Set amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Basot, Ranikhet, nestled in the central Himalayan region of Kumaon, Luna Nova embodies serene living while preserving the natural environment. Designed by the renowned hospitality firm IDIEQ(International Design Imagineering and Environmental Quorum), this stunning structure marries the modernist, cubist aesthetic with traditional Himalayan architecture, creating a seamless blend of art, nature, and sustainable living.

This project, the second commissioned by Sourabh Upadhyay and Akash Zutshi to the IDIEQ team after the success of Glasshouse Celeste, continues the firm’s dedication to crafting architectural works that reflect both beauty and environmental responsibility. Sourabh Upadhyay, the client, with his refined taste for interiors and deep market research, elevated the design from a mere form to a truly immersive experience.

Design Philosophy: Harmony with Nature and Heritage Founded with a strong commitment to sustainable and context-sensitive architecture, IDIEQ has roots firmly grounded in the Himalayan region. The design philosophy of the firm emphasizes creating built environments that harmonize with their natural surroundings, rather than overpower them. Luna Nova is a perfect embodiment of this principle, blending the aesthetics of modern cubism with traditional elements of Himalayan architecture, such as the use of sloped roofs and Bakhili—the traditional Kumaoni placement technique—which integrates the structure seamlessly with the natural contours of the land.

Artistic Journey: Exploring the Interplay of Architecture and Nature The journey through Luna Nova begins with an immediate impression of art and exploration. Visitors are welcomed by three structures that play with light, shadow, and the interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. As you step inside each unit, the fenestrations opens up to panoramic views of the Himalayas through expansive glass facades, creating a living environment that feels both vast and intimate.

The villa’s architecture uses edge-to-edge glass fenestrations along the northern facade, bringing the outdoors in. This thoughtful design decision creates a continuous dialogue between the villa’s modern interiors and the stunning vistas outside. Whether you’re lounging in the spacious living area or relaxing by the pool, the surrounding mountains always remain in sight, reminding you of the delicate balance between luxury and nature.

Sustainability and Environmental Sensitivity: A Core Focus In an era where environmental conservation is paramount, Luna Nova stands as a testament to sustainable design. The villa is segmented across the site to minimize its environmental footprint, ensuring the natural beauty of the landscape is preserved. In contrast to the hospitality trends of maximizing units, Luna Nova consciously limits the number of units to maintain a delicate balance with the environment.

Key to the villa’s sustainability efforts is its focus on energy-efficient materials and designs. Low-emissivity glazing is used throughout the structure, optimizing thermal regulation and minimizing the greenhouse effect. Skylights play a fundamental role in flooding the interiors with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day while creating dynamic lighting effects that change with the sun’s movement.

The villa’s recreational areas, including the pool, offer expansive views of the Himalayas, and further emphasize the commitment to sustainability with a clever water harvesting system integrated into the pool design, which if needed, can supply water through gravity during the dry season.

Architectural Design: A Modern Interpretation of Himalayan Tradition One of the most striking aspects of Luna Nova is the approach towards its form, which reimagines the straight lines and forms typical of traditional Himalayan architecture through a modernist lens. Drawing inspiration from cubist forms, the villa’s angular shapes create a bold, avant-garde statement while remaining sympathetic to the natural surroundings. Each unit within the villa tells its own architectural story, with forms that feel dynamic and artful.

The facades, particularly the northern glass wall, are both functional and aesthetic. Stretching vertically and horizontally, the glass facade invites natural light into the villa and frames the panoramic views. The careful placement of the units across the site not only ensures privacy for the residents but also allows them to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.

Skylights and the Dance of Light Light is not just an element in Luna Nova—it is an essential part of the architectural narrative. The villa’s design celebrates the natural movement of light throughout the day. Skylights are carefully positioned to flood the interiors with sunlight, creating a play of light and shadow that shifts as the day progresses. The controlled balance of light and shadow enhances the minimalist aesthetic of the villa, which uses simple, smooth surfaces to create an environment of understated luxury.

At night, the thoughtful placement of artificial lighting continues the villa’s focus on atmosphere. Per-zone lighting control allows residents to customize the lighting intensity in different parts of the villa, offering a range of moods from soft and intimate to bright and lively, depending on the occasion.

Fusion of Art and Function: A Living Gallery Luna Nova transcends the traditional boundaries of residential architecture by transforming the living space into a canvas for artistic expression. The villa’s minimalist walls, sleek surfaces, and geometric forms create a backdrop for a dance between light and shadow. This integration of art into functional living spaces is a signature approach of IDIEQ, where architecture becomes a living, breathing art form.

The design reflects a deep connection to artistic appreciation, with the collaborative efforts of architects and artists resulting in a unique space that feels as much like a gallery as it does a home. Every corner of Luna Nova invites reflection and admiration, whether through the thoughtful use of materials or the undulating surfaces that seem to come alive with the changing light.

The Rebirth of Straight Lines: Cubism and the Future of Architectural Design In many ways, Luna Nova represents the rebirth of straight lines in architectural design. The villa embraces the cubist philosophy of redefining space through geometry, but does so in a way that feels fluid and dynamic rather than static. The interplay of straight lines, sloped roofs, and angular forms speaks to a new direction in architectural design—one that embraces the technological age while maintaining a deep respect for traditional forms.

This modern reinterpretation of the straight line sets Luna Nova apart as a visionary project, not only in its form but in its function. The villa’s design is a testament to the power of architecture to shape living experiences, creating spaces that feel both cutting-edge and deeply connected to their environment.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Sustainable and Artistic ArchitectureAs a second project for Sourabh Upadhyay, following the iconic Glasshouse Celeste, Luna Nova solidifies IDIEQ’s position as a leader in innovative, environmentally-conscious architectural design. With its thoughtful integration of nature, focus on sustainability, and celebration of cubist forms, Luna Nova stands as a beacon of what is possible when art, architecture, and the environment come together.

This villa doesn’t just offer a place to live—it offers an experience. An experience where every detail, every form, and every shadow contributes to the larger narrative of living in harmony with nature. Currently being operated as a vacation home by StayVista, Luna Nova is not just a retreat in the Himalayas; it is a new way of thinking about space, design, and the relationship between people and their environment.