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  • The Design Story Of Monkey Forest Villa By Architect Hiren Patel | Elev8 2025

    Architecture is not just a profession, it is an evolving journey of discovery, adaptation, and growth. At Elev8 2025, Architect Hiren Patel takes us on a journey into the design philosophy of Monkey Forest Villa. He explores the architectural elements that contribute to the home’s artistry. He also offers insight into the story of his design process, the process of designing in a forest context, and the relationship between architecture and the environment.

    Architecture Beyond Aesthetics

    For Architect Hiren Patel, architecture is about experience, emotions, and human connection, more than just visual appeal. He also emphasized that young architects must go beyond Instagram-worthy images and truly engage with physical spaces, touching materials, studying light, and observing how buildings interact with their surroundings.

    Never-Ending Journey of Learning

    A pivotal moment in Patel’s career occurred when he met an 89-year-old Pritzker Prize-winning architect, who, despite his old age, maintained a level of curiosity that resembled that of a student. The encounter reaffirmed Architect Hiren Patel, “If you want to be successful in architecture, you must be a student for life.” He urged young architects to continue learning, observing, and questioning. Having a curiosity is what keeps creativity alive and what allows us to innovate.

    The Role Of Hardwork

    One of the messages Architect Hiren Patel emphasized was the value of honesty in design. He believes that the best architects are creative and hard-working, but also deeply honest. In a time when clients are more informed than ever, honesty and integrity in architecture are more important than ever. He also discussed how the demand for quality spaces is at an all-time high, meaning it’s the best time for Indian Architects to explore and try new things. With a surface of opportunity, he encouraged young designers to take risks and think out of the box.

    Beyond Architecture

    Architect Hiren Patel and his adventure transcends conventional architecture. He told us the story of the Monkey Forest, a sustainable, slow-living community spawning from a natural and simple living ethos. From the beginnings of simple a passion project, it grew into something larger after he gambled it with a risk to create spaces the way he wanted to create them.

    “To do something real, if you want to create something wildly excellent, you usually have to build it.” By doing development into the process, he had larger authority to make sure the design vision was not compromised, from idea to completion.

    Monkey Forest Villa

    Lessons From Global Architecture

    Having visited an extensive number of places around the globe, Architect Hiren Patel draws from the experiences he has had in city after city. “From community gardens in Zurich to the philosophy of Auroville, it has become clear to me that architecture is about making life better, more balanced, and promoting getting people together,” he said. This perspective also applies to some of his latest designs by including ideas of sustainability, community living, and slow design, creating spaces that are more than functional, but also promote a way of life.

    Conclusion

    He ended with an impactful statement: “Think outside of limits. Architecture is not about buildings, it is about experiences that last a lifetime”. Hiren Patel’s career has been one of passion, integrity, and curiosity. He continues to motivate the next generation of architects. Thus, his work is evidence that great design inspires a willingness to keep learning, growing, and pushing your boundaries.

    A Colonial House in Delhi Is Turning Heads For Its Country Style Grandeur | groupDCA

    Editors’ Note – This colonial house in Delhi carries an ambience of grandeur, infused with the elegance of Victorian-style colonialism. Expansive living, dining, and kitchen areas open into light-filled spaces framed by large glazing that connect seamlessly to the surrounding landscape. Inside, tropical interiors with bold geometry add a contemporary layer of comfort. The residence […]

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    This Hilltop House in Indore Is Redefining Aesthetically Refined Living | OutsideIn Consultants

    “Hilltop House” is envisioned as a contemporary yet context-sensitive residential project that harmonizes architecture and interior design to create a sanctuary perched on a scenic elevation. The design will respond directly to the topography, climate, and panoramic views, while delivering a highly functional, comfortable, and aesthetically refined living environment. This Hilltop House in Indore Is […]

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    This Sloping Roof House In Kerala Is A Sensitive Reinterpretation Of Memory & Material | PATH

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    In This Rustic Farmhouse in Hyderabad, Time Pauses and Light Dances | Sona Reddy Studio

    Editor’s Note: There’s something truly special about homes crafted with thought and care—where every corner and detail speaks to its users, becoming part of their memories. For siblings Akhila and Kaushik, Sona Reddy Studio brought this vision to life in One Summer House, a rustic farmhouse tucked within the vibrant city of Hyderabad. Designed with […]

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    Golden Accents Stand Out in the Interiors of This Noida Bungalow | Axiom Design Studio

    This southwest-facing bungalow, with golden accents in its interiors, is a refined expression of contextual and climate-responsive modern architecture. The home embraces its orientation with an intelligent façade design that balances aesthetic appeal and environmental performance. With the sun’s harshest rays hitting the structure in the latter half of the day, the architects incorporated a […]

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    This North Facing House Exudes Gentle Luxury | VPA Architects

    This North Facing villa opens towards the East to always soak in the cool and diffused light. Its orientation is mindful of the adjoining clubhouse and its expansive garden. The planning allows the villa’s private lawn to visually merge with it, creating a larger and cohesive space. With a connection to the open space at […]

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    The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes Earthiness | Pranav Patel Design Studio

    An Urban Sanctuary Woven with Craft, Warmth, and Light Explicitly tucked into a quiet residential pocket, this home with a jaali facade is a thoughtfully layered expression of calm, character, and craftsmanship. Every surface and corner is rooted in intention — where light, material, and memory meet. The Jaali Design in this Layered Home Exudes […]

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    This Residence Embraces Tradition with Stone Clad Walls | Gaurav Deore Architects

    Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]

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    Farmhouse Designs in India: 15 Inspiring Styles To Know

    The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]

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    This Tropical Home Design Features A Striking Sloped Terracotta Roof In Kerala | Vriksha Architects

    Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]

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