Designing a home is never a one-size-fits-all exercise. Every house carries the personality, priorities and lifestyle of those who live in it. Plumeria House in New Delhi is a quiet reminder of that idea, where practicality meets nature in a contemporary setting, without excess or noise.
“When we were asked to design a home rooted in practicality, we wanted it to feel modern while staying deeply connected to nature,” says architect Saumya Khanna, co-founder and principal architect at SSDA. Designed for a family of three, the residence accommodates five rooms along with multiple family lounges, all planned to support everyday living with ease and intention.
What truly shapes the house is a mature Plumeria tree at its heart. Rather than removing it, the architects chose to build around it, allowing the tree to dictate the spatial layout. This decision led to the creation of a central courtyard that becomes the emotional and visual anchor of the home. Built on a half-acre plot, the design consciously limits ground coverage, keeping the built-up area minimal at 9,000 sq ft. This approach frees up space for landscaped gardens, open decks and green pockets that strengthen the home’s relationship with the outdoors.
Architecturally, the residence speaks a contemporary language defined by clean lines, sharp volumes and a restrained material palette. Metal accents, glass, wood, textured paint and stone come together to create depth without visual clutter. Stone finishes receive special attention, with customised treatments adding character and texture. The facade remains muted in grey, softened by the warmth of natural wood elements that prevent it from feeling stark.
The house is spread across two levels with clear functional zoning. The ground floor is primarily designed for the parents, while the first floor reflects the lifestyle and independence of the son. Entertainment and family spaces are thoughtfully distributed across both levels, ensuring connectivity while allowing privacy. Vastu principles play an important role in guiding the layout, bringing a sense of balance and harmony to the plan.
Natural light is central to the design strategy. North and east-facing openings allow daylight to flow generously into the interiors. At the heart of the home is a striking double-height living area, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Neutral interiors paired with wooden ceilings create a warm, grounded atmosphere that subtly echoes the landscape outside. A minimal staircase on the southern side adds vertical drama, while a sculptural installation in grey and bold royal blue injects colour into the otherwise calm palette.
The most captivating moment unfolds in the courtyard. The Plumeria tree stands at the centre, backed by a dramatic double-height wall clad in textured Raymond stone. A shallow water body sits in the foreground, completing a carefully composed visual sequence. As sunlight hits the stone wall at sharp angles, shadows shift through the day, animating the surface and lending the space a sense of movement and life.
Adjacent to this courtyard is the dining area, designed to seat ten people comfortably. A mirror placed opposite the tree reflects the entire composition, the water, the Plumeria and the stone wall. This clever detail allows residents to experience the courtyard even while seated indoors, turning everyday meals into calm, immersive moments.
Inside, the material palette continues with marble flooring, detailed wall panelling and selected use of high-gloss PU-finished HD-HMR panels that add a subtle sheen. Grey forms the base tone throughout the home, accented with blue elements that create visual continuity. Much of the furniture is locally crafted, reinforcing sustainability while adding authenticity to the interiors.
The private bedrooms carry their own narratives. The mother’s bedroom on the ground floor features corner-edge glass that opens uninterrupted views of the garden. Even a structural column is seamlessly absorbed into the design, ensuring openness. A small boat installation outside adds a touch of whimsy and calm. Family lounges feature curated artworks, while botanical wallpapers, bespoke furniture and soft tones define the remaining rooms.
Landscaping plays a decisive role in the overall experience. Two large mango trees dominate the front of the house, and the architecture bends around them rather than disturbing their presence. At the rear, expansive glazing opens up to lush lawns, while custom FRP panels with slit windows filter light and protect interiors from the harsh southern sun.
Plumeria House is about living gently within nature while embracing modern comfort. Functional, thoughtful and quietly luxurious, it offers a sense of calm amid the bustle of the city.
