perceived immersion in nature, the outdoor seating area, directly accessible from the bedroom through expansive sliding glass doors facilitates an uninterrupted flow of the views and connection. The seating area is nestled under a bamboo-lined ceiling, providing a cosy and shaded spot that complements the rustic yet modern aesthetic of the home.

Each bedroom also boasts an attached washroom with a private courtyard and an outdoor bathing area, fostering a deeper sense of tranquillity and oneness with the environment. The wall-mounted design of the vanities enhances the room's airy and spacious feel, while their clean lines and simplicity align with the overall minimalist aesthetic. Merging luxury with natural inspiration and creating a tranquil, spa-like environment is another bathroom with a striking contrast of materials. The dark green marble, with its deep veins and natural texture, covers the wall and part of the floor, creating an opulent feel.

One of the standout features of the House of Mango Shadows is its innovative use of skylights which fill the interior with natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Skylights are strategically placed in key areas like the living room, kitchen and bathrooms, drawing the eye upward and encouraging moments of contemplation and appreciation. This measure, within the realm of sustainable design on several counts, promotes a sense of calm and aims to reduce stress, positively impacting well-being. "When we first visited the site, we felt an immediate connection to its natural beauty. We wanted to create a space that would not just coexist with its surroundings but become a part of them," explain Saurabh and Palak Singla, co-founders of Design i.O. The play of sunlight throughout the day creates changing patterns and shadows, adding visual interest and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the interiors.

The overarching design philosophy of the House of Mango Shadows definitively seems to draw from the tenets of modernist architect Mies van der Rohe, especially visible in his bare-bones residential architecture didactically advocating for visual harmony between nature, habitats and human beings. Admittedly, that connection in Mies’ residential designs involved stripping down any material appendage beyond the structure. Here, while integrating natural materials like teak and kota stone pays homage to India's rich architectural and material heritage, the expansive windows and thoughtful placement of skylights create a unique dialogue between global architectural ideas and regional influences.

Project Details

Name: House of Mango Shadows
Architects: Design i.O
Project Area: 47000 sq. ft. / 1.07 acres
Built-Up Area: 3800 sq. ft.
Location: Chandigarh