Return of the Sunken Courtyard—House & Beyond revive this classic architectural element in a contemporary Gurugram home

Once a hallmark of traditional Indian homes, the sunken courtyard is slowly yet steadily making a comeback. Case in point, ‘Maurpankhi’, a thoughtfully designed bungalow in Gurugram, where this architectural element finds a new expression, transforming what could have been a conventional basement into a vibrant, light-filled sanctuary. Designed by House & Beyond, Maurpankhi is a home where sunlight spills through voids, materiality evolves over time, and every space is designed to nurture tranquility. “True luxury for the homeowners wasn’t about grandeur but about moments of stillness,” shares Pushpender Arora, the firm’s principal architect. “It was about a home that adapts to their rhythm and welcomes them into its embrace.”

Architecture that breathes

What sets Maurpankhi apart is its relationship with the natural world. The home doesn’t exist alongside nature; it embraces it, celebrates it, and evolves with it. At the entrance stands an ancient tree—not as an afterthought or a decorative element, but as a symbol of continuity. A distinctive curved zinc-clad wall envelops this living sentinel, forming a striking facade that will patinate beautifully over time. “We chose zinc for its robust nature, timeless aesthetic and unique weathering process—it galvanizes beautifully, much like the memories this home will hold,” Pushpender notes, highlighting the profound thoughtfulness behind even the most technical design decisions.

Below the surface

Defying conventional expectations, the basement of Maurpankhi is anything but enclosed. Engineered without intrusive columns, it is bathed in daylight from a sunken courtyard that transforms it into a dynamic extension of the home. This thoughtfully carved-out void infuses the lower level with fresh air and a connection to nature, offering a lounge, a bar, and a play area—perfect for hosting, unwinding, or simply enjoying the passage of time.

A Dialogue between Architecture and Nature

Above, the ground floor seamlessly integrates the drawing room, dining area, and guest suite, all positioned to embrace verdant courtyards. Instead of rigid partitions, strategically placed furniture subtly delineates functional zones, ensuring an uninterrupted dialogue between spaces. The curved zinc-clad front wall, both protective and evolving, embraces the preserved ancient tree like a guardian of memories. “We chose zinc for its robust nature, timeless aesthetic, and unique weathering process—it galvanizes beautifully, much like the memories this home will hold,” Pushpender explains.

Personalised Retreats

In the private quarters, the architecture shifts towards expressions of individuality. The master suite envelops its occupants in a cocoon of serenity, while the daughter’s bedroom, awash in soft pastels and gentle curves, radiates a sense of youthful tranquility. In contrast, the parents’ suite exudes elegance, reflecting a lifetime of wisdom and grace. “This is where the family finds their quietest, most personal moments,” the designer notes.

Natural light, filtering through a central courtyard and expansive fenestrations, stitches together these private spaces, reinforcing a connection to the outdoors. The home’s interiors are deeply personal, mirroring the family’s personalities—whether in the forest-inspired living room with its earthy tones or in the daughter’s peaceful retreat, wrapped in soothing hues.

A haven of Reflection and Renewal

At the topmost level, enclosed spaces dissolve into the openness of a large terrace, where a meditation room offers a tranquil refuge for mindfulness and yoga. The son’s bedroom, with its cosy reading nook, is designed for quiet academic focus, fostering an environment of learning and introspection. The terrace itself becomes a cherished retreat, offering a space for the family to pause and reconnect—whether under the afternoon sun or the quiet shimmer of a star-lit sky.

Throughout the home, natural materials lend an enduring elegance—non-synthetic limewash finishes bring a soft, sophisticated texture to the walls, aging gracefully alongside the family’s journey. The palette remains understated yet rich, evoking a quiet luxury that does not demand attention but rather reveals itself over time. “In the end, the true measure of a home is not in its size or materials but in the emotional value it carries,” Pushpender reflects. And in that sense, Maurpankhi is not just a house—it is a living, breathing entity, ever-changing, ever-enduring.

FACT FILE:

Project Name: Maurpankhi

Plot area: 3230 sqft.

Location: 183-Deerwood Chase, Gurugram

Project type: Residential [Architecture + interior]

Photographer: TakenIn Studios

Design firm: House & Beyond

Founder & Principal Architect: Pushpender Arora

Design team: Vikrant Dwivedi, Sakshi Sharma