ZERO9 FARMPAD
- Client:PRIVATE CLIENT
- Location:Karjat, Maharashtra
- Area:1/2 Acre plot
- Delivery:DESIGN + BUILD
- Design Team:Prashant + Anu
- Photographer:Yadnesh Joshi
- News: Big See
Love at First Site-Visit – Sustainable Farmhouse Design in Harmony with Nature
It truly was love at first site-visit. Towering trees, a flowing monsoon stream, and constant birdsong made this little pocket of land feel magical. From the very beginning, the design philosophy was clear: build less, grow more.
As the site was fertile agricultural land, our goal was to create a sustainable farmhouse with minimal architectural intervention, preserving the natural habitat while fulfilling the client's spatial needs. After several design iterations, we finalized a compact ground floor and a modest first floor, striking the right balance between comfort and conservation.
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION APPROACH
To minimize environmental impact, we consciously reduced the use of concrete and opted for pre-engineered mild steel structures. A concrete plinth anchors the home, while the superstructure uses steel columns and beams. Traditional laadi-kobah flooring in Kota stone and PCC further reduced concrete usage, reflecting a low-impact, eco-conscious design approach.
A sloping mild steel roof fitted with insulated panels became a climate-responsive solution for the high-rainfall zone, reducing heat gain and softening the sound of rain. Exposed brickwork retained a raw, forest-home vibe, with crafted brick patterns casting dynamic shadows. Triangular glass voids under the truss invite abundant natural light while connecting the interiors with the surrounding landscape.
All windows and glazed openings are by Tostem — chosen for their slim profiles, thermal performance, and ability to frame the forest without interrupting it.
LIVING AMONGST THE TREES
Nestled amidst mature neem and jamun trees, the home was designed to feel like a nest in the treetops. Carefully positioned windows frame the canopies, blurring the line between inside and outside.
The ground floor opens with a generous verandah, serving as a threshold between the outdoor landscape and indoor living. An open-plan living room, kitchen, and dining area encourage fluid interactions, while a guest bedroom and common bath complete the level.
The first floor houses the master bedroom and a flexible lounge/workspace that can double as an additional bedroom. A large balcony extends into the treetops, designed with a peripheral ledge perfect for books or evening drinks. A cozy attic adds a playful touch — ideal for reading or children's adventures.
WATER-SENSITIVE DESIGN
A natural monsoon stream on-site was carefully harnessed into a large aquatic garden. Stone barriers slow down water flow, allowing it to seep into the earth and recharge the groundwater — a thoughtful, slow, and deliberate sustainable water management practice.
Staff quarters were strategically placed in the southeast corner, complete with a caretaker's room, driver's room, toilets, and utility spaces.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Named FARMPAD, this eco-friendly farmhouse is designed to stay humble within the trees, never imposing itself on the land. Over time, the site is envisioned to grow into a thriving food forest, embodying a sustainable, conscious way of living.
STAY AT FARMPAD
FARMPAD is available as a private holiday retreat — exclusively yours for the duration of your stay. Three uniquely designed spaces each carry their own character: Serenity on the ground floor, perfectly oriented for forest views and gentle on the knees; Sanctuary on the first floor with an attached bathroom and tree canopy sightlines; and The Nest — a secret attic with a balcony swing that earns its name completely. A caretaker is on-site, the kitchen is fully equipped, and farm-to-table meals can be arranged. The food forest of mango, guava, jamun, banana, neem, teak and bamboo is yours to wander.
Book directly on Airbnb — https://www.airbnb.co.in/rooms/1537405439837530469 — or on Booking.com — https://www.booking.com/hotel/in/farmpad-eco-forest-retreat-karjat.html — approximately 2 hours from Mumbai, in Takave village, Karjat.
ZERO9 farmPAD is an architect-designed sustainable eco-retreat located in Karjat, Maharashtra, approximately two hours from Mumbai. Designed and built by architects Prashant Chauhan and Anu Chauhan of ZERO9, the project is guided by a simple philosophy: Build Less. Grow More.
Nestled within a half-acre forested landscape of mature neem and jamun trees, a natural monsoon stream, and abundant birdlife, farmPAD was conceived as an experiment in Mindful Luxury Living — a slower, more intentional way of inhabiting space where architecture coexists with nature rather than dominating it.
Unlike a conventional farmhouse, villa, or resort, ZERO9 farmPAD was designed as a low-impact retreat that preserves the site's natural ecology while providing a meaningful and comfortable stay experience. Sustainable construction methods, regenerative landscape strategies, groundwater recharge systems, and a growing food forest form the foundation of the project.
Today, ZERO9 farmPAD functions both as an award-worthy architectural project and a private eco-retreat for guests seeking a sustainable farm stay, forest getaway, digital detox retreat, or architect-designed weekend escape near Mumbai.
Whether experienced as architecture or hospitality, farmPAD represents a living exploration of sustainability, regenerative landscapes, and Mindful Luxury Living.
Between the Lines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ZERO9 farmPAD?
ZERO9 farmPAD is an architect-designed sustainable eco-retreat and private farm stay located in Karjat, Maharashtra. Created by architects Prashant Chauhan and Anu Chauhan of ZERO9, the retreat is built around the philosophy of Mindful Luxury Living.
Where is ZERO9 farmPAD located?
ZERO9 farmPAD is located in Takave village, Karjat, Maharashtra, approximately two hours from Mumbai and Pune, making it an ideal weekend getaway surrounded by nature.
What makes ZERO9 farmPAD different from other farm stays near Mumbai?
Unlike conventional farm stays, ZERO9 farmPAD was designed by architects as a living experiment in sustainable architecture, regenerative landscapes, and low-impact hospitality. The project preserves mature trees, works with a natural monsoon stream, and continues to evolve into a thriving food forest.
Can I stay at FARMPAD? Yes. ZERO9 farmPAD is available as a private holiday retreat and can be booked for exclusive stays. Guests have access to architect-designed interiors, forest views, outdoor gathering spaces, and the evolving food forest landscape. FARMPAD is available as a private holiday rental, bookable on Airbnb (https://www.airbnb.co.in/rooms/1537405439837530469) and Booking.com (https://www.booking.com/hotel/in/farmpad-eco-forest-retreat-karjat.html). Located in Takave village, Karjat, Maharashtra — approximately 2 hours from Mumbai — the retreat offers three uniquely designed spaces: Serenity, Sanctuary, and The Nest, each with private forest views and bathrooms.
What makes ZERO9 farmPAD sustainable?
The retreat minimizes concrete consumption through a pre-engineered steel structure, uses insulated roofing for thermal comfort, incorporates groundwater recharge through an aquatic garden, and actively promotes biodiversity through native planting and food forest development.
What is Mindful Luxury Living?
Mindful Luxury Living is the philosophy behind ZERO9 farmPAD. It is the belief that true luxury comes from space, nature, time, silence, and meaningful experiences rather than excess. The retreat was designed to encourage slower living and a deeper connection with the landscape.
Who designed ZERO9 farmPAD?
ZERO9 farmPAD was designed and built by architects Prashant Chauhan and Anu Chauhan of ZERO9 Design + Build Studio, Mumbai.
What are the key architectural features of FARMPAD? Exposed brickwork, triangular glass voids under the steel truss, Tostem glazing throughout, a canopy-level first-floor balcony, a secret attic called The Nest, and a living aquatic garden fed by a natural monsoon stream.
What is the long-term vision for FARMPAD? The long-term vision is to transform the site into a thriving food forest and regenerative landscape that demonstrates how architecture can coexist with nature while supporting biodiversity, groundwater recharge, and sustainable living. The site is envisioned to evolve into a self-sustaining food forest — a living ecosystem of mango, guava, jamun, banana, neem, teak and bamboo that grows richer with time, reflecting the spirit of mindful luxury living.
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