This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come together.

The client’s brief was refreshingly clear: a small, well-lit, cross-ventilated house with minimal design elements and an elegant aesthetic. With a total budget of ₹65 lakhs for architecture, construction, and interiors, every decision needed to balance affordability with durability and beauty.

The project embraces this challenge wholeheartedly—using local workers, training them in new techniques, employing cost-friendly yet natural-looking materials, and designing around sun path, wind flow, and seasonal comfort. The result is a home that feels warm, grounded, and timeless, where sunlight, shadows, and natural textures become the core design elements.

Studio Emphasis

Design Intent: Minimalism Rooted in Climate Response

The plot faces south and southwest, making solar heat gain a critical factor. Instead of fighting the climate, the design responds to it strategically. The built form uses minimal openings on the harsh sides, terracotta blocks, deep projections, and layered buffers to reduce heat ingress while allowing filtered daylight to animate the interiors.

The modest home is designed as a breathing volume, with openings placed to naturally pull air through the spaces, ensuring cross-ventilation throughout the day. This enhances comfort and reduces dependence on artificial cooling. Every room receives ample daylight, but never harsh sunlight—achieved by analyzing the sun path, orientation, and surroundings.

Celebrating Local Craft and On-Site Learning

A unique aspect of this project is the conscious choice to employ local workers for execution. Many design elements such as the terracotta façade, HDHMR stone-finished temple, plaster detailing, and custom cut-metal shading components were new and challenging for them.

Instead of outsourcing specialized craftsmanship, the team took it as an opportunity to teach, train, and uplift the local labor force. Workers learned terracotta jaali installation, HDHMR detailing, floating stair construction, and shadow-play metal fabrication. By the end, they gained confidence in techniques they had never attempted before.

Material Palette: Cost-Friendly Yet Naturally Expressive

With a tight budget, materials were selected strategically to maintain a natural, earthy aesthetic without expensive finishes.

Façade & Climate Strategy

The façade is minimal yet expressive, defined by clean lines, projections, and terracotta filtering elements. The south-facing front required thoughtful shading, so openings were minimized and deep overhangs provided. The terracotta block wall near the entrance creates a buffer verandah, cooling the air and softening daylight as it enters the living room.

Entrance Verandah:

A shaded, semi-open verandah formed by terracotta blocks creates a thermal and visual buffer.

Double-Height Living Area:

The heart of the modest home, filled with filtered natural light. Floating wooden stairs with custom railings create a sculptural focal point.

Dining & Kitchen: Functional, warm, and seamless, with natural light and minimal storage aesthetics.

Temple Space: An emotional anchor of the home, using HDHMR carved detailing and subtle lighting to mimic traditional stone architecture.

Bedrooms: Calm, clutter-free retreats with warm wood tones and soft lighting.

Sustainability & Passive Comfort

The project integrates passive sustainability principles: – Climate-oriented façade – Terracotta for cooling – Cross ventilation – Abundant natural daylight – Shaded openings – Local labor & upcycled materials

Shadows, Light & Everyday Poetry

The home celebrates natural light and shadow as design features. The metal-cut shading element casts dynamic patterns on the staircase wall, while terracotta jaali creates beautiful, time-sensitive shadows across the verandah floor. These elements turn ordinary moments into poetic experiences.

Conclusion

This project redefines what affordable, climate-responsive, minimal housing can be. With honest materials, climatic sensitivity, and local craftsmanship, the home feels grounded and timeless. It is not just a building but a learning process, a collaboration, and a celebration of simplicity executed with care.

Fact File

Designed by: Studio Emphasis

Project Type: Residential Interior & Architecture Design

Project Name: jagat-tara

Location: Maharashtra

Year Built: 2025

Duration of the project: 13 Months

Project Size: 2121 Sq.ft.

Client Name: Mr. Nitin Pachlore

Project Cost: 65 Lakhs 

Principal Architect: Ar. Rushikesh Deshmukh

Team Design Credits: Jr. Ar. Sanskar Motwani

Photograph Courtesy: Sanskar Motwani & Dhiraj Ishwarkar

Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – tiles , exterior putti and punning plaster Construction Materials – AAC blocks , Ultrtech cement , red brick for plinth / Doors and Partitions – tesa boilo sheet and veneer / Sanitaryware – kerovit / Furniture – crio furniture mall / Flooring – motto tiles Paint – asian paints

Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio Emphasis

Firm’s Facebook Link: Studio Emphasis

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