Timeless Indian Tradition

A Courtyard House Brought to Life

Story courtesy of Architect Akshay Selukar | Photography by Sameer Chawda

A masterful composition by architect Akshay Selukar located in Bhopal, India, this residence embodies the essence of modern Indian architecture, blending contemporary design principles with traditional elements. Known as Jipra House, the home is designed around a central courtyard, a hallmark of traditional Indian homes, providing natural ventilation, light, and a tranquil space for relaxation.

On a plot of 6,000 square feet with a total built-up area of around 10,300 square feet, this project is a crowning jewel in Selukar’s portfolio, boasting exposed concrete, brick, and glass and utilizing many local materials.

Architectural Elements

Central Courtyard: The courtyard serves as the heart of the home, offering a serene outdoor space that integrates with the interior living areas. It is landscaped with native plants and a largesitting space.

Exposed Concrete: The use of exposed concrete provides a modern, industrial aesthetic while maintaining durability and minimal maintenance. The concrete surfaces are complemented by warm wooden elements and lush greenery.

The courtyard serves as the heart of the home, offering a serene outdoor space that integrates with the interior living areas. It is landscaped with native plants and a largesitting space.

Open Floor Plan: The layout is open and fluid, promoting a seamless connection between different living spaces. Large windows and sliding doors open up to the courtyard, creating an indoor-outdoor living experience.

Sustainable Design: Incorporating sustainable design practices, the house features rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting and appliances. The use of local materials reduces the carbon footprint and supports the local economy.

Interior Design

Living Spaces: The living room, dining area, and kitchen are arranged in an open-plan format, all oriented toward the courtyard. The interiors feature a mix of modern furniture and traditional Indian decor pieces.

Bedrooms: Each bedroom has a unique view of the front road or garden, ensuring a connection with nature. The master suite includes a private balcony and a luxurious en-suite bathroom.

Natural Light and Ventilation: Large windows and strategically placed skylights ensure ample natural light throughout the day. The courtyard facilitates cross-ventilation, keeping the home cool and airy.

Materials and Finishes: The interiors are finished with a combination of polished concrete floors, wooden accents, and marble. Soft furnishings in vibrant, earthy tones add warmth and comfort.

Landscape Design

Native Plantings: The landscape design incorporates native plants that are well-suited to the local climate, requiring minimal water and maintenance.

Outdoor Living: The courtyard and garden areas include seating arrangements, a small patio, and a dining area, perfect for outdoor gatherings and entertaining.

Selukar is a widely recognized Indian architect and interior designer with projects ranging from hotels and resorts to high-end residential villas, restaurants, commercial properties, and hospitality projects. He works with an aim of mastering all aspects of each design and fulfilling all requirements of clients and associates. For over a decade, his firm has consistently been recognized for its business acumen and variety of innovative design solutions that impeccably blend functional and aesthetic needs.

Architect Akshay Selukar

“The firm comprises a team of architects, engineers, and multidisciplinary professionals and has a wide range of design capability spanning from traditional structures to progressive technologies,” says Selukar’s website. “It has added value to our client base by augmenting our expertise to specialty project types. It’s more like a family for each and every one coming in contact with us, be it clients, professionals, or traders. The studio has always been and continues to be a place where friends and colleagues are invited to share ideas and get feedback on their work.”

Honoring traditional Indian elements while creating residences and commercial projects with modern appeal, Selukar is also the present vice chairman of the Indian Institute of Architects Bhopal Center and was the founding chairperson of the Institute of Indian Interior Designers Bhopal Chapter.

— V —

To learn more or see more projects, visit ArchitectAkshaySelukar.com or follow the firm on Instagram @arakshayselukar.