16 years to build a home? Experts explain what makes Suniel Shetty’s Jahaan different

Suniel Shetty's Khandala home, Jahaan, took 16 years to build and evolve from barren land with a few trees to a property with over 400 trees, a natural stream, and a house designed around the site's contours. Architect Nitin Agarwal says Jahaan exemplifies "slow architecture," which focuses on the development of the site rather than the speed of the market.

The property's existing characteristics, such as its topography, water flow, and drainage, became part of the design process, rather than being altered to fit a pre-decided house. This approach also contributes to the home's use of natural light, ventilation, and materials that fit the landscape. Furniture expert Raghunandan Saraf notes that the furniture inside Jahaan forms the nucleus of the interior design, with natural wood, earthy tones, and natural textures playing a significant role.

The home's design allows the landscape to become the primary design element, with changing scenery, variations in daylight, and seasonal shifts in foliage effectively keeping the look of the home evolving naturally.