Pushpanjali Residence: Contemporary Classicism for Modern Living

Nestled within expansive gardens, the Pushpanjali residence stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classical architecture reimagined for contemporary living. When Nouveau Design Group's Principal Architect Manish Mehta was approached by clients in their mid-thirties seeking a multi-generational home, he recognised a unique opportunity. The pandemic had fundamentally shifted perceptions of domestic spaces, highlighting the value of private outdoor areas and communal family zones. This cultural recalibration, combined with the clients' appreciation for classical aesthetics, set the stage for a design that would honour traditional architectural principles while embracing modern functionality and technology.
The primary challenge faced by Nouveau Design Group was balancing the clients' affinity for classical architecture with their contemporary lifestyle as a young family. "Understanding that our clients are in their mid-thirties, we didn't want to pursue a traditional classical route," explains Mehta. "Instead, we decided to infuse modern elements into the design while maintaining a classical foundation." This approach led to the concept of a neo-classical themed residence where traditional elements like cornices, colonnades, and jaalis would be reimagined through a contemporary lens. The design also needed to accommodate three generations living together harmoniously while adhering to vastu principles, which the clients deeply valued.
"The contrast between traditional forms and modern interventions became our guiding principle," Mehta notes. The architectural language employs exposed concrete finishes juxtaposed with classical cornices and colonnades, creating a dialogue between raw contemporary materials and refined historical elements. Traditional jaalis (perforated stone screens) feature prominently throughout the design, but with modern patterns that reflect current aesthetic sensibilities rather than conventional motifs.
The residence is conceived as a two-story structure complemented by an annexe block, with each component serving distinct functions while maintaining a cohesive architectural identity. The main building houses the primary living spaces, while the annexe accommodates leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, and entertainment areas. This arrangement allows for a clear separation between social and private functions while maintaining the visual integrity of the overall composition.
Strong contrasts in materiality and colour define the spatial experience, particularly in the entrance areas where a classical black and white theme is reinterpreted through contemporary patterns. These bold juxtapositions create dramatic visual moments that signal the home's departure from strictly traditional interpretations of classical design.
The spatial organisation of Pushpanjali reflects a thoughtful consideration of both traditional hierarchies and modern lifestyle requirements. The ground floor is dedicated to shared family spaces and entertainment areas, fostering interaction between generations and accommodating guests. Public zones flow seamlessly into one another, creating an open yet articulated sequence of spaces that facilitate both formal gatherings and casual family interactions.
The upper floor houses the private family quarters, offering an elevated perspective of the surrounding landscape. This vertical stratification ensures privacy for individual family members while maintaining visual connections to the gardens that were so central to the clients' vision. Bedroom suites are designed with the specific needs of different generations in mind, with adaptable features that can evolve as family requirements change over time.
Throughout the design, vastu principles inform the orientation and layout of spaces, ensuring alignment with traditional belief systems while accommodating contemporary spatial arrangements. "The challenge was integrating these ancient principles with modern planning conventions," Mehta explains. "We found that vastu offered a framework that could be interpreted thoughtfully rather than rigidly, allowing us to honour tradition while creating spaces that work for today's lifestyle."
While the Pushpanjali residence draws inspiration from classical architecture, it embraces cutting-edge technology and modern amenities. Smart home systems are discreetly integrated throughout the dwelling, allowing for sophisticated control of lighting, climate, and security features without disrupting the classical aesthetic. Entertainment spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, while the kitchen incorporates professional-grade appliances behind classical façades.
The annexe block represents the most contemporary aspect of the design, housing the swimming pool, gymnasium, and entertainment zones. These spaces feature modern finishes and equipment, creating a distinct character that complements rather than mimics the main residence. The indoor pool area, in particular, combines classical proportions with contemporary materials, creating a serene retreat that bridges traditional and modern design sensibilities.
The material palette for Pushpanjali balances traditional and contemporary elements, with a focus on natural materials that will age gracefully. Stone, wood, and plaster feature prominently, creating a sense of timelessness while allowing for modern interpretations of classical details. Exposed concrete surfaces introduce a contemporary rawness that contrasts with the refined detailing of cornices and moldings.
The black and white theme established at the entrance continues throughout the interior, serving as a unifying element that ties together diverse spaces. This controlled palette allows architectural features to take precedence, with selective use of accent colours to highlight particular moments or functions within the home.
The Pushpanjali residence represents Nouveau Design Group's commitment to creating architecture that respects tradition while embracing contemporary life. By reinterpreting classical elements through a modern lens, the design creates a home that feels both timeless and of its moment—a place where three generations can come together while maintaining their individual identities.
This project reflects our belief that good design transcends style categories," concludes Mehta. "By focusing on the fundamentals of proportion, light, and spatial sequence, we've created a home that honours classical traditions while serving the needs of a contemporary family." The large gardens that surround the residence further emphasise this philosophy, providing expansive outdoor spaces that enhance daily living while connecting the home to its natural context.
As a response to the pandemic-era realisation about the importance of private outdoor spaces and multigenerational living, Pushpanjali stands as a thoughtful interpretation of how classical architecture can evolve to meet contemporary needs—a home designed not just for today's family but for generations to come.