Nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range, the Himalayas is our latest project, Ekasham — a private residence refurbishment and redevelopment project, spread across an area of 2177 sqm. The monolithic home, through its volumes, composed of old and new structures, merges into a singular silhouette evoking the presence of a monolith from which the project derives its name.
Editor’s Note: Ekasham is a calm and grounded home that blends effortlessly into its natural setting. Soft forms and quiet corners bring a sense of ease, while open spaces invite connection. The atmosphere feels warm and peaceful, offering a gentle rhythm to everyday living. ~ Isha Bora
This Monolithic Home in the Himalayas Evokes a Singular Silhouette | Portal 92
Woven into the fabric of the existing structure is a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation, discreetly tucked towards the rear on the ground level. The spatial character is defined by its softness, as the nude walls and ceiling gently merge into one another, emulating the texture of one’s skin.
At its heart, a gently curving wall meanders through the space, carving alcoves that house various programs of the spa and lounge. The massage room reinterprets the space required for a traditional Indian massage, where one’s body is closer to the ground.
The middle level houses two bedrooms and studies, whose distinct palettes speak to their inhabitants’ individuality. This contrast finds equilibrium in the shared lounge, attempting to create a dialogue between the two spaces. The terrace level reveals itself as an expansive, open plan, entertainment and hosting area, where indoor and outdoor realms effortlessly flow into one another.
The indoor area, conceived as a gaming retreat, is anchored by a flowing wall clad in Gwalior Mint on one end and a built-in bar on the other. Underfoot, a dark olive microtopping floor is embedded with brass inlays and contrasting tones. Sometimes serving as divisions and other times as an invitation to gather around the poker table.
A large, low-height, cushioned surface was built and made impervious to even vigorous movement. Adjacent to it, a bench offers a quiet utility, clad with porcelain to resist oil absorption.
A seamless circular hot tub anchors the space, sheathed in kit-kat tiles and stone, with a custom drain detail with dual-slots to control spillage.
In the midst of subdued tones, a Brushed Stainless Steel ceiling hovers above the steam room, quietly asserting its presence. Across the ground level, these Kit-Kat tiles serve as a delicate tactile string, skimming and punctuating the in-situ works.
The outdoor realm is a fluid social landscape, articulated through in-situ seating in varied configurations, with multiple nodes for gathering. Here, the microtopped floor occasionally gives way to patterns composed of acrylic inlays, echoing the softness of rugs in an exterior environment.
The use of stone chips and local plants creates a natural landscape. This seamlessly blends with a circular fireplace and a barbecue station. The horticulture intent for the project was to achieve an asymmetrical rhythm, with various species native to the Indian foothills
Fact File
Designed by: Portal 92
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Ekasham House
Location: Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh
Year Built: 2025
Built-up Area: 23433 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Aanchal Sawhne & Sagar Goyal
Team Design Credits: Aanchal Sawhney, Sagar Goyal, Adrijaa Bhuyan, Astha Verma
Photograph Courtesy: Niveditaa Gupta
Manufacturers: ART N GLASS, Casa Aurum, Mobel Grace, Morii Designs, Nimrat Narang, Opulo, Stem, Stone X, Surface & Design Studio, Tagels, VitrA, White Lighting Solutions
Text: Sagar Goyal, Shreya Parinam, Vanshika Chadha
Mep /Hvac Consultant: Sophic Designs
Mill Work And Furniture: Mobelgrace
Hot Tub, Pool Consultant: Mangwaal Pool & Spa
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: Portal 92
Firm’s Instagram Link: Portal 92
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