Neha Mehrotra
23-Jan-2026
The World Crest Residence, a 2,700 sq. ft. home rising above Mumbai’s skyline, is envisioned as a calm, contemporary retreat that connects open, light-filled spaces with intimate corners.
Rising above Mumbai's skyline, The World Crest Residence offers a contrast to the bustling energy of the city. Crafted by RJ Projects, the residence is envisioned as a sanctuary in the sky - and embodies a modern sensibility, valuing emotional well-being alongside aesthetic appeal.
For Jain, every project begins not with a material palette or a mood board, but with people. “My first instinct is always to understand how the client lives—not just their aesthetic preferences, but also their daily rhythms, moods, and moments of pause,” he explains. Contemporary design, in his view, is less about chasing trends and more about creating spaces that feel instinctively right. “It’s about building a calm, intuitive environment that feels effortless to live in.”
(Image Credits: Pulkit Sehgal)
That mindset is clearly evident in The World Crest Residence. “We wanted to create a sanctuary in the sky, a home that rises above the chaos of the city while still feeling deeply connected to it,” he says. The design leans into openness without sacrificing intimacy, blending modern lines with warmth through layered materials, natural light, and a seamless spatial flow. “Every detail was approached with the intent of balance—between openness and privacy, elegance and comfort—so the home feels refined but never overwhelming.”
Designing within a high-rise context came with its own set of challenges, particularly structural limitations and the mandatory use of dry walls. But for Jain, constraints often become catalysts for creativity. “We see constraints as creative opportunities rather than restrictions,” he notes. The dry wall requirement led the team to explore innovative surface treatments, acoustically treated wallpapers and customised detailing. “It pushed us to think more thoughtfully about materiality, sound control and spatial experience,” he adds, ensuring that despite technical boundaries, the home remains peaceful, functional and richly layered.
(Image Credits: Pulkit Sehgal)
Functionality plays a central role throughout the residence. “Functionality was at the heart of the World Crest design, but never at the cost of intimacy,” Jain shares. The layout is fluid and adaptable, allowing the living and dining areas to feel expansive while still offering moments of privacy. A standout feature is the hand-embroidered faux-leather sliding partition, which allows the space to transform based on the family’s needs.
(Image Credits: Pulkit Sehgal)
The den, in particular, was envisioned as a flexible zone—equally suited to being a lounge, a creative studio or a media room. “Through thoughtful zoning, soft transitions and tactile materials, the home supports both togetherness and quiet individual moments with equal ease,” he says.
Technology, too, has been woven into the home with restraint and purpose. “The idea was not to make technology visible but intuitive,” Jain explains. Integrated lighting systems, climate control and a high-quality surround sound setup enhance daily living without disrupting the visual calm of the interiors. Looking ahead, he sees AI playing a larger role in shaping residential spaces. “Homes will begin to learn user preferences and respond automatically. Technology should make a home feel more responsive, personal and emotionally attuned to its residents.”
(Image Credits: Pulkit Sehgal)
Sustainability at RJ Projects is approached with similar subtlety. Rather than treating it as an add-on, it is embedded into the design process itself. “In residential spaces, we focus on longevity, responsible material choices and energy efficiency,” Jain says. At World Crest, this translated into durable, low-maintenance materials, maximised natural light and layouts designed to age gracefully. Collaborations with artisans and ethical suppliers further reinforce this philosophy. “Sustainability, for us, is about creating homes that are emotionally enduring—spaces people don’t feel the need to constantly redo.”
Looking toward 2026, Jain anticipates a shift toward what he calls emotionally intelligent design. “Homes will become more tactile, layered and personal, moving away from overly minimal, sterile spaces,” he predicts. Craftsmanship, artisanal details and flexible layouts that adapt to evolving lifestyles—be it work-from-home, multigenerational living or wellness-focused zones—will define the next wave of residential design. “What excites me most is exploring that balance, where contemporary design meets warmth, individuality and purpose.”
Asked to sum up The World Crest Residence in just three words, Jain doesn’t hesitate: “Calm, layered and timeless.”
Cover Image Credits: Pulkit Sehgal
