This Keynote Speech from Elev8 Bangalore 2025 features architects Sandeep Khosla and Amaresh Anand discussing the design philosophy of Khosla Associates. They emphasize a contextual approach deeply rooted in site, climate, and local culture, promoting a sustainable and passive design strategy for India’s diverse environments. Throughout the talk, they share how their studio bridges traditional vernacular methods with a modern sensibility to create buildings that are both efficient and culturally resonant. By focusing on passive strategies rather than heavy technology, they demonstrate how architecture can responsibly harmonize with nature, providing climate-responsive solutions for the future of Indian construction.
Sunlight Management: The architects focus on protecting buildings from harsh sunlight while allowing diffused natural daylight. Examples include large overhangs and lyrical skylights in the Retreat in the Sahyadris, and louvered screens in the Gulmohar Clubhouse.
By understanding local breeze patterns, they modulate air through buildings. Notably, the DPS Kindergarten School utilizes terracotta jali walls and a stack effect in courtyards to cool classrooms without air conditioning.
They advocate for rainwater harvesting through recharging pits and storage tanks. In a project in Coorg, the designers use stored rainwater as a landscape feature. They also utilize graywater recycling with reed beds to filter water for gardening.
They promote sustainable choices by collaborating with local artisans and sourcing materials within a 5-kilometer radius for projects like the GreenPark Hotel to reduce environmental impact.
A major focus is on retrofitting and recycling existing structures rather than demolishing them. This is highlighted by the multi-decade transformation of the Tract and Book Society building in Bangalore, which has housed a bar, bookstore, and café.
In conclusion, Khosla and Anand advocate for building flexibility that considers a structure’s afterlife, arguing that buildings should be able to adapt to new uses over generations. Their dedication to sustainable architecture is evidenced by their use of local craft, intelligent sunlight management, and robust water harvesting techniques. By emphasizing adaptive reuse and retrofitting, they propose a path forward that minimizes environmental impact while celebrating India’s rich architectural heritage. Ultimately, their philosophy teaches us that responsible, contextual design is not just about aesthetics, but about creating enduring spaces that nurture both the inhabitants and the planet.
The site is located in Ahilyanagar town of Maharashtra, with a design brief of 7,000 sq feet, while the house had to be designed for the hot and dry climate, which responds carefully to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. The design focuses on reducing heat gain, improving natural ventilation, and creating comfortable indoor spaces with […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
SapanoUday is a contemporary residence that balances material rawness with layered textures and crafted detail, aligning modern living with cultural and spatial sensibilities. Designed by Hundreddesigns, the home responds closely to the client’s routines and artistic inclinations while thoughtfully integrating Vastu principles. HundredDesigns The designers defined the architecture through a minimal palette, using exposed concrete […]
KRIPA is a residence that reflects the personality and lifestyle of its homeowner — calm, open, and rooted in nature. The project focuses on creating light-filled, green spaces with minimal private zones, encouraging openness and connection. In a time when spaces are shrinking but expectations are rising, architecture becomes the medium to bridge this gap […]
The Sculpted Sanctuary is a masterclass in modern minimalist design. The project focuses on “Quiet Luxury”. It is the idea that a space doesn’t need bright colors or flashy decor to feel expensive. Instead, it uses raw natural materials, rich textures, and sharp architectural lines. This Home Is A Masterclass In Modern Minimalist Design | […]
SIDHARTHA, is a four-bedroom modern house which is functional and aesthetic driven by the specific needs of the client. The location of the site is in a dense neighbourhood in Bengaluru, India. The contemporary urban dwelling frequently negotiates competing demands. It balances generous daylight and visual connection to the street with privacy, dust control, and […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]