The Cielo Tower in Nagpur, Maharashtra, designed by Mumbai-based Sanjay Puri Architects, is a synthesis of pragmatism, structural innovation, and a commitment to environmental performance. Built on a compact 900-square-meter site, the project emphasizes a vertical typology that prioritizes spatial quality and passive thermal management.
Cielo Tower in Nagpur
Completed in January 2026, the design represents the firm’s philosophy, deeply rooted in the exploration of spatial perceptions, contextual settings, and the evolution of sustainable green solutions. The compact site resulted in a decision to build a 12-storey, slim vertical tower that maximizes air exposure and minimizes internal corridor space. With a cost of roughly USD 1.7 million, the project was realized for Prestige Builders. The 38,750-square-foot structure was completed in early 2026, positioning it as a flagship for climate-conscious luxury in the Nagpur real estate market.
The interior of Cielo Tower is a direct response to the need for natural ventilation. Designed as twelve single-floor apartments, the design team eliminated the need for shared internal corridors, which typically act as dead pockets in high-rise buildings. The orientation of each four-bedroom unit ensures 360-degree exposure to the exterior, facilitating optimal cross-ventilation.
Spatial Organization: The Single-Apartment
The spatial layout places three bedrooms at three corners, while the kitchen occupies the fourth corner. This four-corner strategy ensures that each primary room has two external views, allowing cool breezes to enter. The central zone of the apartment serves as the primary living and dining area, acting as a space for social interaction. A distinctive feature of the internal layout is that every main room opens into two separate balcony spaces, one completely open and the other screened.
This dual-balcony arrangement provides a thermal buffer against direct solar radiation, cooling the air before it reaches the interior glass surfaces. The semi-closed areas function as outdoor rooms that remain usable during summer months, providing residents with semi-private green pockets.
The Sculptural Envelope
The striking feature of the high-rise tower is its pixelated, sculptural facade composed of sectionally curved screens that rhythmically alternate horizontally and vertically across the elevation. To craft the complex facade, the team collaborated with FlexStone to develop bespoke curved foam concrete modules.
Their porous structure provides insulation, reducing heat transfer into the building. The lightweight modules are composed of 80% recycled materials and produced with a minimal carbon footprint, aligning with the project’s ecological goals.
FlexStone and Foam Concrete Technology
The modules are designed as sectional curves; at the lower level, they form a protective screen that blocks high-angle sunlight while allowing air to pass through. As the module moves upward, it curves outward to form the floor and balustrade for the balcony of the apartment above. This interlocking system creates a dynamic façade that changes depth and texture throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. The screens reinterpret the traditional Indian jali, used for centuries to control light, improve airflow, and provide privacy.
The building’s slim profile and cantilevered balconies required a precise engineering approach that balances durability with spatial efficiency. Cielo Tower illustrates a naturally ventilated, energy-conscious residential model that seeks to reduce its lifecycle carbon footprint through both passive and active strategies. The roof features a solar array that generates renewable energy on-site, supporting common-area power needs and reducing the building’s dependence on the municipal grid.
Cielo Tower Project Details
Architects: Sanjay Puri Architects
Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Site Area: 900 sq. m
Total Built-up Area: 3,600 sq. m.
Lead Architect: Mr. Sanjay Puri
Design Team: Ruchika Gupta, Nikita Dusing, Krishna Leela, Neha Wadodkar, Diganta Gujaran, Chanchari Malviya
Photo Credits: © Sig. Vinay Panjawani
