The Ramayana House by Envisage is a captivating contemporary rendition of an unforgettable Indian saga

Developed by Envisage, an Interior and Architecture firm, The Ramayana House gracefully resides within a beautiful gated community called Shalimar Paradise in Lucknow. An exquisite ode to the Indian epic of Ramayana, the house is not only a literal, religious, or traditional recreation of the epic but a contemporary adaptation and manifestation of the spiel itself.

The Ramayana House embodies a profound design philosophy centered around recreating the enchanting and immersive journey depicted in the timeless narrative. By seamlessly integrating local art and crafts, the house becomes a living canvas that vividly narrates the story.

“The client and their three siblings grew up listening to Valmiki’s Ramayana from their family elders, and this abode celebrates those cherished associations. Each space within the house has been conceptualized to beautifully depict various chapters of the epic, evoking memories and nostalgic happiness. Through a fusion of contemporary Indian design and Bohemian aesthetics, the residence seamlessly transitions visitors from one chapter to the next, akin to the progression of the Ramayana.” – Meena Murthy Kakkar, Design Head and Co-Founder of Envisage.

Bala Kand: A Gateway to New Beginnings—Representing the beginning of Ramayana
The entry foyer serves as a gateway to the house and symbolizes the beginning of the Ramayana with the Bala Kand. The right wall is adorned with the Ram Gayatri Mantra, introducing Lord Ram and extending a warm welcome. On the left, a hand-made, hand-painted console showcases sketches from Devdutt Pattanaik’s book “Sita”, capturing pivotal scenes from the Bala Kand. The entry wall features an artwork by Prasun Mazumdar, encompassing Valmiki’s Ramayana and providing a summary of the tale that unfolds within the house.

Ayodhya Kand: A Passage of Transition—Representing the transition from the court to the forest in the Ramayana
The house’s transitional spaces such as the staircase and the passageway are conceptualized and designed to bring out the essence of Ayodhya Kand. The passage floor is adorned with a mosaic, mimicking the uneven textures of a forest bed, while a black and white Madhubani wall mural portrays forest scenes from the epic. The passageway ceiling features a groin vault, reminiscent of the forest’s tree geometry, complemented by hanging lights. Earthy tones and paneled doors further enhance the passage’s organic ambiance. The staircase risers are adorned with custom hand-printed tiles, and an upper-storey corner displays a mural of a tree, both elements inspired by the forest. The Ayodhya Kand theme extends to the powder room, where a modern rendition of the forest’s moods and colors is created using a palm leaf wallpaper from Good Earth, a green vanity, and a muted grey color palette.

Aranya Kand: A Space for Serene Communication—Representing the family’s settlement in the forest, immersing them in a fulfilling life.

The living area is transformed, showcasing three distinct spaces: the opulent formal living room resembling a Regal Darbaar, adorned with vintage elements like a hand-tufted rug, camelback sofas, a wooden jhoola, and a grand center table. The adjacent informal seating area designed as baithak, captures the love of the forest abode, featuring wooden roof rafters, a wooden-finished fan, and an ikkat border symbolizing the Laxman Rekha. The dining area, surrounded by lush greens, showcases a deer-inspired console, paying homage to its significance in the epic.

Sunder Kand and Uttar Kaand: Nurturing Growth, Reflection, and Togetherness—Representing familial support, growth, and introspection

The family room on the first floor beautifully embodies the essence of the Sunder Kand. This cozy space serves as a gathering spot for intimate conversations, where the family can come together. Clayman face sculptures representing thbe Vaanar Sena adorn the room, symbolizing their unwavering and immense support. In keeping with the significance of prayer in the Sunder Kand, a Puja/prayer room is incorporated within this zone, flanked by two exquisite Chettinad pillars displaying intricate craftsmanship.

The master bedroom tells the story of the Uttar Kand, with a foyer showcasing a handcrafted painting of Luv and Kush with the Ashwamedha horse, symbolizing the reunion of a family. Inside the master bedroom, a blend of patterns and textures is thoughtfully curated. The brown-grey walls create a dynamic backdrop, evoking a sense of relaxation and homeliness. Wood is generously used throughout the space, imbuing the furniture and accessories with a distinct Indian character.

Kishkinda Kand and Yudh Kand: A Natural Haven Embracing Harmonious Chaos—Representing the birds and animals, war and chaos
The outdoor spaces beautifully portray the essence of the Kishkinda Kand and the Yudh Kand. The Kishkinda Kand, with its focus on birds, animals, and outdoor journeys, comes to life in the garden area. Birdhouses placed on wooden pillars, adorned with greens and pebbles, embellish the outdoor space, which also serves as a delightful home for the family’s canine companion. On the other hand, the garden gazebo reinterprets the chaos and war depicted in the Yudh Kand. Surrounded by lush greenery, the gazebo is accompanied by a water body with steps, symbolizing the army’s journey to Sri Lanka. Inspired by the epic, Ashok trees are planted to create an Ashok Vatica around the gazebo, while a central Sheesham tree represents the spot where goddess Sita once sat in the Ramayana.

The house celebrates local craftsmanship through elements like chikan work sheers and handloom upholstery, which seamlessly blend contemporary design sensibilities with Indian traditions and heritage. Metal and brass work from Muradabad, Chikankari from native artisans, and Madhubani art further enhance the storytelling experience through architecture and interior design. This journey transcends time and leaves a lasting impact on all who encounter it.

The beauty of the Ramayana lies in its limitless possibilities and its ability to mould cultural sensibilities. The house skilfully weaves a contemporary narrative into a traditional tale, evoking emotions such as determination, righteousness, serenity, and awe. By exploring the house, one’s own childhood memories are reignited as they reminisce about the Indian Epic. Every corner and space in the house resonates with an unforgettable story.

Photographs by Ashish Sahi