The site was a 1920s colonial bungalow in New Delhi, surrounded by mature trees and protected under heritage regulations. The client wanted a modern living space that respected the existing structure while providing contemporary comfort.
The challenge was not aesthetic — it was spatial. The existing building was too small, too dark, and too disconnected from the garden. Heritage regulations prevented any external modification. The problem was clear: how do you transform a constrained building into a modern home?
We identified five specific constraints that shaped the design:
Instead of fighting the constraints, we embraced them. The solution was to create a new building behind the heritage structure — connected through a glass corridor that preserved the original facade while opening the interior to the garden.
"The best architecture does not shout. It whispers. It solves the problem so quietly that the solution feels inevitable."
The new extension uses local sandstone and reclaimed teak, creating a material dialogue between the old and new. The glass corridor serves as a transitional space — a moment of pause between two eras of architecture.
A transparent connection between old and new, preserving the heritage facade while opening the interior to natural light.
A new courtyard carved into the center of the plan, bringing light and air into the heart of the home.
Sandstone sourced from Rajasthan, reclaimed teak from demolished buildings, and locally fired bricks.
The Heritage Pavilion demonstrates that constraints are not obstacles — they are design opportunities. By working within the heritage regulations rather than against them, we created a home that is both modern and rooted in its context.
The project was completed on time and within budget, proving that thoughtful design and practical execution are not mutually exclusive.