SEZA Architects & Interior Designers have unveiled a new residential project in Mumbai designed to enhance daily living through environment and community. The development, located at 96 Tagore in Santacruz, consists of two exclusive towers comprising 44 residences across 200,000 square feet of space. The design prioritises environmental performance and social interaction within a dense urban setting. The project’s configuration includes 2 towers with 22 apartments each, showcasing a thoughtful approach to residential design.
A Landscape-Driven Arrival
The project begins at the street level, where existing trees and the plot’s expanse dictate the architectural approach. Rather than a direct transition from public road to private home, the design creates a gradual sequence that moves from lush lawns and water features to a grand entrance. A double-height drop-off leads to generous lobbies featuring a large metal light installation and sculptural elements. One lobby extends into a banquet space and paddle ball court, blending social areas with the landscaped gardens. This careful choreography of the arrival sequence sets the tone for a unique residential experience, where the boundaries between public and private spaces are blurred.
Rectangular perforated aluminium screens wrap the lower podium and continue upward across service ducts. These elements break the vertical mass of the building while acting as passive shading devices. The screens reduce solar heat gain and glare, which lowers the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. This approach improves thermal comfort and balances visual rhythm with environmental performance. The use of these screens also adds a layer of depth and visual interest to the building’s façade, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
Vertical Community Spaces
Living spaces within the 44 apartments focus on spatial efficiency and cross ventilation. Each floor contains a three-bedroom and a four-bedroom unit, with layouts designed to minimise passages. Balconies and decks extend living areas outdoors, connecting interior comfort with the surrounding environment. The apartments are designed to be functional and efficient, with every square foot purposefully utilised to create a sense of generosity and openness.
Materiality in the common areas uses a restrained palette of stone, marble, walnut veneer, and dark wood-finished UPVC. These choices ensure durability and a long-term sense of refinement. The project connects the two towers at the terrace to create a unified footprint for shared amenities. The ground level offers recreational gardens and social spaces, while a gym sits midway between the towers. The rooftop hosts a pool and wellness facilities. This vertical distribution encourages residents to move through the development and encounter one another. The selection of materials and finishes reflects a long-term approach to residential design, prioritising timelessness and elegance over fleeting trends.