“Zen Spaces” is a distinctive four-level residence located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, spanning 27,000 square feet. Positioned on a corner plot with roads bordering three sides, the home integrates harmoniously with the existing landscape while blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Initially designed to accommodate a growing family alongside an existing house on the southern side, the new structure preserves much of the original garden as a shared space.
The architectural composition features cuboid volumes interspersed with an open courtyard, facilitating natural light and creating dynamic shadows that evolve throughout the day. The house is structured across four levels, including a subterranean floor illuminated by a sunken courtyard, housing a large lounge, gym, and service areas. This layout caters to multi-generational living, ensuring ample privacy and communal spaces.
Given Jaipur’s climate, characterized by eight months of summer with temperatures exceeding 35°C and a four-month winter ranging from 12°C to 21°C, the design incorporates specific features for comfort and sustainability. Winter and summer decks provide sheltered outdoor seating, enhancing usability year-round for family gatherings. Each room also connects to private outdoor decks, balconies, or terraces, offering individualized open spaces while mitigating heat gain during summer months.
To address climate challenges further, GFRC screens sheathe the east, west, and southern facades, echoing traditional Jaipur and Rajasthan architecture while providing shade, privacy, and noise reduction from nearby roads. The north side remains more open to maximize natural light.
The house’s construction emphasizes sustainability, utilizing a simple RCC structure and fly ash bricks for walls, alongside water recycling, rainwater harvesting, and solar water heating systems. Materials are predominantly sourced within a 100 km radius, supporting local economy and reducing environmental impact. Interior finishes feature neutral shades with accents through custom-made Indowud furniture, an eco-friendly wood substitute, and lime plaster applied by local craftsmen, minimizing cement usage.
Cultural elements are also integrated, such as a small prayer room (‘pooja room’) adorned with concentric circles of bells, resembling traditional temple architecture. This spiritual space adds a focal point along the circulation spine, enhancing the home’s cultural resonance.
Overall, Zen Spaces exemplifies a blend of contemporary design principles with contextual sensitivity to Jaipur’s climate and culture. Its emphasis on natural ventilation, indirect natural lighting, and seamless integration with nature not only enhances living comfort but also underscores its energy efficiency and sustainable ethos.
