Raghuveer Kathpalia

By Editorial Staff - 3 March 2025

Raghuveer Kathpalia’s and Parth Modi’s design for this private residence in Sanand, Gujarat, is a significant example of how architecture can harmoniously be integrated into the surrounding landscape, while at the same time establishing a strong visual identity. Kathpalia began working on this project while still at university. On his first site visit, as he walked through the fields and sheltered beneath a tree, he envisioned how the natural terrain could be shaped and transformed into a livable environment.

The client, a young investor, was seeking a weekend retreat for himself and his family which, after marriage, would eventually become their primary home. This requirement prompted a flexible design capable of adapting and evolving to meet the residents’ needs.

Inspired by local dwellings, the project transcends the concept of a mere sequence of rooms, opting instead for a layout centered around courtyards and semi-open spaces to encourage communal living. The intertwining volumes are swathed in shades of red. The home’s seamless connection between interior and exterior fosters deep dialogue with the landscape, and reinforces perceptions of a cohesive space.

Inside, warm-toned wood and other materials contribute to a welcoming and intimate atmosphere, all the while preserving a sense of lightness and openness. Ample windows frame the surrounding landscape, inviting nature directly into the home as an integral part of the living experience.