The Enfold

In a peaceful neighborhood full of trees and quiet streets, there’s a small home called The Enfold. From the street, its clay-red walls stand out gently, blending with the color of the African tulip tree that grows right at the front. This tree wasn’t just left untouched—it helped shape the entire house.

The home was built for a family that wanted calm, comfort, and a connection to nature. Instead of cutting down the tree, the architects designed the house around it. The building folds and bends to fit the tree’s canopy, creating a mix of sharp corners and soft curves. This not only respects the tree, but also helps keep the house private—especially as future homes may be built on either side.

The entrance is simple, with a narrow hallway that suddenly opens up into a tall, double-height living room. This bright, airy space connects to a north-facing veranda, bringing in lots of natural light and breeze. On one side sits the open kitchen and dining area. In the southwest corner, a bedroom for the grandparents stays cool and quiet.

A staircase gently leads upstairs, with landings that create moments of light and shade. One landing sits under a skylight, filling the space with sun. The other is more enclosed, adding a different feeling as you move. On the upper floor, a skylit hallway connects two bedrooms and a study, all overlooking the living space below.

Each room is placed to catch the best light. The east bedroom has a cozy window seat for the morning sun, while the west bedroom stays shaded in the afternoon. Two small balconies connect these rooms, offering quiet views. The study, in the northeast corner, enjoys soft light all day. A clever cut-out in the floor lets this light shine down onto a small prayer space below, where a Buddha statue sits calmly.

The materials in the house are simple and warm. Outside, the walls are painted to match the tulip tree’s flowers. Inside, you’ll find exposed concrete ceilings, white walls, soft wood, and pastel colors. The floors also change gently as you move—Kota stone in shared spaces, Banswara marble in bedrooms, and golden Jaisalmer stone as a highlight.

Though small in size, The Enfold feels open, thoughtful, and full of light. It doesn’t try to stand out—it fits into its surroundings and grows with care. It’s a home designed not just for today, but for many quiet, comfortable days to come.