The People Tree House: A Sanctuary in Noida
Designed around a sacred Peepal tree, this home balances modern living with a living ecosystem. See how we created a habitat for humans, birds, and insects in the heart of Noida.
The exterior of the People Tree House, named 'Ashvattha', is designed in deference to the magnificent sacred fig tree that anchors the site. The architecture embraces the tree, making it the focal point and creating a sustainable residence where nature is not just outside, but a fundamental part of the home itself.
An aerial view reveals the unique, sculptural form of the People Tree House roof. The design incorporates solar panels that spiral downwards, a curved roof that channels rainwater, and a mosaic finish, all centered around a cylindrical core. This showcases a complex geometry that is both aesthetically striking and highly functional.
This view captures the essence of the People Tree House, with its multi-level design creating a dialogue between spaces. A wooden walkway crosses over an indoor water body, connecting to a stone feature wall, demonstrating how I blend natural textures and biophilic design to create a home that feels alive.
The heart of the People Tree House is this series of sculpted, double-height volumes. Raw, irregular stone masonry contrasts with sleek, curved forms, while large openings and skylights flood the space with natural light, creating a sense of wonder and connection to the sky.
The indoor pond is a central feature, complete with a curved glass pivot door and a ceiling dotted with red earthen pots for birds. This space brings the elements of water and stone inside, creating a tranquil habitat that supports aquatic plants and local wildlife.
At the People Tree House, external walls are built with locally sourced random rubble stone, providing natural insulation and adding a sophisticated, ethnic texture. The bright red handrail is a functional sculpture, doubling as a pipe to channel rainwater from the roof into the underground storage tank.
A load-bearing double brick vault welcomes visitors at the street level entrance. The continuous random rubble wall extends the full height of the building, emphasizing a sense of expanse and grounding the structure with natural, locally sourced materials.
About this collection
You will notice a bright red handrail running along the staircase. It isn't just a design statement. It is a functional pipe that channels rainwater from the roof directly into an underground storage tank. This is how I design—every element has a job to do, and nothing is purely decorative.
Architecture as a Living Habitat
When I designed this 7000 sq ft residence, I did not start with floor plans. I started by studying the existing Peepal tree and the local fauna. The goal was to create a home that functions as an ecosystem rather than a walled-off box.
The Material Palette
I rely on random rubble stone and exposed brick for a reason. These materials possess high thermal mass, which keeps the interior cool during the harsh Delhi NCR summers and provides warmth in the winters. The walls are not just structural; they are part of the building's passive cooling system. You will see this throughout the house—from the double-height brick vaults that create volume to the use of reclaimed materials that cut down on the carbon footprint of the build.
Designing for Non-Humans
Real sustainability is inclusive. If you look closely, you will see earthen pots embedded in the ceiling and shaded water bodies designed specifically for local birds and insects. This is what I call 'harmonious living'. It is about moving beyond solar panels and gadgets. It is about understanding that we share this land with other species.
The Art of the Process
My process is iterative and manual. I sketch by hand to explore volumes and light, ensuring the sunlight hits the stone walls just right to create those deep shadows. Whether I am cutting a slab to create a light well or placing a window to frame a view of the sky, every decision is made to keep the connection between indoors and outdoors alive. If you are looking for a standard design, I am probably not the right fit. If you want a home that breathes with the landscape, that is exactly what I do.
Archiopteryx
I treat the land as a co-inhabitant. At Archiopteryx, I design habitats where humans, animals, and plants coexist. If you want a space that feels raw, honest, and truly sustainable, let’s talk.
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