Deccan Herald features porch design: durable materials and social comfort through the perspective of ZHCollective | Habitat Architects. The discussion centres on porch design materials. The coverage considers residential architecture using porches for climate, transition and gathering.

Design perspective

Deccan Herald considers the porch as both a climatic threshold and a social space. Zafar Choudhary recommends durable outdoor materials such as rattan, cane and wicker. Their suitability depends on exposure, maintenance and the level of protection provided.

Practical considerations

A well-designed porch mediates between the house and landscape. Shade reduces direct heat, while air movement improves comfort. The space can make arrival feel gradual rather than abrupt.

A wider practice context

Furniture must support the way the porch will be used. A compact setting may suit conversation, while a longer veranda can accommodate dining and informal gathering. Lighting should remain warm, practical and resistant to weather. ZHCollective | Habitat Architects treats the porch as an inhabited edge. Material, proportion and planting work together. The result can strengthen daily connection with outdoors while giving a home a welcoming social centre.

What the feature adds

The advice is useful because it connects porch design materials with decisions people can evaluate in real spaces. Climate, daylight, scale and daily routines change what works. A strong solution therefore begins with observation, then combines technical needs with atmosphere and personal comfort.

How the thinking continues

These principles can guide both new projects and careful improvements to existing homes. Not every change needs to be large. Better placement, material selection or lighting can transform experience. The priority is coherence, so each intervention strengthens the room instead of adding visual noise.

Read the original feature

Read the original Deccan Herald feature for the complete original published editorial context. Explore related work by ZHCollective | Habitat Architects, or contact the practice about a relevant project. The official project and practice pages provide further detail on the team’s work. Together, these sources show the design approach, its built application and the wider portfolio across architecture, interiors and landscape.