In India’s rapidly-expanding urban landscapes, a noticeable shift is underway—the gradual disappearance of traditional four-side open residences. Once common in cities like Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore, these homes, celebrated for their unrestricted access to sunlight and fresh air, are increasingly being replaced by high-rise apartment complexes and compact housing units. This trend, driven by the pressing need for space optimization and vertical development, is reshaping the architectural fabric of Indian cities and raising concerns about the environmental and mental health implications for residents.
According to industry experts, in recent years, homebuyers’ preferences have undergone a noticeable shift, with increasing demand for more spacious, well-ventilated homes that offer ample natural light and airflow. This evolving trend has encouraged developers to explore alternative design concepts, particularly in the premium segment, where features like wrap-around balconies spanning multiple sides or even fully open residences on all four sides are gaining attention.
“Interestingly, this trend is not limited to major cities; select Tier-2 markets are also experiencing it, driven by homebuyers transitioning from independent houses to apartments in amenity-rich gated communities. These buyers seek a balance between openness and exclusivity—homes that replicate the villa-like living experience while offering the convenience of an apartment. Cities such as Gurugram, Ahmedabad and Jaipur, among others, have already seen the emergence of such projects where apartments having warp-up balconies on two or more sides or are open on all four sides. While this concept is not yet mainstream, it is slowly resonating with discerning homebuyers who prioritize openness and a villa-like living experience,” says Renuka Kulkarni, Head of Research, Square Yards.
Also Read: Income Tax Bill 2025: How is the new tax law different from the old one?
Ravi Shankar Singh, Managing Director, Residential Transaction Services, Colliers India, says four-side open residences are becoming popular offering in some ultra luxury projects. “In this format there can be only one apartment per floor serviced by a central core. Typically, such apartments come in large formats offering complete privacy with dedicated private lift lobbies and panoramic views of the city. Apart from the large space and privacy, the ultra rich prefer this format for the enhanced natural light and better ventilation. These formats are most popular in city centers of our metros where land is scarce.”
The shift away from four-side open residences can be attributed to multiple factors. Urbanization, coupled with rapid population growth, has necessitated the vertical expansion of cities, resulting in the scarcity of land for horizontal development. In Mumbai alone, the population density has surged to over 31,700 people per square kilometer, exacerbating the need for space-efficient housing solutions. To maximize space utilization and cater to the rising demand for housing, developers are opting for compact designs that prioritize verticality over breadth. This trend is further driven by zoning regulations and land-use policies that incentivize densification, pushing architects and developers toward towering structures that leave little room for expansive and open layouts.
However, the consequences of this architectural shift extend beyond aesthetics. Studies have shown that access to natural light and ventilation plays a pivotal role in shaping the physical health and mental well-being of occupants. Furthermore, the absence of four-side open residences exacerbates the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon where densely-populated areas experience elevated temperatures compared to their rural surroundings. As traditional open homes are replaced by compact structures, the reduction in green spaces and natural ventilation channels intensifies heat retention, heightening the risk of heat-related illnesses and increasing energy consumption. In New Delhi, for example, temperatures in densely built-up areas can be up to 6°C higher than in greener, more open suburbs.
In light of these challenges, some real estate developers are recognizing the importance of reintegrating four-side open residences into the urban fabric. For instance, TARC Ishva in Sector 63A, Gurgaon, offers four-side open residences that feature ample natural light and ventilation. Prabhleen Singh Saggu, Head-Design & Architecture at TARC Limited, states, “With TARC Ishva, we aim to redefine urban living by creating homes that blend modern design with traditional principles, ensuring both comfort and well-being for our customers.”
As the urban landscape continues to evolve, preserving four-side open residences emerges as a critical imperative for architects, developers and policymakers alike. Beyond mere bricks and mortar, these residences represent a harmonious fusion of human habitat and the natural environment, offering a glimpse into a more sustainable and livable future for urban dwellers.
Rajat Khandelwal, Group CEO, Tribeca, says, “The rising demand for open, well-ventilated residences in Gurgaon underscores an important evolution in luxury real estate – buyers are increasingly prioritising openness, privacy, and seamless integration with nature. While this concept isn’t the only marker of high-end living, it highlights a broader shift: luxury today isn’t just about square footage, but how a space makes you feel.”
“With demand for three- and four-side open residences on the rise, our focus is clearly on homes that offer more light, better ventilation, and a sense of openness that transforms everyday living. Elements like private elevators, dedicated private access, and column-and-beam-free layouts further redefine how residents experience their homes,” Khandelwal adds.
Kirthi Chilukuri, Founder & MD, Stonecraft Group, says, “The demand for four-sided residences in Gurugram signifies an evolution in luxury living. Homebuyers are increasingly prioritising openness, privacy, and a profound connection with nature. At Stonecraft Group, we redefine luxury through intelligent design that optimises space, light, and ventilation. This emerging trend highlights that true luxury transcends mere size—it’s about creating living spaces that are open, adaptable, and genuinely personalized.”
Varun Sharma, Founder & Managing Director, MVN Infrastructure, says, “Our project MVN Aero One is setting new benchmarks of luxury living in Gurugram with lofty ceiling and four-side open residences with 360-degree uninterrupted panoramic views. With the largest apartment sizes in the city, these residences are designed to maximise natural light and ventilation, seamlessly blending space, sophistication and architectural elegance, for a refined living experience.”
“As cities get more crowded, homebuyers are looking beyond just location, they want a living experience that offers comfort, sustainability, and a connection to the outdoors. These residences strike the right balance between modern urban living and the benefits of open, breathable spaces. We foresee this as an upcoming trend that redefines premium housing, offering residents a healthier and more enjoyable way of life,” says Shashank Vashishtha, Managing Director, Exp Realty India.