Sukh Sagar Haveli Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Residence of Roberto and Cathy, and their first large heritage design project in India. Their challenge was to bring the 19th century building into the modern world without taking away any of its historical charm. The old structure was transformed into a home office on the top floors and a beautiful space for entertaining their guests down below. The dilapidated stables and stores were converted into bedrooms and living areas using all natural materials including recycled Burmese teak wood and soft cement finishes to compliment the local red sandstone. A magnificent stone gate divides the family living quarters on one side of the Haveli and guest suites on the other; all rooms open onto a large outdoor verandah which wraps around the low lying bedrooms and outdoor terraces. Room interiors have their own special feeling, locally sourced textiles were designed for each space to reflect the timeless art from this desert region. Lush green gardens and shady trees keep the property cool in summers and an extensive compost system has been implemented to add nutrients to very sandy soil. This is a life long project, the more you give this property the more you get back!