Of stillness, glass and greenery

12 Mar 2026

Sprawling across 95,000 sq ft, this expansive Ahmedabad residence, aptly named Still and Calm, is designed to blur the boundaries between indoors and out. Conceived by architects Ashish Kesurvala and Khooshbu Thakkar of SAK Designs, the home unfolds like a retreat, where architecture, landscape and light work together to slow things down. A long sandstone wall, softened by lush greenery, runs along the entrance, evoking the serene threshold of a high-end wellness retreat. Step inside and the ground floor reveals the courtyards, generous living areas, open decks and private nooks that come together in a layout that encourages both pause and movement. There’s an immediate sense of ease here, the kind that makes you instinctively lower your voice and take in the surroundings a little more slowly.

"With lush greenery visible from every angle, the interplay of natural light crafts a constantly evolving ambiance, ensuring that the space feels fresh and captivating around the clock"

- Ashish Kesurvala and Khooshbu Thakkar

Designing the pause

A sleek corridor lined with black wood veneer leads deeper into the house, punctuated by a travertine courtyard that filters in soft, diffused light. The interplay of materials and muted tones lends the space an almost contemplative character, which many might recognise as that elusive “old money” aesthetic. The living room is where the home truly opens up. Stretching generously across the plan, it is enclosed by glass walls on three sides, dissolving the boundary between the interiors and the verdant garden outside. A monumental Buddha statue anchors the outdoor view, lending the space a sense of calming permanence. It’s the kind of room that feels equally suited to a lively gathering or a lazy Sunday afternoon spent with a book and a cup of coffee.

Venture in, venture out

One wall in particular catches the eye: clad in exotic quartzite, it features a mirrored surface that reflects the greenery outside so perfectly that it almost appears like another window, an optical illusion that deepens the connection with the landscape. Beyond the living area, the home encourages you to go outdoors. A meandering garden path invites slow walks that often lead to unexpected pauses like a quick phone call, a moment of sunlight or simply the pleasure of doing nothing. Inside, a dedicated family corner brings together casual seating, dining and a dry kitchen, creating a space where mundanity unfolds. The kitchen itself is anchored by a sculptural marble island that immediately draws attention.

The language of repose

Further along, a pooja room, a back kitchen and an adjacent deck complete with a stone sculpture and a swing designed by the architects, add layers of intimacy to the otherwise expansive home. Throughout, darker tones and subdued lighting create a cocoon-like atmosphere, balanced by the openness of the layout. Four generously sized bedrooms are distributed across the ground and first floors, each conceived as a master suite with its own dressing area and spacious bathroom. Upstairs, a terrace deck overlooks the garden, while a private theatre and two additional bedrooms enjoy sweeping views of the landscape below. In the garden sits a swimming pool and an outhouse that doubles as a gym and recreational zone. Its striking sloping roof appears to float above glass walls, creating a light, almost weightless structure, an architectural flourish that perfectly complements the home’s sense of drama.

Still and Calm, in the end, lives up to its name: a home designed for living and for slowing down.