This light-filled family home in Jodhpur, designed by 42MM Architecture, balances modernism with cultural fidelity

Cascading height, commanding facade and a dramatic prelude—homes like this can never be overdone. There is always space for more to unfurl. Designed by 42MM Architecture, a meandering gait within the premises of this Jodhpur home makes one feel worthy—worthy of belonging. And why wouldn’t one, with modern gestures constantly breathing through the design, interwoven with subtle hints that honour the story of the land? Evident enough to notice and appreciate, yet subtle enough to be one with the entire design.

An allegory for the man (owner) himself — this home acts on a simple brief — a space that reflects his lifestyle characterised by high modernism and cultural fidelity.

“The theme was a contemporary revival of the traditional Rajasthani courtyard house. We aimed to blend heritage with modern luxury by retaining the essence of a central courtyard while reimagining it with modern materials, clean lines and open layouts,” says Rudraksh Charan and Priyanka Khanna, Founders and Architects at 42MM Architecture.

Dominating attention is the towering double height stone wall, painstakingly crafted by local artisans. The tactile surface of this stone, weathered yet honed, anchors the house in its cultural moorings.

To the left, an unobtrusively integrated mandir manifests—a subtle, serene alcove that melds into the architecture with quiet reverence. To the right, the double-height drawing room drenched in natural light spills through expansive glass panels. These panels dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, offering an almost cinematic tableau of the manicured lawn and the inward-facing courtyard. Here, the stone craftsmanship reappears, creating a visual dialogue between spaces and showcasing the dexterity of Jodhpur’s artisans at every turn.

The dining room opens generously to the courtyard, where the grand staircase makes its dramatic ascent. Suspended above is a chandelier inspired by the intricate filigree of traditional Jodhpur jewellery.

A monolithic stone wall stands sentry between the dining and living areas, not merely as a partition but as a sculptural form, its raw, earthen texture offering a stark counterpoint to the more polished elements. Opposite, a zinc-clad wall introduces a bold, contemporary note—this interplay between antiquity and avantgarde is the house’s constant refrain.

The living room is a passageway to the grandparents’ suite, a space imbued with understated grandeur. Overlooking the quietude of the courtyard, the room balances restraint and grandeur. Shades of deep blue allude to the region’s geographic identity.

A mezzanine lounge surveys the double-height living room below. Traditional Jodhpur arches punctuate the interiors. The southern expanse of the floor holds the parents’ bedroom with modern furnishings, veneer panelling and an open storage. The northern wing hosts the guest quarters.

On the second floor, the staircase opens onto an internal terrace with a panoramic view of the central courtyard. Here, the son’s den occupies the southern quadrant—a retreat within the retreat, where his bedroom and living room form a contiguous suite, defined by bold geometric panels, metal storage units and sleek modern furniture, including statement pieces from Baxter. On the opposite wing, the daughter’s suite offers a softer, more tactile experience, with leather paneling and metal accents, a modern riff on traditional luxury.

The gym, home theatre and party den coalesce into the third floor. The terrace, expansive and well-appointed, is equipped for large gatherings, with provisions for catering and alfresco dining.

The design narrative centers on the concept of a contemporary revival of the traditional Rajasthani courtyard house. The courtyard, a symbol of connectivity and life, remains at the heart of the home. But here, it is reimagined—pushed to the periphery to create a winter courtyard that offers a green buffer for the house.

Concrete grounds the structure, offering an austere counterpoint to the more textural, organic elements like wood, which warms the ceilings and walls, and the stone that anchors the home to its geographic context. The floors alternate between marble in communal spaces and wood in the more intimate areas, creating a sensory experience.

The C-shaped layout and central courtyard promote natural ventilation, reducing the need for artificial climate control. Here, amid the dialogue of textures and forms, one finds not only a home but a vivid expression of identity, promising that the spirit of Jodhpur will always echo within its walls.