A Modernist Monolith Opens to Reveal a Luxury Sanctuary

In mountainous Himachal Pradesh, design studio Portal 92 has drawn on the area’s rich history and materiality to create a sleek, modernist home that pays homage to materiality, community and wellness

In the foothills of the Shivalik range in Himachal Pradesh sits Ekasham, a three-storey private residence created by Portal 92. A synthesis of existing and new structures, the volumes merge into a singular silhouette that evokes a monolith, for which the project is named.

The clients, a family of four, wanted a residence that integrated features like a private spa, salon and fire pits, creating a luxurious retreat, say Portal 92 principal architects Sagar Goyal and Aanchal Sawhney. ‘While their daily rhythm is grounded in simplicity and traditional values, they place equal importance on hospitality and social gatherings,’ says Goyal. ‘This layered lifestyle is the core of the design brief: a home that balances the quiet intimacy of family life with dedicated spaces for hosting.’

The town itself, a place of spiritual and material significance, was both inspiration and provider. ‘The location was a key influence in shaping the architectural language and material study,’ says Sawhney. ‘With the Yamuna just a few kilometres away, we used local river stones and vegetation in the landscape design, grounding the project in its context. We also collaborated with regional artisans to source and craft materials, rooting the residence in its setting, both culturally and geographically.’

As expected, materiality is central, with the architects balancing softness and structure throughout. Muted, tactile tones prevail, with nude walls and ceilings merging to evoke the subtle texture of skin, while curved walls create cocoon-like alcoves, particularly in the spa and lounge zones.

The upper levels feature dark olive microtopping floors inlaid with brass, a rich background for statement pieces such as the custom poker table. The middle level houses two bedrooms and studies with distinct palettes that cater to the individuality of their inhabitants, while a shared lounge creates a dialogue between the two spaces. Here, a Gwalior Mint stone feature wall and custom bar bring heft and grounding to the otherwise open plan. The top-level terrace continues this layered sensibility, with in-situ concrete seating inset with acrylic inlays designed to mimic the comfort of rugs, combining a sense of indoor warmth with outdoor living.

With such a broad scope comes a high level of customisation. ‘Nearly every element across structure, millwork, lighting and art was custom designed to respond to our vision and the uniqueness of the space,’ says Goyal. The two name the salon dressing station as a standout fixture, designed along a gentle curve with an integrated lighting fixture. ‘But one of our personal favourite pieces is the poker table, whose legs are inspired by traditional Japanese woodworking,’ says Sawnhey. ‘And across the exterior, we created a striking modular system of stone jaalis, or latticed screens, with each unit engineered to precision.’

Indeed, the latter are a critical element: the limestone panels mounted on a concealed stainless steel framework are designed to wrap around corners without revealing any structural edges. Hovering gently over courtyards and openings, they work to bring the existing and new structures together into a pleasing whole.

Text by Philip Annetta
Images by Niveditaa Gupta