🕉️ My Dream Home to Build | A Tulum-Inspired House Designed for Calm 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.
Arrival Sequence: Garage and Entry
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
- Clean, grounded proportions
The pedestrian entry is intentionally understated, creating a moment of transition before entering the home.
The Double-Height Foyer: A Moment of Pause
The heart of the house is the double-height foyer—not a passageway, but a decompression chamber between the outside world and inner life.
- 18–20 ft vertical volume
- Natural light filtering from above
- Lime plaster and stone textures
- No clutter, no storage, no distractions
Integrated Pooja Space: Spirituality Without Noise
Instead of a closed mandir room, spirituality is integrated seamlessly into the foyer.
- Open architectural niche
- Same material language as the foyer
- One idol or symbol
- Soft, warm backlighting
- No doors, no ornamentation
This approach keeps devotion present yet unobtrusive.
Living Area: Grounded, Inward, Calm
Moving past the foyer, the ceiling height gently lowers, creating a sense of comfort and intimacy.
The living space is:
- Inward-facing
- Free of visual noise
- Designed for conversation and stillness
- Connected to light, not the street
Kitchen & Dining: Open Yet Disciplined
The kitchen and dining area sit naturally behind the living space, maintaining openness without chaos.
- Natural materials
- Matte finishes
- Warm pendant lighting
- Functional efficiency over decoration
Staircase: Vertical Movement With Dignity
The staircase is positioned away from the foyer’s central axis.
- Solid steps
- Soft wall lighting
- Natural light from above
- No dramatic floating theatrics
Ascending feels calm and inward-focused.
Upper Lounge & Reading Nook: The Pause Space
At the top of the stairs, a quiet upper lounge replaces what would normally be a corridor.
- Overlooks the double-height foyer
- Designed for reading and reflection
- No TV, no clutter
- Minimal furniture
Master Suite: A Layered Private Retreat
The master suite follows a hotel-style sequence:
Bedroom → Walk-in Wardrobe → Bathroom
This ensures privacy, acoustic separation, and visual calm.
Walk-In Wardrobe & Master Bathroom
The walk-in wardrobe acts as a buffer between bedroom and bathroom.
The bathroom is carefully zoned:
- Vanity first
- WC offset and hidden
- Shower in a glass-enclosed wet zone
- Optional built-in bathtub
Guest Bedroom: Calm and Welcoming
The guest bedroom is intentionally modest, neutral, and quiet—comfortable without competing with the master suite.
Common Upstairs Bathroom: Designed With Respect
The common bathroom follows the same disciplined zoning:
- Vanity visible first
- WC outside the wet area
- Shower behind glass
- Warm, hotel-like lighting
Terrace: The House Exhales
The journey ends at the terrace—a breathing space rather than a party deck.
- Pergola-filtered light
- Integrated plants
- Minimal seating
- No clutter or utilities
Final Thoughts
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
Within just 1350 sq ft, the house achieves what many larger homes fail to do—it feels complete, grounded, and deeply livable.