- Project: Jubilee Terraces Residence
- Architect: SpaceFiction Studio
- Location: India, Hyderabad
- Year: 2023
- Area: 2555 m2
- Photography: Vivek Eadara, The Fishy Project, Sohaib Ilyas
A Terraced Retreat Amid Hyderabad’s Urban Hillside
Perched on the slopes of Jubilee Hills, one of Hyderabad’s most exclusive neighborhoods, Jubilee Terraces Residence by SpaceFiction Studio redefines luxury through its deep engagement with topography, light, and landscape. Designed as a multi-level residence cascading down a steep 30-foot gradient, the house draws inspiration from India’s terraced paddy fields—creating a sequence of layered gardens, shaded decks, and panoramic views framed by towering Yellow Flame trees (Peltophorum pterocarpum).
This modern villa doesn’t flaunt luxury; it experiences it—through space, nature, and light.
Context & Site Integration
Jubilee Hills is known for its rugged terrain, winding streets, and eclectic mix of architectural styles. While many homes in the area seek to stand out through visual spectacle, SpaceFiction Studio approached the site with humility and restraint. The plot—160 feet long and 60 feet wide—descends from south to north, offering both challenge and opportunity.
Instead of leveling the slope, the architects embraced it. The design strategy allows the building to step down naturally with the terrain, each terrace functioning as a distinct outdoor extension of the interior spaces. This approach not only preserves the site’s natural gradient but also enhances its ecological richness.
The Yellow Flame trees at the northern and southern edges of the property were preserved and integrated into the design. Their seasonal bloom fills the house with warm, golden light, forming a living frame for the architecture.
Concept & Spatial Organization
The architectural narrative is one of cascading landscapes and interconnected volumes. A grand entrance foyer with an overhanging garden and skylights opens into the lower recreational levels—anchored by a dramatic double-height pool area. This space forms the social and spatial heart of the home, visually connecting multiple levels while maintaining intimacy through light, shadow, and proportion.
The upper floors progressively step back, forming shaded terraces filled with greenery. These terraces, inspired by paddy fields, act as microclimatic buffers, reducing heat gain while inviting natural ventilation.
At the center lies a sculptural staircase that curves fluidly within a sunlit atrium. Above it, strategically placed skylights create a dynamic chiaroscuro effect, animating the marble surfaces throughout the day.
The vertical arrangement is thoughtfully composed:
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Lower levels: recreational and pool zones
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Mid levels: family living areas and bedrooms
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Upper levels: master suite, study, and a private verandah
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Apex: open-air party lounge designed for al fresco gatherings
Light, Materiality & Atmosphere
Material simplicity and light manipulation define the residence. The architects chose inert white marble as the dominant material—timeless, reflective, and neutral. Its calm tone becomes a backdrop for the play of daylight, accentuated by beige lime plaster, brass detailing, and lush interior greenery.
Skylights punctuate the ceilings, transforming light into an architectural medium. As sunlight filters through these apertures, it brings constant motion to the interiors—changing the perception of volume and material throughout the day.
Biophilic integration—through both interior courtyards and planted terraces—bridges architecture and nature. The result is a home that feels meditative and sensorial rather than ostentatious.
Sustainability Through Design Logic
Without relying on overt “green” technologies, Jubilee Terraces Residence achieves sustainability through architectural intelligence:
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The stepped terraces provide self-shading and reduce direct solar exposure.
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Cross-ventilation is maximized through open volumes and opposing façades.
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Vegetated roofs and terraces improve microclimate and reduce heat island effect.
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Use of local materials—such as marble and lime plaster—minimizes embodied energy.
These choices create a home that performs environmentally while remaining visually serene and spatially engaging.
Jubilee Terraces Residence by SpaceFiction Studio is more than a luxury villa—it’s an architectural dialogue with terrain, light, and vegetation. Every terrace, skylight, and marble surface contributes to a choreography of light and nature. The project proves that contemporary Indian architecture can be both contextually rooted and globally refined.
Through restraint, geometry, and biophilic grace, this house transforms an urban hillside into a modern terraced sanctuary—a poetic balance between structure and landscape.
