Situated on the outskirt of the glitzy of India, the Jhunjhunwala farmhouse embraces traditional nuances interlaced with the modern, creating a simple blissful retreat.

The Jhunjhunwala farmhouse is a dwelling indifferent to the traditional rules of décor and throws open challenges that create an altogether different kind of glamour. Whether it is the harsh summer heat, torrential monsoon rains or the biting chill of a northern winter, each season enhances this environment-friendly private house off south Delhi in Bhati mines, near the gigantic Chatarpur temple.
The house celebrates the elements of nature with the sun pouring through the glass doors and windows, and the breeze flowing through unhindered. Lush green lawns surround the structure and since the original site was arid and rocky, the landscaping has been fashioned in keeping with the difficult terrain and creating maximum space for farm-fresh vegetables, an herb garden and an orchard.

Explains architect Pradeep Pathak, "A farmhouse should be rigorous in both concept and usage." Since this is essentially a place one shares with family and friends, all basic amenities have been thought through with an eye on aesthetics and a comfortable lifestyle. "The style that has evolved is the result of different aspects of folk art and craft placed in a contemporary layout in a stylish and functional manner," says Pathak. Every design detail has been worked on with wife Anshu, keeping the client's requirements in mind.

Since the Jhunjhjnwalas hail from the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, they were keen to reflect their cultural background in their farmhouse. This meant extensive travelling for the architect. To provide authenticity to the building, the husband and wife team visited places like Mandawa, Jhunjhunu, Bissau and Churu in Rajasthan in order to get first-hand experience and feel of the image their client had in mind. Translating the Jhunjhunwalas' aesthetic sense into brick and mortar did not prove
difficult. "We kept the basic Rajasthani style and added modern amenities for the comfort of the family,” says Anshu, The design concept was inspired by mud architecture, which relies on traditional materials and methods of construction and craftsmanship with minimal use of wood.
Stone thresholds are combined with Jaalis (grillwork) and the facade is given an uneven rustic finish by contouring the bricks and giving the effect of mud plaster. A Jaipur blue-tiled swimming pool located in the middle of the house is the focal point and al the rooms maintain visual contact with it, This water body coots the interiors naturally 2nd the same water is later used for irrigation, With cross ventilation given due mileage, light and breeze filter through the entire house and free flowing open spaces provide an enriching experience,

Explains Pathak, "In an open-plan design, there is often a need to segregate areas and still retain the interest with surprising elements." Along rectangular hall is thus demarcated into functional spaces allocated for living and dining, a family lounge and an open Kitchen, Artistically done, short steeped partitions divide these areas. These partitions also serve as pedestals for displaying artefacts.

The living area is made colourful by with the use of vivid hues on upholstery, adding to the Rajasthani look. A glass panel gives a feeling of openness and light keeping visual contact with the entrance while a seating unit built behind one partition acts as a binding element. With a working fireplace, a large sun insignia and coloured glass windows, this space serves as a cosy corner. An open kitchen with modern amenities positioned in a traditional ambience is separated by another stepped partition.

The two bedrooms are a combination of modern design with an ethnic approach. Modern chandeliers hang over built-in beds, with one of the bedrooms comprising a pair of low wooden chairs and a decorative lamp that enhances the traditional look. The attached bathrooms have a semicircular shower area adjoining the washbasin counter with natural light flowing through the windows.
All the furniture in the house, with the exception of the wrought-iron dining table and chairs, is built-in. This includes the beds, side tables, low seating and study tables, In fact, there is only the bare essential furniture, Niches carved into walls with light fixtures highlight the artefact within and vibrant furnishings add to the ethnic look. In addition, these allow clutter free spaces.

The overall look is rustic with coloured glass on the doors and windows that allows light to filter through. Brightly coloured light fixtures and yellow Jaisalmer and black Cuddapah stone flooring convey a warm and earthy glow.

Indifferent to the traditional rules of decor, the Jhunjhunwala farmhouse does not dwell on glamour. Instead, it captures the senses with its thought-provoking simplicity. The interiors are connected to the external greenery, allowing various fragrances from the garden to waft in. The most pleasurable moments are at dawn and dusk when the serene acres of land echo with birdsong,

The passion and perfection with which the place has been designed invokes a heady feeling and the desire to pack one's bags and move in instantly.