"We Don’t Build Over Nature, We Build With It": Kirthi Chilukari On Sustainable Real Estate

Q1. Stonecraft Group is known for its biophilic and sustainable approach to real estate. Looking back, how would you summarise the company’s overall journey from its beginnings to where it stands today?

A1: Stonecraft began in the early 2000s, at a time when Hyderabad was experiencing rapid urban expansion and real estate growth often came at the cost of natural ecosystems. From the outset, I believed development could follow a different path, one that worked with elements of earth rather than against them or not in sync with them.

Our philosophy evolved around four core pillars: power, water, soil, and climate management. The objective was clear from the beginning: to create developments that regenerate soil and natural systems instead of depleting them.

Over 17 years, we have delivered over one million square yards of eco-conscious farm plots and gated community, scaling up to approximately 14.5 million square feet, or about 335 acres. Through our Woods projects, we pioneered the integration of Miyawaki forests within real estate developments, contributing to improved biodiversity and localized cooling effects of approximately 3 to 5 degrees Celsius.

What began as focused experimentation in and around Hyderabad has since informed broader sustainable development practices. Today, Stonecraft is committed to creating long-term, resilient communities that deliver environmental responsibility alongside enduring asset value. The journey has been about proving that regeneration is both practical and scalable.

Q2. Your upcoming senior living project at Yadagirigutta aims to set a benchmark in luxury and wellness ayurveda-oriented living for seniors. What was the strategic thinking behind entering the senior living space, and how do you see this segment evolving in India?

A2: Yadagirigutta Temple Town marks our entry into senior living through a carefully planned, wellness ayurveda oriented community. The senior living enclave spans approximately 21 acres and comprises 354 independent villas, developed within a 72-acre integrated township. Located near the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, the project blends biophilic planning with access to healthcare, daily conveniences, and spiritual infrastructure.

The decision to enter senior living was driven by clear demographic shifts. India’s senior population is growing, family structures are evolving, and there is increasing demand for environments that support independence, dignity, and purpose rather than institutional care.

At Yadagirigutta, our focus is on low-density planning, walkable green spaces, rainwater recharge systems, solar integration, and wellness ayurveda-led infrastructure. The site is also conveniently located with strong access to healthcare, shopping, and essential services, allowing residents to enjoy both serenity and everyday convenience.

As the segment matures in India, senior living will increasingly evolve into lifestyle-led communities that combine wellness ayurveda, cultural relevance, and sustainability. Our aim is to set a benchmark for how senior living can be thoughtfully planned and responsibly delivered.

Q3. There is a growing preference for plotted residences and branded living in India. How is Stonecraft responding to this shift, and what makes your plotted and branded offerings distinct from conventional residential projects?

A3: Conventional real estate developments often overlook several critical sustainability and earth-recharging mechanisms. These include effective rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, meaningful solar energy integration, mitigation of underground water depletion, comprehensive sewerage systems, and long-term biodiversity preservation.

At Stonecraft, our approach addresses these gaps holistically. This philosophy is clearly reflected in our flagship plotted development, Woods Shamshabad. As part of this project, we have established a meticulously planned Miyawaki forest by planting approximately 450,000 trees, which has emerged as a benchmark example and is now being replicated across multiple regions in the country.

From a buyer’s perspective, the value proposition extends well beyond land ownership. Residents experience cleaner air, enhanced biodiversity, improved microclimates, and a healthier living ecosystem rooted in a village-centric, nature-aligned lifestyle. At the same time, the project maintains strong connectivity to urban infrastructure, employment corridors, healthcare, and daily conveniences.

In essence, Woods Shamshabad bridges the gap between sustainable living and modern urban accessibility. Rather than offering a conventional real estate product, it delivers a complete, future-ready ecosystem designed for long-term environmental and lifestyle resilience.

Q4. Stonecraft has several ongoing and planned developments, from eco-focused residential communities to large integrated townships. What are the key themes or differentiators that make Stonecraft projects stand out in the competitive real estate landscape?

A4: Stonecraft differentiates itself through genuine regeneration rather than surface-level sustainability. Our four-pillar framework informs every stage of planning and execution.

At projects such as Woods Shamshabad, large-scale Miyawaki afforestation, involving approximately 450,000 trees, has significantly enhanced local microclimates and biodiversity. Across developments, we prioritise water self-sufficiency through rainwater harvesting and recharge, climate-responsive materials, and energy-efficient infrastructure. Solar installations currently contribute close to 25 percent of on-site energy requirements in select projects.

We also adopt construction and material strategies that deliver real performance benefits, including reduced heat gain, improved indoor comfort, and long-term durability. Landscape-led planning supports biodiversity while improving liveability and environmental health.

These choices translate into healthier living environments and stronger long-term asset value. Buyers increasingly recognise that sustainability, when implemented with intent and discipline, creates tangible advantages.

Q5. Looking ahead, what are the major opportunities and challenges you foresee for Stonecraft Group over the next three to five years?

A5: Over the next 3 - 5 years, Stonecraft sees strong growth opportunities across senior living, plotted developments, wellness ayurveda-led communities, and integrated townships. These segments will form the core of our expansion strategy, with sustainability-led formats driving future launches.

Geographically, our focus remains on strengthening our presence in Telangana while selectively exploring international pilot projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to test net-zero and regenerative development models suited to arid climates.

A key opportunity lies in scaling our ecosystem-led planning approach across projects, particularly in afforestation, water management, and climate-responsive design. These frameworks have proven effective in improving long-term liveability and environmental performance when applied consistently.

The primary challenges ahead include building reliable green supply chains, navigating regulatory frameworks, and adapting regenerative design principles to different climatic and policy environments. However, these challenges also create opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Through continued investment in design, technology, and sustainability partnerships, Stonecraft aims to scale responsibly while maintaining development quality. As cities move from mitigation toward regeneration, we believe our approach positions us well for long-term relevance and impact.

About Kirthi Chilukuri

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. Under his leadership, Stonecraft Group continues to push the boundaries of responsible urban growth through technology-led, future-ready solutions.