Terra Residence: A Home Rooted in Earth
A 10,000 sq. ft. residence in Gwalior that bridges the raw beauty of the Chambal Valley with quiet, modern living.
The journey into Terra begins with a moment of pause. The foyer, with its serene Pichwai painting and sliding wood-and-glass door, sets a tone of calm energy, filtering light and framing the view into the living space beyond.
From an empty shell to a soulful entrance. This video shows the transformation of the Terra atrium, where we used natural light, handmade tiles, and a sense of scale to create a space that feels both grand and grounding.
The atrium at Terra is the heart of the home. We designed this double-height space with a feature wall of handmade tiles, whose earthy tones echo the Chambal landscape. The cascading lights draw the eye upward, celebrating the volume and stillness of the entrance.
A view from below, looking up at the Terra atrium ceiling. The mosaic tiles, inspired by the land, meet a deep blue skylight, creating a powerful connection between the earth and sky within the home.
The ground floor living room is designed for hosting with ease. We curated a collection of our custom-made furniture, including the sculptural Drift Chair, against a backdrop of soft greys and natural textures, with large windows connecting the space to the surrounding greenery.
Art and texture bring warmth to the formal living area. Here, a triptych of abstract paintings complements the neutral tones of the sofa and the organic forms of the ceramic vases, creating a composition of quiet sophistication.
The first-floor dining area is designed for family gatherings. The custom-made dining table and chairs, crafted in our workshop, are surrounded by natural light and views of the neighborhood, creating an inviting atmosphere for everyday rituals.
About this collection
At the heart of Terra lies a double-height atrium featuring handmade tiles that echo the tones of the Chambal landscape. We did not just place these tiles; we studied the light at different hours to ensure the wall would breathe and change throughout the day, creating a space that feels deeply grounded.
When we started the design for Terra, the location dictated our path. Overlooking the Chambal Valley, the home needed to feel like it belonged to the earth rather than sitting atop it. The material palette relies on honesty: local stone, warm timber, and the play of shadows.
The atrium acts as the central lung of the house. We selected handmade tiles with earthy pigments to clad the feature wall, capturing the rugged spirit of Gwalior. The skylight above captures the movement of the sun, casting shifting patterns across the living space as the day progresses.
We believe that comfort is found in proportion. The ground floor remains formal, designed for hosting, while the first level offers privacy and a visual connection to the valley. Every piece of furniture, from the sculptural dining chairs to the console tables, was produced in our own workshop to ensure it fits the scale and flow of the house perfectly. We avoid trends entirely. Instead, we focus on slow living—creating rooms that age gracefully and hold memories for years to come.
The Works Interiors
Devika and Raj here. We built Terra as a conversation between the rugged Gwalior landscape and modern comfort. Our approach is never about following trends, but about letting the site and the family's story dictate the design.
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