Integrated Evaporative Cooling System ( I ), Bhugaon.

Perched on the outskirts of Pune, this residential bungalow commands beautiful and breathtaking vistas of the Sahyadri mountains, yet it's appeal extends far beyond the panoramic view. Designed for a couple returning to India after 25 years abroad, the residence is both a deeply personal homecoming and a forward-looking architectural statement—one that seamlessly weaves together contemporary luxury and cultural rootedness.

The clients’ brief called for more than a static retreat. With an eye on the future, they envisioned a home that would gracefully evolve with the shifting dynamics of family life over decades. In response, we as the architects conceived a flexible superstructure capable of modular reconfiguration, allowing the interior spatial layout to adapt over time. This thoughtful foresight positions the bungalow not only as a present-day sanctuary but also as a resilient legacy for generations to come.

Equally compelling is the way the design tackles the climatic challenges of the region. Rather than relying on energy-intensive systems, the home employs passive cooling techniques that reflect a profound respect for traditional ecological wisdom. Strategically placed wind-catchers, shaded verandas, and orientation-sensitive planning work in concert to temper the harsh summer heat and channel natural breezes through the living spaces.

Materiality plays a pivotal role in anchoring the home to its context. Locally sourced stone, lime plasters, and seasoned timber form a tactile palette that echoes the rugged elegance of the Sahyadris. Every element—down to the hand-finished details—celebrates craftsmanship while adhering to a philosophy of restrained opulence.

This residence stands as a testament to the possibility of merging sustainability with splendor. Rooted in place, yet designed with an expansive horizon in mind, it redefines what it means to come home—bridging continents, climates, and centuries of design sensibility.

Traditional Windcatchers : Reference Images

Wind Catchers : Basic working principle

Wind towers or wind catchers are small towers installed on top of buildings.
Wind towers are used for Ventilation and providing fresh air for indoor area especially in the hot and arid or humid areas.
The evaporative cooling effect is strongest in the driest climates.
By leading the outside air into the building, wind towers serve as a natural ventilation system
Advantages : • Passive systems requiring no energy for operation. • Reduce electrical energy consumption and environmental pollution.• Ventilation inside the building through out the day.

Single Module as a Structural Element with a Roof + Direct Evaporative Cooling System.

As global temperatures continue to rise, integrating passive cooling systems into residential architecture has become not just a design choice, but a necessity. In this bungalow nestled in the foothills of the Sahyadris, wind catchers emerge as a critical architectural element—both functional and symbolic.

Inspired by traditional desert architecture, the wind catchers are strategically integrated into the structure to harness prevailing breezes and direct them into the interior spaces. These vertical shafts act like natural air conditioners: drawing in cooler air from higher elevations, guiding it through shaded interiors, and expelling warmer air through thermal buoyancy. The result is a continuous circulation of fresh, cool air—drastically reducing the need for mechanical ventilation even during Pune’s intense summer months.

Beyond their environmental utility, the wind catchers are also sculptural in form, rising gently above the roofline like sentinels watching over the home. They echo indigenous climate-responsive solutions while adapting them to a modern luxury setting.

In a time when rising heatwaves and energy scarcity are becoming the norm, such passive strategies offer a powerful reminder: architecture can—and must—relearn the intelligence of vernacular traditions. These wind catchers don’t just cool the home; they stand as symbols of a more conscious, climate-resilient way of building.

Multiple Modules as Structural Elements with a Roof + Direct Evaporative Cooling System.

Option 1 : Linear Orientation

Option 1 : L Shaped placement

Option 1 : Courtyard Planning

In residential architecture, planning typologies form the foundation for spatial organization and experiential flow. Among the most fundamental configurations are linear, L-shaped, and courtyard plans—each offering distinct architectural and climatic advantages.

Linear planning is characterized by a straight, often elongated arrangement of spaces. This typology emphasizes directionality and uninterrupted visual flow, ideal for maximizing views—such as those toward a mountain range or water body. It allows for a clear sequence of functions while encouraging cross ventilation and natural light along its axis.

L-shaped planning introduces a bend in the linear configuration, enclosing a semi-private edge that can open onto a garden, patio, or pool. This typology creates visual and spatial anchoring, offering both openness and intimacy. It is particularly effective in shielding outdoor spaces from harsh winds or providing privacy from neighboring properties.

Courtyard planning, deeply rooted in vernacular traditions, revolves around an open-to-sky central space. This layout facilitates ventilation, daylight penetration, and thermal comfort, especially in warm climates. It also fosters a sense of inward focus—ideal for homes seeking a sanctuary-like environment.

Each of these planning concepts can be adapted to suit site conditions, client aspirations, and sustainability goals, making them timeless frameworks in the evolving vocabulary of architectural design.

Grid System : 1m x 1m