Zephyr House

Inside, restraint defines the material palette. In bedrooms and bathrooms, IPS is applied seamlessly across walls, ceilings, and floors, forming cocoon-like volumes of quiet immersion. One bathroom, initially conceived as an open layout that blurred the boundaries of privacy; was later enclosed using a customised assembly of drywall and glass bricks - first framed in fabrication and then infilled with translucent brickwork, creating privacy without compromising light. The in-situ washbasin in between remains open; the two spaces are seaparated by a level difference.

An elevated steel platform is the only addition in the house, a suspended nook that hovers above the main volume - offering a contemplative perch to read, sit, or simply gaze at the horizon. Paired with natural stone flooring and minimal furniture, the interiors emphasise air, light, and the vast sea beyond as the true materials of the house.

Zephyr (A soft gentle wind) House revives a coastal bungalow nestled within a forested setting overlooking Nandgaon beach, where the sea meets dense groves and winding paths. Reached only by a kachcha access road, the site posed challenges of logistics and transportation - factors that made retaining and working with the existing shell not just a design choice, but also a practical necessity. Rather than rebuilding, the project embraced this inherited structure, reimagining its interiors into a serene contemporary retreat that renews connection with the surrounding forest and horizon. The design process began with a careful examination of the building’s structural integrity. Minor ground settlements were identified and repaired, with selective strengthening of RCC elements - plinth beams and slabs in 2–3 areas were redone to ensure long-term stability.

The house unfolds across three levels: a living and dining space that extends onto a sea-facing deck; a semi-private master bedroom raised four steps above; and a kitchen with two additional bedrooms ten steps below. The original arrangement and levels were preserved, maintaining the bungalow’s inherent character. A semi-open extension near the deck was introduced, planned as a dining area flowing from the living space, while arch openings were reinterpreted with sliding aluminium panels and windows for maximum daylight and natural ventilation.