At a functional level, the layout of this apartment increases connectivity between public areas whilst maximizing privacy where needed. The first is achieved by replacing two existing masonry walls, one with stackable folding timber and glass doors between the study and reception areas, and the other with a freestanding partition that speaks of family history. The second is achieved through the introduction of pod-like vestibules around entrances, which inhibit direct views of the bedrooms, kitchen and powder room. These also act as giant lanterns/ night lights when the other lights of the house are off. The slits cut into their sides are reminiscent of the narrow windows in the turrets of forts, but paradoxically unlike the thick stone walls of old, these turrets are formed of 2mm thick mild steel. The family living here traces its lineage back to Jaipur, but has lived in Norway, France and the UK. We set out to tell a story seeking a balance between disparate influences from these distant locales. The core of the house contemporizes the Rajasthani roots: from the brass kund between copper inlay strips recalling the famous nine squares of the city plan of Jaipur, or the Mughal charbaghs, to the vestibules that stand as contemporary turrets in oxidized mild steel against the backdrop of rugged sandstone walls. Within this sits furniture that is light and airy, often mid-century modern/ Scandinavian in allegiance. The new partition in stacked birch ply between family and dining areas references in its design wind-swept desert sand dunes, deep-stambhs and jali screens. We worked with an artist friend to create different hued resin inserts, which contain fragments of family memories – photographs, letters, notes cast within almost as if fossilized – illuminated variously by light both natural and manmade.

Team: Pravir Sethi, Jaymin Tanna

Lighting design: studio Trace

Photography: the fishy project