Imagine residing with nature at this Holiday Home in Chandigarh. On a quest for a compact spot among the mango, chikoo, and guava trees, you will find an amorphous one surrounded by fruit trees everywhere. Finding one of these is challenging in an area close to the city boundaries.
Editor’s Note: “This farmhouse in Chandigarh embraces nature seamlessly with its open expansive windows and stark white built form. Emerging from the lush greenery, stepping into this sanctuary instils a profound sense of serenity and comfort. The open layout, functional partitions, natural materials, and radiant skylights transform every corner of this abode into a celebration of the timeless connection between humans and the natural world.” ~Simran Khare
Reimagining Residing with Nature at this Holiday Home in Chandigarh | Design i.O
Situated in Chandigarh, this 3800 sq. ft. holiday home denies its identity as a built structure amidst nature, instead embracing the notion that it emerged from nature itself. Rightly so, they have conceptualized, laid out, and crafted it to camouflage with the surrounding silence and solitude.
House of Mango Shadows greets visitors with a compact yet refreshing entryway with trees on either side of the paved walkway.
Upon entering through the main door, one is revitalized to witness the absence of brick walls and concrete columns, setting the tone of this serene sanctuary to contemplate after the mundane routine.
House of Mango Shadows is composed to harmonize with nature and to let in as much as desired. This is strategically done by incorporating expansive, slide, and fold windows from ALCOI, softening the architectural boundaries silently and seamlessly.
Walking into the open floor plan, the common spaces, such as the living room, dining room, kitchen, pool room, and TV lounge, are segregated by functional partitions, which serve as part screen and display units.
Going further, private spaces, such as bedrooms, consist of more secure openings, sliding doors and windows, and a bamboo screen to offer additional privacy. Each bedroom has an attached washroom, which features a private courtyard with an outdoor bathing area.
Natural materials, including teak and ashwood for doors and furniture, Kota stone for flooring, green spider marble, and jaisalmer stone for the washrooms, reflect stripping the nonessential ornaments and evoke mindfulness and minimalism.
Unbound by the conventional perceptions of a roof, the project houses three skylights, lighting up the spaces effectively and naturally.
“Although we signed this project to build it as a farmhouse, on visiting the site, we experienced a distinct sense of realization. At that very moment, we knew we wanted to build on the sense of oneness and further encourage spiritual reflection.” Saurabh and Palak, co-founders of Design i.O.
In the tapestry of architecture and design, where human aspirations meet the raw beauty of the natural world, House of Mango Shadows in Chandigarh embodies a harmonious blend, echoing the sentiment of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe: “We should attempt to bring nature, houses, and human beings together in a higher unity.” Here, amidst mango, chikoo, and guava trees, walls dissolve and expansive windows open to the organic world.
Crafted by Saurabh and Palak, it serves as a living testament to the inseparable bond between human design and nature’s grace—a sanctuary where architecture and nature converge in a higher unity, offering space for contemplation, reflection, and spiritual oneness.
Fact File
Designed by: Design i.O
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: House of Mango Shadows
Location: Chandigarh
Year Built: 2023
Built Up Area: 3800 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Saurabh Singla & Palak Singla
Design Team: Himanshu Agrawal & Darshan Paliwal
Photograph Courtesy: Jeevan Jyot
Structural Engineer: Rakhra Associates
Manufacturers: ALCOI, Asian Paints, Jaguar, Kriglow, Legrand & Ziba Homes
Firm’s Instagram Link: Design i.O
For Similar Project>>> A Climate Responsive Courtyard House In Kerala With An Earthy Palette And Natural Materials
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]