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.
Layers don’t just sit here; they breathe, shift, and whisper through light. The Screen, set in the sun-drenched fabric of Solapur, Maharashtra, isn’t trying to scream luxury. It doesn’t need to. It moves quieter than that, more composed, more intentional, like a pause button carved into the chaos of the city. Spread across 4,125 sq. […]
This project is located in Ben Tre, Vietnam, and was completed in 2021. With a total area of 430m2, the project set within concrete vaults includes 3 bedrooms and one living room, each with a view of the nearby river. Concrete Vaults Form The Main Identity Of This Vietnamese Home | VTN Architects The ground […]
We conceive EMA not as a conventional architectural object, but as a living continuum of memory, ecology, and craft. Located in Malappuram, Kerala, the 1,700 sq. ft. residence, designed with thermal comfort draws from vernacular wisdom and the philosophy of the Kaavu—the sacred grove—where humans, nature, and other living beings coexist without hierarchy. Within this […]
Set within the lush landscapes of Bharanikavu in Kollam, Arcade – a single storey residence that blends tropical modern architecture with colonial and traditional elements. Designed for a businessman, his wife (a teacher) and their two daughters, this house showcases a shared interest for elegance rooted in familiarity. This Single Storey Home Sits Amidst Lush […]
Noah’s Ark is a contemporary residence designed as a calm and welcoming home with a clear planning. The client’s brief was to create a home that felt simple, warm, and timeless without becoming overly minimal or impersonal. Noah’s Ark responds by blending clear planning, honest materials, and personal elements, resulting in a house that is […]
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 […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
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 […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
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 […]