The Sanctum House in Amritsar represents a groundbreaking architectural achievement that challenges conventional residential design in India. Created by RENESA Architecture Design Interiors Studio under the leadership of architect Sanchit Arora, this extraordinary 12,000-square-foot residence spans across a generous three-acre plot and stands as a rare architectural experiment that reinvents domestic typology through innovative geometry, material selection, and spatial narrative.

The project, completed in 2025 with a total area of 1,114 square meters, positions itself as a contemporary meditation on permanence and introspection. Rather than following the predictable patterns of box-like houses or ostentatious palatial villas commonly seen throughout the country, The Sanctum House locates itself within a modernist lineage while interpreting contemporary design through the lens of Indian climatic, cultural, and emotional realities.

At the heart of this architectural marvel lies a vast circular courtyard that serves not merely as an ornamental gesture but as the generative void around which the entire home pivots. The circle has been carved out with extraordinary precision, forming an inward-looking sanctum that recalls the ritualistic and spiritual role of courtyards in traditional Indian homes. However, this interpretation strips away nostalgia and reimagines the space as a modern sculptural landscape.

The central courtyard features an intricate interweaving of water bodies, carefully planned planters, and strategically positioned shaded peripheries that work together to produce a space that is simultaneously contemplative, communal, and ever-changing with the natural light throughout the day. This design approach creates a dynamic living environment that responds to both the physical and spiritual needs of its inhabitants.

The technical execution of the project involved a dedicated team including Lead Team member Sanjay Arora, Technical Team specialist Virender Singh, and Design Team member Navdisha Kukreja. Their collaborative effort resulted in a structure that successfully moves away from conventional residential architecture while maintaining practical functionality and cultural relevance.

Photographer AVESH GAUR captured the essence of this architectural innovation, documenting how the interplay of light, shadow, and space creates a unique living experience. The visual documentation reveals how the house achieves its goal of being both a private retreat and a space that connects with the broader landscape and cultural context of Amritsar.

The Sanctum House represents more than just innovative design; it embodies a new approach to residential architecture in India that honors traditional concepts while embracing contemporary aesthetics and functionality. This project demonstrates how modern architecture can successfully integrate cultural heritage with forward-thinking design principles to create spaces that are both aesthetically striking and deeply meaningful to their occupants.