The Stack by Siyaahi Architects

An embodiment of thoughtful layering, spatial clarity, and subtle elegance, The Stack House by Siyaahi Architects is a residence that brings together architecture, emotion, and functionality. The design emerges from the client’s clear brief—to create a well-ventilated, well-connected, raw yet warm, minimalist home that fosters connection between its two floors. With their daughters set to occupy the upper level, the design was also to ensure openness, privacy, and a sense of togetherness across all levels.

The planning evolved organically from the family’s needs. The ground floor accommodates two bedrooms—the master bedroom and a parents’ room—while the kids’ room and guest rooms are placed on the first floor. This vertical zoning provides children with more privacy and space for their activities, while still allowing them to feel connected to the rest of the home. To facilitate this connection, a thoughtfully placed window in the courtyard creates a direct visual and emotional link between the daughter’s room upstairs and the main living area below—allowing casual interactions and a shared sense of space.

Spatially, the house is arranged around a central courtyard—a soul space that draws in light, wind, and energy. It’s one of the most defining and loved elements of the home. A bold purple rough stone wall in the courtyard becomes the focal point, paired beautifully with Pichhwai artwork to evoke calm and cultural depth. This open-to-sky space stitches the living and dining together, offering a refreshing, ever-changing experience through seasons.

The common areas are defined by a raw material palette—grey textured ceilings, minimal walls, and wooden elements paired with whites. The clients desired an honest, clutter-free aesthetic, and thus, false ceilings were intentionally avoided. Instead, the raw grey concrete slab becomes a visual language across the living, dining, and courtyard areas. The result is a raw, minimalist, yet soulful ambiance that feels grounded and light.

At the entrance, a foyer marked by an arched wall feature and a console table sets the tone. It leads one towards two contrasting yet connected spaces: the private drawing room on one side and the open living-dining area on the other. The drawing room is completely separated from the rest of the house, offering privacy for formal gatherings. This conscious division ensures that guests can be hosted comfortably without interfering with daily family life.

The kitchen is located at the front of the house and subtly separated from the dining area by a crockery unit. This small but effective element defines the transition between spaces while maintaining a sense of visual openness. The kitchen itself is kept functional, minimal, and easily accessible from both bedrooms and dining.

The master bedroom on the ground floor is designed with warmth and function in mind. With a long layout, the room is split into two zones using a half-height partition wall that doubles as a TV unit. At the entrance, a compact study area caters to work or reading needs, while the sleeping area beyond the partition offers privacy and comfort. The use of wood and woven cane across the furniture and storage elements lends texture and a natural tone to the space, reflecting the overall material honesty of the home.

The parents’ room nearby is calm and practical, positioned to minimize movement and maximize comfort. It maintains the same understated palette of greys, whites, and wood, offering a sense of cohesion throughout the house.

On the first floor, two guest rooms and one expansive daughter’s room are designed to balance privacy and openness. The daughter’s room is a lively, multifunctional space with ample floor space, study zones, and built-in seating. A colourful wallpaper with arches on the bed-back wall brings in playfulness, while the palette continues to resonate with the house’s overall language. Wood and grey tones maintain continuity, while soft curves and detailing in the arches add a youthful charm.

The standout feature of the first floor is the glass-roofed gazebo—an open, airy space designed for family gatherings, monsoon enjoyment, or late-night conversations under the stars. It becomes an elevated pause point, bringing the sky into everyday life.

Elevationally, the design emphasizes the concept of stacking. Each floor appears layered over the other, enhanced by a monochromatic color palette and stone-textured finishes. The stone not only wraps the walls but extends to ceiling edges, further enhancing the vertical rhythm of the façade. Planters on the boundary wall reflect the client’s love for greenery and help soften the built form. The entrance makes a bold statement with a customized main door handle, engraved with the family’s surname—an intimate gesture and a personal welcome.

From its minimal raw materials to spatially layered design, The Stack House reflects a conscious architectural language that is honest, functional, and warm. Every space is connected—visually, emotionally, and spatially—making the house more than just a structure. It’s a place that truly feels like home.

Photography: Hemang Vyas