Since time immemorial, Indian people used to build domestic temples in the courtyards of their house, usually in space that is secluded from the main house. In line with this, architect Saket Sethi has designed a peculiar private house in the outskirts of Mumbai that has an iridescent oval-shaped temple in the courtyard with a garden on its terrace. Named the ‘Sunoo Temple', this house is one of the only roof houses in India. After two years of construction and countless obstacles, including cyclones, heat waves, parasite attacks, the project is now complete. SURFACES REPORTER (SR) shares below more about this distinctive architecture project:

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Spread over an area of 2,500 sq feet and located 88 km north of Mumbai in Manor, the house creates a dialogue between the spiritual and material world.

The home is actually a surprise birthday present from the Indian wife to her husband.

It is made in a tranquil land so that the dwellers relax and meditate at weekends.

Positioning of Temple

The religious traditions have always had a great influence on every Indian who always tries to shape his life as per the rituals and spiritual practices. 

Architect Saket Sethi scaled and positioned the beautiful and uniquely-shaped temple a few steps away from the house In the courtyard to make its spiritual dimension accessible and visible.

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The Temple Shape Inspired From the Lord Shiva's Lingam

The temple takes the form of Shivlinga, a symbol of divine energy that is an abstract of the Hindu God Shiva in Shaivism.

The architect used sparkling Bisazza mosaic tiles in the temple to give it a magical look.

Also, it reflects the brief given by the client where she wanted the room as a place to be "thankful to the universe".

Also Read: Shiv Temple, Pune

House Tour

The Sunoo Temple House is an enchanting place where nature also shapes interior space; the roof landscapes as a garden, protecting the house from the harsh sun rays and maintaining thermal comfort even in hot temperatures.

The creepers from the roof hang down over the facade of the house like curtains.

The angular roof also helps to drain water and shield the house from heavy winds.

Muted Material Palette and Large Windows

The house features a neutral colour palette and large windows so that the prime focus is retained only on the temple and the garden.

The house has four bedrooms, a kitchen and an open-plan space for dining and living. 

Also Read: Temple Pune made of Basalt Stone

Minimalism plays a vital role in the interiors as it contains only a selection of objects, antiques and artworks, which the client collected during their travels around the world. It also accommodates a Saket Sethi designed dining table.

Project Details

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