Stories from the past

The Concreate Story writes intricate details of craftsmanship in a New Delhi home

09 May 2025

Poetry isn’t just written, it can be crafted too. This home in New Delhi draws you in with its meticulously hand-laid Italian stone inlay, a feast for the eyes that took craftsmen over 45 days to complete! Called Ghar-e-Nazm, the residence is a story of architectural heritage and material narratives authored by The Concreate Story, co-founded by Nishtha Duggal and Rohan Gera, for a Dubai-based lawyer couple whose heart lies with India’s artisanal mastery.

The home acts as an intersection of history and contemporary sensibilities by craftsmen who have created a structure of nostalgia that honours traditional artistry. The home doesn’t just look beautiful but tells the story of how it came to be. “Months of meticulous planning went into curating the perfect blend of reclaimed architectural elements, like antique Jodhpur pillars and hand-carved jali screens, while balancing them with contemporary materials” say Nishtha and Rohan, who worked alongside Nupur Aggarwal & Saumya Singh.

“Months of meticulous planning went into curating the perfect blend of reclaimed architectural elements, like antique Jodhpur pillars and hand-carved jali screens, while balancing them with contemporary materials” — Nishtha Duggal and Rohan Gera

Crafted from kiln-baked bricks, framed by Life n Colors wallpaper, and designed for moonlit conversations, this terrace invites slow sips, soft breezes, and endless moments of pause; Photograph by Rohit Mendiratta from The Matter Studio

The symphony of craftsmanship

Quiet grandeur from the very moment you enter in the form of a 7-foot Ganesha idol that keeps watch over the memories that will unravel in the house. Like a story passed on through generations, we see a 40-year-old pichwai painting which is a family heirloom. The poetic home finds its outlet in the cigar room where aged wood and tobacco entice ideas to be penned down. The bar crafted from kiln-brick is illuminated by the sunlight poured through the skylight.

Like a ghazal, the master bedroom offers solace from the outside. In its centre, an antique four-poster bed that sweetly beckons you and a bay window seat for slow mornings and unhurried evenings. No home story is complete without the overhead terrace, inspired by the textures of Abu Dhabi’s architecture, which often comprises intricate geometric patterns, acting as a balance with Indian marble and green granite.

Photograph by Rohit Mendiratta from The Matter Studio

Step through a Rajasthan-inspired jharokha entry, where tradition meets open skies. Handpicked Curioso decor pieces infuse the terrace with soul, effortlessly balancing heritage with contemporary charm—creating a space that feels both timeless and inviting; Photograph by Rohit Mendiratta from The Matter Studio

Woven details of culture

Antique pillars, handcrafted jalis, hand-plastered walls of lime and silica, a reminder of a time when homes were woven and not made, with designs heavily borrowed from Rajasthani and Mughal-inspired era of culture. Just like every poetic device is intentional, so are the materials that complement the house. “Ghar-E-Nazm’s material and colour story is one of depth, richness, and natural elegance. The palette leans toward soft, muted tones: greys, warm beiges, deep greens, and natural browns, allowing textures and materials to take center stage”, says architects Nishtha and Rohan. Italian stone, green onyx, antique gold accents, and kiln-baked bricks were all picked for their ability to mature and develop character over time. A contrast, a compromise between the luxury of green onyx and black Marquina marble that is softened by earthy palettes and handcrafted details – a home that is sophisticated yet approachable.

The design decisions lie largely in the homeowners passion for Urdu poetry, an ode to the chosen furniture, and handcrafted textiles, which gives the house its poetic feel. The weight of history isn’t heavy on the visitor, it gently guides them into stories that have been written across decades, Ghar-e-Nazm is an archive of heritage and a stage for craftsmen.