“The question of what transforms a house into a home served as the central inspiration behind this design, which thoughtfully merges Indian traditional elements with modern sensibilities.”

Editor’s Note: This residence designed by Studio Urban Poetics thoughtfully merges Indian traditional elements with modern sensibilities. The serene transition from the outdoors to the interior spaces and vertical zoning meets the needs of its multigenerational inhabitants. A Pink Trumpet Tree anchors the front yard and establishes a strong visual identity for the entryway.

Indian traditional Elements Merge With Modern Sensibilities To Transform This House Into A Home | Studio UrbanPoetics

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the majestic presence of a Pink Trumpet Tree, standing tall and framing an imposing eight-foot pedestrian gate. This entryway strikes a balance between scale and grandeur, setting the tone for the journey through the property. A covered walkway extends from the gate to the main entrance, offering a serene transition from the outdoors to the interior spaces.

Along this pathway, subtle yet meaningful design elements pay homage to the family’s past. A brass bell, a small elephant mural, and a stepped seating area, each crafted from natural materials evoke memories of their previous home.

These features not only add a tactile richness to the design but also reinforce the connection between the old and the new, anchoring the home in a sense of continuity.

The front of the house is multifunctional, thoughtfully designed to balance privacy and openness. While enclosed like a traditional home, it can effortlessly open to welcome neighbors and friends, fostering a warm atmosphere for informal gatherings and evening conversations.

A verandah extends toward the street, maintaining a dialogue between the house and its surroundings, with the Pink Trumpet Tree anchoring the front yard and acting as a defining feature of the entryway.

Public spaces within the Indian traditional house are meticulously designed to allow for seamless flow. The living room opens onto a central courtyard. The dining area enjoys direct visual connection with the kitchen, encouraging interaction and a sense of togetherness.

These spatial relationships are intentional, reflecting the way much of the family’s daily life unfolds within these communal areas.

The vertical zoning of the home was carefully considered to meet the needs of its multigenerational inhabitants. The ground level caters to the elderly, offering spaces for spirituality and leisure, with easy access to the outdoors.

In contrast, the upper level is designed for the younger generation. It features a living area and study that open onto a secure balcony. This overlooks the lower levels fostering both privacy and connection.

The design centers around three key figures: Ajji, representing the elderly; the children, embodying the next generation; and a nurturing figure whose interactions with space reflect its adaptability and evolution over time.

Fact File

Designed by: Studio UrbanPoetics

Project Type: Residential Architecture Design

Project Name: Isha House

Location: Bangalore, Karnataka

Year Built: 2024

Duration of the project: 18 Months

Built-up Area: 5500 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Ar. Karthik P Nair & Ar. Deepika Sadanand

Design Credits: Ar. Bhavana Rao

Photograph Courtesy: Murali Abbemane

Structure Engineers: Mr. Lakshmi Narayana

Products / Materials / Vendors: Construction Materials – Concrete Block / Doors and Partitions –Teak Wood / Sanitaryware –Grohe / Windows –UPVC / Furniture -Wooden / Kitchen – Quats Stone Counter Top / Paint –Asian Paints

Firm’s Website Link: Studio UrbanPoetics

Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio UrbanPoetics

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