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Mumbai-based Studio Priyank Mehta has designed The Chlorophyll Estate, which is a luxury vacation rental property in Palghar. Following the concept of natural minimalism, the villa has a neutral color palette and a simple design aesthetic. The property is built over a once-barren land bearing a single tamarind tree, which now has over 800 fruit trees, flowering plants, and spices. Spanning a three-acre organic farm, the space has over 150 varieties of fruit trees, spices, vegetables, and flowers for an earthy and laid-back ambiance. The villa spanning 4000 sq. ft. follows a neutral color palette to celebrate outdoor spaces, with black limestone-finished stone tiles, oakwood-finished furniture, and two-toned rustic beige walls.

The original structure was over fifteen years old with punctured windows, dark rooms, and old-fashioned amenities. The firm made minimal changes to the structures while maintaining a healthy balance between nature and the built, however, it came with its challenges. The door and window heights had to remain low to retain the old deep beams, and most of the peripheral walls are now replaced with large sliding windows – opening up rooms to the outside. The large porch provides direct shade from the sun thus reducing the heat gain throughout the day.

The villa has a large living room, a dining space, four en suite bedrooms, two powder rooms, and a kitchen. A large peripheral porch envelops the living spaces, leading to the lawns and vegetable gardens spanning 6000 sq. ft. A large alfresco seating at the back overlooks a swimming pool spanning 36 sq. ft. One enters on the left, and the entrance leads straight to the living and dining rooms. Floor-to-ceiling sliding windows open up the space to the adjoining porch, and a long corridor leads to the bedrooms, powder rooms, and terrace. The house amply uses wood, cane, and rattan befitting its natural setting. Neutral walls with a simple white ceiling maximize the sunlight that comes in from the large windows, also enabling cross-ventilation and reducing the load on air-conditioning.

Cove light detailing in the ceiling and customized cane and fabric lighting bring a soothing glow in the evening, creating harmony and tranquility. Cane lights cast an interplay of shadow and light at night, and a large swimming pool is set next to the boho-chic lounge area adding to the space’s openness and grandeur.

The large alfresco seating overlooks a 36 ft. by 18 ft. oxygenated swimming pool with built-in furniture. A small bar using exposed brick and a customised cane chandelier renders a rustic charm and takes one to the cane and hexagonal weave rattan lights.