Sustainable Housing in India: Demand & Design realities

Kirthi Chilukuri, Founder & Managing Director, Stonecraft Group in an interaction with Homes India Magazine shares his views on how nature-integrated development models, such as biophilic or forest-based communities, be scaled across dense urban environments without compromising ecological integrity, how real estate developers can meaningfully contribute to restoring biodiversity within city limits, beyond token green spaces or landscaping and more.

Kirthi Chilukuri is the Founder & Managing Director of Stonecraft Group, a visionary leader driving sustainable real estate projects with a strong focus on biophilic design, environmental preservation, and innovative urban development. With a deep commitment to integrating nature into built environments, he has pioneered eco-conscious residential and mixed-use developments that enhance well-being and quality of life.  

How can nature-integrated development models, such as biophilic or forest-based communities, be scaled across dense urban environments without compromising ecological integrity?

The first step is to move away from the idea that nature must exist only in large peripheral land parcels. In dense urban environments, ecological integration has to be embedded vertically, horizontally, and systemically into the built form itself. That means green roofs, internal courtyards, shaded pedestrian corridors, native tree canopies, rain gardens, biodiversity terraces, and connected green corridors that allow ecological continuity across developments rather than isolated pockets of landscaping.

Equally important is the use of native species and scientifically planned ecosystems instead of ornamental planting. If designed correctly, even compact developments can support biodiversity, reduce heat stress, improve air quality, and create meaningful resident interaction with nature.

What policy gaps currently exist in India’s real estate ecosystem that limit the adoption of climate-responsive and net-zero developments?
One of the biggest gaps is that sustainability is still encouraged more through intent than enabled through policy. Developers willing to invest in net-zero or climate-responsive projects often face the same approval pathways, taxation structures, and regulatory timelines as conventional developments, despite delivering broader environmental value.

There is also limited standardization around green building incentives, faster clearances for sustainable projects, or measurable benchmarks tied to operational carbon, water efficiency, and biodiversity restoration.

A stronger policy framework would combine incentives, streamlined approvals, and clearer environmental performance standards.

From an industry standpoint, how do the costs and long-term returns of eco-conscious developments compare with conventional real estate models?

Eco-conscious developments may involve moderately higher upfront planning and execution costs, particularly where superior materials, water systems, renewable energy integration, or ecological landscaping are involved. However, focusing only on initial cost often misses the larger financial picture.

Over the long term, well-designed sustainable assets tend to perform better through lower operating expenses, stronger resilience to regulatory changes, better energy efficiency, and higher desirability among increasingly discerning buyers.

From an investor standpoint, returns should be measured not just in immediate margins but in asset longevity, pricing power, occupancy demand, and lower lifecycle costs. This is the guiding philosophy of Stonecraft’s long-term approach. Our projects are enduring, eco-conscious assets rather than short-cycle developments.

Also Read: Farmland Communities: Redefining Sustainable Living

How can real estate developers meaningfully contribute to restoring biodiversity within city limits, beyond token green spaces or landscaping?

Meaningful biodiversity restoration begins when green space is designed as habitat rather than decoration. Lawns and ornamental shrubs may appear green, but they often contribute little ecologically. Developers need to create layered native ecosystems that support birds, pollinators, soil health, and water retention.

This can include Miyawaki forests where appropriate, wetland restoration, native woodland clusters, pollinator gardens, urban water bodies, and tree corridors connected to surrounding ecological networks.

Developers also have the advantage of scale and land assembly, which allows them to restore fragmented urban ecologies that cities alone may struggle to address. The best example for this is Woods Shamshabad in Hyderabad, which is recognized as one of the world's largest, featuring over 4.5 lakh trees across 18 acres within a 60-acre development.

Are homebuyers in India genuinely prioritizing sustainability and wellness-led living, or is it still a niche segment driven by premium positioning?

The market is evolving from niche aspiration to mainstream consideration. While premium buyers were the earliest adopters of wellness-led and sustainable living, broader buyer segments today are increasingly aware of issues such as air quality, heat stress, water scarcity, commute fatigue, and mental wellbeing. They affect daily life.

As a result, buyers may not always use the word sustainability, but they actively seek its outcomes: better ventilation, natural light, green surroundings, lower maintenance costs, cleaner environments, and healthier communities.

The opportunity for developers is to make sustainability practical and accessible rather than positioning it only as luxury.

Also Read: Smart Sustainability - The New Benchmark of Value in Real Estate

What role do alternative construction materials and methods play in reducing the environmental footprint of large-scale residential projects?

Alternative materials and modern construction methods can materially reduce the embodied carbon and resource intensity of development. This includes recycled steel, fly ash or low-carbon concrete variants, engineered wood systems where feasible, high-performance insulation materials, and responsibly sourced finishes with longer life cycles.

Construction methods are equally important. Precast systems, modular components, and precision-led off-site fabrication can reduce waste, shorten construction timelines, improve quality consistency, and lower on-site energy use.

The future of sustainable real estate is not only about what a building consumes after completion, but also how it is built in the first place.

How do you see the evolution of mixed-use developments that combine residential, recreational, and ecological elements over the next decade in India?

Mixed-use developments in India will increasingly move from convenience-led formats to lifestyle ecosystems. Historically, mixed-use often meant retail plus residences. Over the next decade, the stronger model will combine living, wellness, work, recreation, and ecological infrastructure within integrated communities.

Residents are placing higher value on time efficiency, social connection, and quality environments. This creates demand for developments where daily needs, open spaces, fitness, community interaction, and natural experiences exist within walking distance.

The most successful projects will not simply mix uses; they will create more complete ways of living.