Because J-House is close to the sea on its western side, which is also exposed to harsh sunlight and monsoon rains, the architects installed deep, shaded verandas on this façade, creating a buffer from the elements. Each apartment has a slightly different version for an individual feel, but all are enclosed with adjustable, weather-resistant aluminum panels, perforated with a pattern that recalls traditional jali or mashrabiya screens. “This feature provides privacy while filtering light and airflow,” says Malik. “It also ensures the verandas are usable throughout the year, and reduces the need for artificial lighting and cooling.”
The same panels appear inside the bungalows, too, allowing light to flow uninterrupted through the voluminous rooms. Used as stair banisters and folding screens, they can divide or open up a space as residents desire, and present a dynamic visual contrast against concrete and sustainable, locally sourced oak, teak and limestone. The interior architecture echoes Modernist design, with geometric planes creating eye-catching perspectives and interplays of light and shadow.
With its contemporary take on traditional style, J-House is intended as a model for more harmonious urban living. “Mumbai’s high-rises are often criticized for their density, lack of light and poor air circulation, but J-House shows that they can be airy, light-filled, and environmentally sensitive without sacrificing space efficiency,” argues Malik. “It redefines this typology by fostering connections between the building and its surroundings, between public and private realms, and between residents and nature. It also stands as a testament to the enduring power of timeless architectural principles, offering a vision for the future that prioritizes human well-being.”
