--- title: "Devrai: Sustainable Indian Landscape Design & Sacred Forest Inspiration" description: "Explore our Devrai project in France. SAPA specializes in sustainable landscape design, native planting, and heritage restoration for unique Indian estates." canonical: https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/landscape-architecture/devrai-a-sacred-forest-in-france last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # Devrai: Translating Sacred Indian Forests for Global Landscapes Tribe Verified · Featured at International Garden Festival, France By [Sejpal and Parekh Associates](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects) · Studio in Mumbai; takes projects across India · ₹85 ₹ per sq. ft. (estimate) Part of [Landscape Architecture](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/landscape-architecture). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/landscape-architecture/gallery) We brought the Indian concept of 'Devrai'—a sacred forest where nature is family—to France's International Garden Festival, showcasing how traditional ecology bridges diverse climates. ## Photos and videos - ![A view of our completed 'Devrai' garden in France, showing the harmony between the stone pathway, lush groundcover, and the tranquil water body. The design invites visitors to walk through a curated natural environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/badd22e4-61c8-472f-b5a4-7a1915a7384b) - ![A wooden bridge crosses the 'kund', or pond, leading to a stone bench. This journey across water is a key experiential element, allowing for a moment of transition and discovery within the garden.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8989f3fc-d225-4ab1-b4cc-2a83b56be6a0) - ![A solitary tree is planted as a sculptural element near the water's edge, its form reflected in the still surface of the pond. This composition of stone, water, and plant life creates a focal point of serene beauty.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ac26498c-36c2-45a2-904b-ea61a92fc85c) - ![Six weeks after completion, the spring growth begins to fill in the garden. The young trees are establishing their roots, and the groundcover is spreading, demonstrating the steady, resilient evolution of the landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0b5e2100-96c4-4e30-bdb1-5da0a60abdc9) - ![The garden seen from a slightly different angle, showcasing the layers of planting. Low groundcover gives way to taller grasses and shrubs, with a backdrop of established trees, creating a sense of depth and enclosure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f250a92-b841-4068-9248-8111aec795ec) - ![The dark, reflective surface of the pond mirrors the bright blue sky and surrounding trees. Water is a central element in our designs, bringing life, reflection, and a sense of calm to the landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b14c985a-ee36-4c38-9834-d9d229348397) - ![The design of the garden is an expression of four key identities: Blue (water), Green (plants), People (experience), and Biodiversity (habitat). This image captures the interplay of these elements.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0d02e707-9989-4aab-a71a-5f8d6783e49a) - ![A cascade of weeping willow leaves frames the view towards the pond and bridge. The careful selection of plant species with different forms and textures is essential to creating a rich, multi-sensory experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fc9a5def-68f8-4c81-9c17-68ffbbbaa7ef) - ![The pathway curves gently, guiding the visitor's journey through the garden. The use of natural stone and red bark mulch adds texture and color, complementing the green foliage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c2170588-7536-4002-bbc4-836c61396fe4) - ![A stone bench provides a destination and a place for rest, overlooking the pond. We believe in creating spaces within the landscape that encourage people to pause and connect with their surroundings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b45937aa-6822-41a9-9de3-5ab42a87fa32) - ![Visitors can be seen in the distance enjoying the garden. Seeing our designs being used and appreciated is the most fulfilling part of the process, confirming that we have created a space that resonates with people.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b21292bb-f81a-4d01-bc7d-b184285ce0cb) - ![The construction phase of the garden in France. Here, our team carefully lays the gravel path and defines its edges, working with the natural contours of the land to create a flowing, organic shape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/41a428a2-0ac9-4864-ac77-e2f11435c185) - ![Planting the new trees was a critical step in bringing the 'Devrai' concept to life. Our team works hands-on to ensure each plant is perfectly positioned for its health and for the overall design composition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4c8dfd15-9822-495f-823d-79cd376b4162) - ![Collaboration on site, even across language barriers. Our team works with local French craftspeople, mixing materials and sharing techniques to execute the design with precision and care.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/382eaacf-19f7-4932-974b-b73e9934fabe) - ![A large mound of rich soil is ready to be spread. Building a resilient garden starts from the ground up, with careful preparation of the soil to ensure a healthy foundation for the plant life to thrive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9ca292f6-2727-4d37-8541-397780df6c78) - ![Our 'Reimagining Devrai' project was featured in a special edition of the LA Journal. This publication allowed us to share the deep cultural and ecological story behind our garden with a wider audience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dce79424-950a-4f94-9c57-654a54c95150) - ![We were thrilled to receive our copy of the 75th special edition of the LA Journal, featuring our work from the International Garden Festival. It is an honor to contribute to the discourse on landscape architecture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dd3241bc-6b99-491d-8a1d-20c9e2e34792) ## About Devrai: A Sacred Forest in France Executing this project in France required a synthesis of Indian ecological wisdom and local craft. Beyond the aesthetics, we had to navigate language barriers and varying soil conditions to create a functional 'kund' (pond) and rain garden. This space was built on four pillars—Blue, Green, People, and Biodiversity—demonstrating that even in a foreign context, water-sensitive design and native planting can create a resilient, living habitat. ### The Devrai Philosophy Our concept of 'Devrai' is not merely an aesthetic choice but a rigorous engagement with environmental stewardship. In India, these sacred groves represent a community agreement to take only what nature provides in excess. For the International Garden Festival in France, we translated this philosophy into a climate-resilient space. We prioritized the restoration of water cycles through rain gardens and the creation of habitats that support local fauna. ### Construction and Collaboration The build process was an exercise in cross-cultural cooperation. Working with French craftspeople, we had to adapt our typical techniques—such as earthwork grading and stone-laying—to the specific topography and materials available on-site. This taught us that sustainability is a universal language; whether we are working in Mumbai or France, the principles of soil stabilization with native grasses, manual excavation for root protection, and creating water-positive 'kunds' remain consistent. ### Applying These Principles to Your Land We bring this same rigour to every project, whether for private estates or public institutional campuses: * **Site Reconnaissance:** We map your land's natural contours and sun paths before a single drawing is made. * **Water Management:** We design bioswales, rain gardens, and contour trenches to ensure your landscape is water-positive. * **Native Planting:** We move away from decorative, thirsty lawns, selecting indigenous trees and Vetiver grasses that thrive in your specific micro-climate. * **Material Integrity:** From granite to mud-brick, we source materials that age gracefully and respect the site's history. Our approach is grounded in patience. We work with the land rather than against it, ensuring that each space we build grows more resilient with every passing season. ## About Sejpal and Parekh Associates At SAPA, we view design as an act of environmental stewardship, not just decoration. We treat landscapes as living ecosystems, blending traditional mud-brick techniques, heritage restoration, and indigenous planting to build spaces that carry a soul. [See all of Sejpal and Parekh Associates's services](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects) ## More from Landscape Architecture by Sejpal and Parekh Associates - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/landscape-architecture/featured) - [Spaces for Community: Public Parks & Courtyards](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/landscape-architecture/spaces-for-community-public-parks-courtyards) - [Private Estates & Residential Gardens](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/landscape-architecture/private-estates-residential-gardens) - [Restoring Venerable Landscapes](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/landscape-architecture/restoring-venerable-landscapes) - [Institutional Campuses: Designing with the Land](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/landscape-architecture/institutional-campuses-designing-with-the-land) - [Design Narratives: From Concept to Vision](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/landscape-architecture/design-narratives-from-concept-to-vision) ## More services by Sejpal and Parekh Associates - [Heritage Restoration](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/heritage-restoration) - [Interior Design](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/interior-design) - [Sustainable Architecture](https://mytribe.in/sapaarchitects/sustainable-architecture) ## Similar work from other experts - [Featured Architectural Projects and Landscape Designs](https://mytribe.in/treelightdesign/landscape-architecture/featured) by Treelight Design · Landscape Architecture · Takes projects across India; Visit Studio at Indiranagar, Bengaluru - [Avasara Academy: Sustainable Institutional Landscape Design](https://mytribe.in/hemali_landscape_studio/commercial-institutional-landscape-design/institutional-sanctuaries-avasara-academy) by Hemali Landscape Studio · Commercial & Institutional Landscape Design · Takes projects across India; Visit studio in Borivali East, Mumbai - [Featured Landscape Design Portfolio](https://mytribe.in/kiasma.studio/landscape-design-architecture/featured) by Kiasma Studio · Landscape Design & Architecture · Visit Studio in Jubilee Hills; Projects across India - [Creating architectural spaces that breathe with nature](https://mytribe.in/s.a.k.a.studio/landscape-architecture-design/featured) by Saka Studio · Landscape Architecture & Design · Takes projects across India; Visit studio in DLF Phase 3, Gurugram - [Featured Architectural Projects by SIAN](https://mytribe.in/sianarchitects/commercial-hospitality-architecture/featured) by SIAN Architects · Commercial & Hospitality Architecture · Takes projects across India; Visit studio in Derawal Nagar, Delhi - [Sustainable Landscape Design and Integration](https://mytribe.in/uldsindia/master-planning-urban-design/lush-landscapes-sustainable-integration) by Urban & Landscape Design Studio · Master Planning & Urban Design · Studio in Whitefield; Urban design projects across India & UAE ## Book To book Sejpal and Parekh Associates, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20SAPA%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20Devrai%20garden%20project%20in%20France.%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20discussing%20a%20sustainable%20landscape%20design%20for%20my%20property.)