"शान्त" (Shant), meaning "calm," was the client's primary request for a family home designed in accordance with the ancient practices of Vastu Shastra in the heart of Birgunj city, a modern industrial/business hub in the Terai region of Nepal. The location faces south, with the main entrance on the southeast and the building designed on the east side. The principles of Vastu Shastra have been considered in the planning of various spaces and their flow.

Primary circulation and central spaces are planned around a courtyard to allow for natural light and ventilation in Birgunj's hot climatic zone. The living room has a continuity of nature from the exterior landscape as the courtyard extends to an outdoor dense garden on the northern patch of land. The ground level is planned to provide natural daylight interior from the skylight while having sufficient cross-ventilation from the northern side through corridors and the central courtyard towards the dining space to the south and circulating to upper levels as well. The upper levels are connected to the courtyard for a sense of openness and connectivity. Upon entering, one experiences the grandeur and clarity of the central courtyard, which has an extended clear height around which an open plan of living, kitchen, and dining spaces is comfortably planned, embracing the connection inside while also extending to the garden on all sides. Circulation from the central space around the courtyard leads to the upper spaces where there is a more private family room for private gatherings. The room overlooks the central courtyard as well as the lawn to the east side. This split level allows for a higher floor-to-ceiling height of central space. The kitchen is planned to the southeast while a secondary kitchen is to the southwest, connected by a common family dining room opening to the central court and southern garden. The sleeping quarters for guests/grandparents are pushed towards the southwest for privacy. A puja room is located next to the living room towards the east side. The bedrooms on the upper level are planned to have their own bathroom and closet space along with a balcony. The laundry and fitness room are located on the top floor. The south-facing bedroom is designed with a latticed brick wall pattern, commonly known as Jali, as well as a cavity wall for insulation. Louvered openings bring in the play of light inside while screening harsh sunlight during the daytime. There is a small outdoor pavilion/hall to the northeast closer to the entrance for office purposes and gathering events. The property has controlled access for pedestrians, vehicles, and service purposes as well at the entrance.

The interplay of linear volumes made of brick, plaster, and textured concrete, along with green planters that provide a natural contrast to the facade, adds warmth to the built volumes, which is a unique yet familiar architectural style of the area. The family had envisioned the project to be more than just a well-crafted built structure; they wanted it to become a home, and the interplay of these elements evokes a sense of belonging. The brick Jali patterns create a perforated volume that breaks into the solid mass, and natural light and shadow have been well-considered to provide a variety of experiences inside. A mandala pattern is embedded on the walls of the entrance, and all these small details contribute to a sense of belonging and ultimately create a space that feels like home.