Kutub Boulevard: Where Nature, design & heritage come together

Situated near the historic Qutab Minar, Kutub Boulevard is positioned as a luxury retail destination that seamlessly blends local heritage with global sophistication.

The design by Habitat Architects, aims to redefine luxury by integrating modern elements with a deep respect for nature and context, celebrating cultural richness and the natural world alongside architectural form.

“Central to this vision is the preservation of an ancient peepal tree, both a symbol of continuity and a defining centrepiece, harmonising natural and built elements to create a serene and inviting environment. With smart technology, luxurious amenities, and contextual design, Kutub Boulevard offers a contemporary boutique shopping experience deeply rooted in nature and its cultural setting,” shares the design team.

A central courtyard serves as a passageway and a communal gathering space in this vibrant setting, while the open-air design invites abundant natural light, enhancing the ambience. The preserved peepal tree, carefully integrated into the layout of Rohit Bal’s showroom, stands as a visual link between the indoor and outdoor environments, grounding the space in continuity and enhancing its luxurious feel, informs Habitat.

Speaking about the challenges involved in the project, the designers from Habitat Architecture, Monika Choudhary and Zafar Choudhary, share, “A central challenge of the project was integrating a mature peepal tree—an existing ecological and cultural anchor—into the structure without disruption. This required rethinking conventional architectural responses. Our approach embraced the belief that contemporary architecture can be both forward-thinking and deeply respectful of its context.”

Thus, as they point out, instead of removing the tree, the design team at Habitat Architects creatively designed the building around it, allowing the tree to thrive and become a central natural element within the commercial space. This peepal tree juts out through the façade of a showroom that houses designer Rohit Bal’s collection, creating a unique visual element that connects the indoors with the outdoors, fostering a sense of tranquility and well-being. “By preserving the site's original ecology, the design not only honours its natural heritage, but also enhances biodiversity and provides natural shading, significantly contributing to the building’s sustainability,” the design duo explain.

Kutub Boulevard’s material palette fuses rich architectural heritage with Delhi's contemporary aesthetics. Locally sourced sandstone, exposed brick, and reclaimed wood offer a tactile and visual connection to the surrounding landscape while reducing the building's carbon footprint and enhancing thermal efficiency to regulate indoor environments naturally.

The building’s façade features perforated screens inspired by traditional jaali patterns that filter sunlight, reducing solar heat gain and enhancing energy efficiency. The screens also offer a delicate interplay of light and shadow, providing a dynamic visual experience throughout the day. While the materials ground the building in its local context, minimalist detailing adds a modern, globally relevant touch. Traditional Indian architectural elements, such as arches and colonnades, integrate seamlessly with minimalist detailing, blending classical influences with modern functionality. The arched colonnades and portico structures create sheltered walkways that guide visitors through the space while maintaining rhythm and movement.

Towering arches emphasise verticality, adding a sense of grandeur and scale. Combined with multiple focal points throughout the space, these design elements naturally guide visitors through the retail experience, connecting indoor and outdoor environments with a fluid, immersive flow. Smart security systems ensure the safety of luxury brands and their clientele, while energy-efficient lighting sustainably enhances the ambience, reflecting the project’s core values.

“Each retail space retains its unique character within the cohesive design language, crafting a luxurious, culturally rich destination with captivating views of the iconic Qutab Minar,” sums up the design team, while describing the project.