Carrying the stoicism of a classical sculpture in a landscaped terrain, this dwelling designed by Nivasa is located just off New Delhi’s bustling MG Road. The beige walls of the home find their echo in the bespoke furniture designed by the studio. In the living room, the scale of the austere structure with 14 ft high ceilings dematerialises, thanks to the glass, appearing to be held up by a singular wall that frames the olive tree outside; Styled by Samir Wadekar; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

We found a Greener Side

Have we outgrown the ornament? In a bucolic enclave in the bustling city, Nivasa designs a monochromatic home in New Delhi that flourishes with nature

09 Mar 2026

Namrata Dewanjee

There it is again, the age-old contention, nature versus the city. A never- ending jostle between a sylvan sanctity and an upbeat urbanity. Quiet against cacophonous, chaos against order, city lights against fireflies- such comparisons could confound the best arbitrators in the world but the question is rendered anything but moot. As if straight out of cottage-core fantasies, this home in New Delhi liberates itself from this worn-out dichotomy. And it does so without ever leaving any cosmopolitan comfort too far behind. Just off the strident MG Road stands an idyllic residence on Pragati Marg designed by Nivasa.

You might be inclined to describe this villa as rustic. Although, owing to the term’s unabashed overuse, some clarification might be in order. Founder Rohit Kapoor explains, “The term rustic, traditionally meaning rough and unfinished, aligns perfectly with our design philosophy for this project. However, in the context of this villa, rustic signifies a deep connection to nature and an earthy aesthetic.” Their process of creating this 8,500 sq ft architectural sculpture began with understanding the semantics of the site — the terrain, the trees and the light. “Our intention was to eschew highly polished and artificial surfaces, opting instead for a natural, unprocessed feel throughout the villa,” he avers, continuing, “In this villa, rustic is redefined to celebrate imperfection and authenticity.”

The relationship between the landscape and architecture unfolds throughout the layout. Every room boasts an expansive vista of the flourishing greenery, achieved through thoughtful placement of the structure and the incorporation of large, panoramic windows. This strategic design decision not only bathes the interior in natural light, fostering a sense of openness and tranquillity, but also blurs the line between the built environment and the surrounding embrace of nature. The form appears deliberately nestled within mature arboreal companions, with a particularly prominent olive tree framing the envelope like a Palladian architectural sculpture.

"The design embraces the beauty found in natural materials, with their unique textures, patterns and inherent imperfections”

Rohit Kapoor

Overtaken by green, the beige space and neutral-toned artworks counter the setting. In the distance, a 12-foot-long bar counter in rusted steel is flanked by glass, natural light and verdure on both sides with Viswanath Kuttum’s work gracing the wall behind. Elaborating on the philosophy behind the space, Rohit says, “Rather than striving for perfection, we embraced the natural flow of light and shadow, the changing seasons and the passage of time”; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

“The design embraces the beauty found in natural materials, with their unique textures, patterns and inherent imperfections, creating a space that feels warm, inviting and grounded,” shares Rohit. “We carefully selected materials such as reclaimed wood, natural stone and handwoven textiles, which age gracefully and develop character over time,” he adds. Construction transpired without disturbing a single tree; instead, the design actively enriched the natural environment by incorporating numerous mature trees, bolstering the surrounding landscape. This integration with nature extends beyond simple preservation. Hundreds of indigenous rocks were thoughtfully repurposed and strategically placed around the house, forming an artistic composition. This effort ensures the ecosystem remains undisturbed while enhancing the inherent beauty of the surroundings. The villa is constructed from micro-concrete, a material employed with remarkable uniformity across floors, walls and ceilings. This consistent application fosters a cohesive aesthetic, yet the texture exhibits subtle variations due to the natural passage of time, imbuing the surfaces with depth and character. The exterior and interior flooring share this monochromatic hue, further amplifying the uniformity in the space. This sense of continuity is complemented by the extensive use of expansive glass — the only other material prominently featured within the house besides the micro-concrete. However, the austerity of the walls raises another question. If Adolf Loos and the Modernists were to be believed, was ornament still the architectural mea culpa? “I don’t believe that ornamentation is a crime,” disagrees Rohit. “However, simplicity is truly a virtue and this project exemplifies that essence,” he adds. Perhaps here, the ornament transpires in a different form. “By stripping away unnecessary embellishments, the project allows the inherent beauty of natural materials and the surrounding environment to shine through. The use of organic textures, neutral tones and minimalist lines creates a serene and harmonious living space that fosters peace and mindfulness,” he explains. Ornament can be more than skin-deep. Read More: Designer Saba Kapoor of Nivasa amalgamates communal living and neoclassicalism in her Sultanpur Farmhouse