This transformative project in Vellore, India, involved converting an existing villa into a serene, meditative retreat for a Canadian family deeply inspired by Indian culture and traditions. The vision was to create a warm, rich, and tranquil environment that seamlessly blended modern comforts with the spirit of Indian heritage. This endeavour required extensive reimagining of the villa’s spatial arrangement to infuse it with natural elements and a deeper connection to nature, while preserving its original essence.

One of the primary challenges they faced during the design and execution was the lack of pre-existing architectural drawings. Without any reference blueprints, they had to meticulously measure, analyse, and recreate the villa’s original structure in order to plan their interventions accurately. This presented hurdles in balancing new structural changes with the old, while maintaining the authenticity of the space. Each step of the design process had to be thoughtfully considered, respecting the existing form while integrating the client’s vision for a tranquil retreat.

Vellore,Tamil Nadu,India

Architects : Spacemote
Area : 5400 sq. ft.
Year : 2024
Website : https://www.instagram.com/spacemote.in/?hl=en

Living room of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Living room of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Living room of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Centre Courtyard of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


View from upper floor of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote

The centrepiece of the villa’s transformation is the central courtyard, a quintessential element in Indian architecture. Originally covered by traditional roof tiles, they replaced them with glass tiles to flood the area with natural light. This infusion of daylight has given the space a serene, airy quality, emphasizing the interplay between light and shadow throughout the day. The natural illumination enhances the courtyard’s role as the heart of the villa, offering a peaceful space for reflection and connection with nature, an essential component of the client’s meditative lifestyle.

The landscape design focuses on native plant species that thrive in Vellore’s climate, blending seamlessly with the architecture. Each outdoor space was thoughtfully curated to reflect the client’s love for nature, integrating small water features, natural stone pathways, and shaded seating areas for contemplation. This allowed the villa’s exteriors to extend the meditative experience, offering tranquillity both indoors and outdoors.


Master Bedroom of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Study Area of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Sitout of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote

Throughout the villa, they used earthy tones, rich textures, and organic materials such as wood, stone, and terracotta to evoke a sense of warmth and grounding. The interior design emphasizes simplicity and mindfulness, with open spaces and minimal clutter to allow energy to flow freely. 

This project was not just a physical transformation but an emotive experience, tailored to the client’s desire for a harmonious space that reflects Indian cultural values while providing a sanctuary for peace, reflection, and connection with nature. Through careful spatial planning, natural light, and landscape integration, they succeeded in creating a meditative abode that offers a sensory journey deeply rooted in tradition yet imbued with contemporary elegance.


Sitout of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Detailed shot of door of pooja room of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Outdoor court of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Outdoor court of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Outdoor court of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Outdoor court of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Entrance of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


Ground Floor Plan of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote


First Floor Plan of Sacred Forest Villa by Spacemote




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