When Homes Grow Inside Forests: Hyderabad’s Miyawaki Housing Revolution

As Indian cities expand rapidly, concrete skylines often replace natural ecosystems. Amid this reality, Hyderabad-based Stonecraft Group is offering a powerful alternative, one where homes rise not at the cost of nature, but alongside it. Through its ambitious project Woods Shamshabad, the group has adopted the Miyawaki method of afforestation to create Hyderabad’s first large-scale compressed forest within a real estate development. This initiative stands as a rare example of how urban housing can become a tool for environmental revival rather than degradation.The Miyawaki Method: Nature AcceleratedThe Miyawaki method, pioneered by Japanese botanist Dr. Akira Miyawaki, is a scientifically proven technique to restore native forests quickly and efficiently. Unlike conventional plantations, this method involves planting a diverse mix of indigenous tree species very close to one another, mimicking the way forests naturally evolve. The result is extraordinary forests that grow nearly ten times faster and become up to thirty times denser than traditional green covers. Within just two to three years, these forests mature and become self-sustaining, requiring minimal human intervention. More importantly, they recreate complete ecosystems, supporting birds, insects, and small mammals while improving soil health and air quality. In dense urban environments, Miyawaki forests also create cooler microclimates, offering natural relief from rising temperatures and heat islands.Woods Shamshabad: A Forest That Lives and BreathesAt Woods Shamshabad, the Miyawaki concept has been implemented on a scale rarely seen in Indian real estate. Here, around 4,50,000 saplings representing 186 native species have been densely planted to simulate decades of natural forest growth within a few short years. The forest is not ornamental landscaping meant only for visual appeal; it is a living, breathing ecological system undergoing its own evolutionary process. Walking through the development, residents are not merely surrounded by greenery; they live inside a forest ecosystem. The sound of birds replaces traffic noise, shaded pathways cool the air, and the natural density of trees creates a sense of calm that modern urban life often lacks.A Vision Rooted in ResponsibilityFor Kirthi Chilukuri, Founder and Managing Director of Stonecraft Group, Woods Shamshabad was never about building just another gated community. His vision was rooted in creating habitats where humans and nature coexist in balance. He believes sustainability and luxury are not opposing ideas but complementary ones. According to Chilukuri, this development reflects a deeper promise toward environmental stewardship, especially at a time when climate change and biodiversity loss demand urgent action. By prioritising low air pollution, enhanced biodiversity, and conservation of natural resources, Stonecraft Group has positioned sustainability at the heart of its design philosophy. The project is also a reminder that real estate developers can play a decisive role in shaping a greener future for Indian cities.Nature as a Daily CompanionWhat truly sets Woods Shamshabad apart is the life it supports. The site is now home to 141 bird species, ranging from vibrant kingfishers to melodious koels, a clear indicator of a healthy ecosystem. These birds are not visitors; they are residents, nesting and thriving within the forest. Adding emotional depth to the project are 14 mature heritage trees that were carefully relocated and preserved from the Hyderabad Secretariat. Positioned at the entrance, these trees act as living symbols of continuity, connecting the city’s past with its greener aspirations for the future. They remind residents that development does not have to erase history it can carry it forward with care. An on-site ecology centre continuously measures biodiversity levels, ensuring the forest remains a safe and nurturing space for all forms of life. This scientific monitoring reinforces that Woods Shamshabad is not a marketing concept but a functioning ecological model.Seamlessly Connected, Naturally GroundedDespite its forest-centric identity, Woods Shamshabad remains deeply integrated with Hyderabad’s urban infrastructure. Located just 20 minutes from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the development enjoys direct access to the Outer Ring Road and lies adjacent to the upcoming RRTS station. This ensures effortless connectivity to IT hubs and major transport corridors. The combination of strong infrastructure and immersive natural living offers residents the best of both worlds: urban convenience without ecological compromise. It challenges the long-held belief that living close to nature requires sacrificing accessibility or modern comforts.Where Homes Grow With HopeIn an age where environmental concerns often feel distant or overwhelming, Woods Shamshabad offers something deeply human—hope rooted in action. It shows that choosing where and how we live can be an act of care for the planet. For residents, the forest is not just a backdrop but a daily reminder that harmony with nature is achievable. As the trees grow taller and ecosystems strengthen, Woods Shamshabad stands as a living lesson for India’s urban future: when we allow forests to return, cities can breathe again.