Winters alter the way we live within our homes, and when the temperatures drop and the sun shines less, these spaces cease to be mere design elements; instead, they become emotional retreats. According to Ar. Rajkumar Kumawat, Principal Architect, Rajkumar Architects, architecting homes that can withstand the winters is more about providing these spaces with the elements of warmth, comfort, and quietty, rather than elements of décor.
“At Rajkumar Architects, we believe that a well-designed home should respond intuitively to the changes that occur in each season,” reveals Ar. Kumawat. “Winter design is all about slowing down, allowing spaces to cocoon you without making you feel closed.”
One of the most important considerations in the design of winter-friendly homes is that of orientation and daylighting. Strategically located openings enable the entry of low winter sun into interiors and have the additional effect of lifting the ambience inside. At Rajkumar Architects, openings are not reduced to simple openings. Instead, openings are utilized as design elements to frameViews and sunlight and establish a seamless language between the inside and the outside. Well-lit reading corners, breakfast nooks, and living areas become the informal zones during winter.
Materials too are given equal importance. Ar. Kumawat tends to favor natural materials that retain warmth: nature Stone, wood, textured plaster, and other hand-crafted textures. These materials add a lot of warmth and texture to the interior space, making it look and feel like it is actually lived-in. Soft carpets layered over a stone floor, toned-down upholstery on furniture, along with wood accents, add warmth to the interior while retaining sophistication.
Spatial planning is the other important factor for seasonal comfort. Ar. Kumawat states that winter homes are supposed to promote intimacy without sacrificing openness. Open plans are differentiated through the placement of furniture, varying ceiling height, and material shifts. This enables the spaces to feel cozy and yet flow as a whole. The living and dining areas promote communality, and the private areas turn into a quieter retreat.
Lighting, which would normally be taken for granted, becomes dramatic in winter. Lighting plans that incorporate ambient, task, and accent lighting are emphasized. Lighting that is warm toned replaces white light, and dramatic fixtures, hidden niches, and floor lamps are used to provide pockets of warmth that change depending on the time of day.
Functions apart, winter design is not only limited to the interiors. It can also be seen in the transition spaces and the exterior. Balconies and courtyards are planned to function throughout the year. Sit-outs that shield against the wind and sun-oriented patios and semi-covered verandahs enable the owners to enjoy the winter mornings and the golden winter afternoons outside, a function Ar. Kumawat thinks is the essence of a balanced
The approach integrates sustainability very seamlessly. Passive design strategies like thermal mass, insulation, cross ventilation, and daylight planning minimize the need for heating and maximize comfort by natural means. “A winter home must feel warm without being too warm,” points out Ar. Kumawat. “A good design Works behind the scenes.”
Ultimately, it is empathy and experience that define Ar. Rajkumar Kumawat’s take on a winter home: how people would live, gather, rest, and retreat during the colder months. The key notion has always been comfort that’s timeless, rather than trendy-the kind of spaces where you want to slow down, breathe, and be home.
In a season that encourages quiet and contemplation, a thoughtfully designed winter home can be more than just shelter. It can become a place of refuge, intentionally crafted to exude warmth and a deep understanding of living in concert with the seasons.
