Tulum-Inspired House
A Modern Indian Home Designed for Calm, Light, and Intentional Living
In a world where homes are increasingly designed to impress others, a different architectural philosophy is quietly taking root—one that prioritizes stillness over spectacle, experience over excess, and light over ornamentation.
This Tulum-inspired house is a manifestation of that philosophy.
Rooted in the earthy minimalism of Tulum and Casa Shalva–style architecture, yet carefully adapted to the Indian context, this home proves that true luxury is not scale, but calm.
Design Philosophy: Quiet Luxury Over Loud Statements
Tulum architecture is not about trends. It is about restraint.
The guiding principles behind this home were simple but non-negotiable:
- Architecture must slow you down
- Spaces must feel intentional, not decorative
- Light, texture, and proportion should replace color and ornament
- Spirituality should be integrated, not displayed
- Every square foot must serve a purpose
The result is a home that feels grounded, emotionally warm, and timeless.
Site Context & Constraints
- Total built-up area: ~1350 sq ft
- Configuration: Ground + 1 floor
- Location context: Dense Indian neighborhood
- Design challenge: Achieve openness, privacy, and architectural depth within a compact footprint
Instead of expanding outward, the design focuses on vertical volume, layered zoning, and visual breathing spaces.
Arrival Sequence: Garage, Entry, and First Impression
Garage as an Architectural Element
Rather than treating the garage as a leftover utility, it is integrated cleanly into the façade.
- Capacity for 2 cars + multiple bikes
- Minimal shutter design
- Warm lighting and clean lines
- No visual clutter
The garage sets the tone: functional, calm, and intentional.
Image: garage_render_2car_bike_tulum.png
The Double-Height Foyer: A Moment of Pause
The heart of the house is the double-height foyer.
This is not a passageway.
It is a transition chamber between the outside world and the inner life of the home.
- 18–20 ft vertical volume
- Natural light filtering from above
- Lime plaster / stone textures
- No storage, no clutter, no distractions
The foyer is designed to do one thing well: make you breathe slower.
Image: double_height_foyer_entry.png
Integrated Pooja Space: Spirituality Without Noise
Instead of a closed mandir room, the house incorporates a pooja niche within the foyer.
- Open, recessed architectural niche
- Same material language as the foyer
- One idol or symbol only
- Soft backlighting (2700K)
- No doors, no ornamentation
Spirituality becomes present but not overpowering, aligning with both ancient Indian philosophy and modern minimalism.
Image: foyer_pooja_niche_contextual.png
Living Area: Grounded, Inward, Calm
Moving past the foyer, the ceiling height gently lowers, creating comfort.
The living space is:
- Inward-facing
- Low-furniture oriented
- Free of visual noise
- Connected to light and greenery, not the street
There is no forced “TV wall.”
The room is designed for conversation, reading, and stillness.
Image: living_area_after_foyer.png
Kitchen & Dining: Open Yet Disciplined
The kitchen and dining area sit naturally behind the living space.
Key design decisions:
- Open layout without exposing clutter
- Natural materials: wood, stone, matte finishes
- Warm pendant lighting
- Functional efficiency over decorative excess
The kitchen is a working space, not a showpiece—and that honesty makes it beautiful.
Image: open_kitchen_dining_render.png
Staircase: Vertical Movement With Dignity
The staircase is deliberately placed away from the foyer axis.
- Solid, grounded steps
- Soft wall lighting
- No dramatic glass or floating theatrics
- Natural light from above
Ascending the stairs feels like moving inward, not showing off.
Image: staircase_transition.png
Upper Lounge & Reading Nook: The Pause Space
At the top of the stairs, instead of a corridor, you arrive at a quiet upper lounge overlooking the double-height foyer.
This space exists purely for:
- Reading
- Thinking
- Silence
- Transition
It is one of the most important architectural decisions in the house—and one most homes miss entirely.
Image: upper_lounge_reading_nook_overlooking_foyer.png
Master Suite: A Layered Private Retreat
The master bedroom follows a hotel-suite sequence:
Bedroom → Walk-in Wardrobe → Bathroom
This layering ensures:
- Privacy
- Acoustic separation
- Visual calm
- Moisture control
The bedroom itself is minimal, warm, and light-filled.
Image: master_bedroom_render.png
Walk-In Wardrobe & Bathroom: Proper Zoning
The bathroom is carefully zoned:
- Vanity first
- WC offset and hidden
- Shower as a separate glass wet chamber
- Optional built-in bathtub for slow living
There is no WC inside the shower area—a detail that separates good design from careless trends.
Images:
walkin_wardrobe_transition.pngmaster_bath_correct_zoning.png
Guest Bedroom: Calm, Neutral, Welcoming
The guest bedroom is intentionally modest:
- Neutral palette
- Soft light
- No excess storage
- Easy access to common upstairs bathroom
It feels welcoming without competing with the master suite.
Image: guest_bedroom_render.png
Common Upstairs Bathroom: Designed With Respect
The common bathroom follows disciplined zoning:
- Vanity visible first
- WC outside the wet zone
- Shower behind glass
- Warm, hotel-like lighting
Guests never feel like they’re using a “secondary” space.
Image: common_upstairs_bathroom_correct_layout.png
Terrace: The House Exhales
The journey ends at the terrace.
This is not a party deck.
It is a breathing space.
- Pergola for filtered light
- Plants integrated into architecture
- Minimal seating
- No clutter, no utility spillover
After moving inward through the house, the terrace reconnects you with sky and air.
Image: terrace_with_entry_pergola.png
Final Thoughts: A House That Respects the Mind
This Tulum-inspired house is not about copying a style.
It is about adopting a way of thinking.
- Calm over chaos
- Light over noise
- Intention over excess
In just 1350 sq ft, the house achieves what many larger homes fail to do:
it feels complete, grounded, and deeply livable.