Set in the calm and peaceful neighbourhood near Sarjapur, Bangalore, Karnataka, Placid House stands as a light-filled oasis with the relaxed and comfortable ambiance of a late afternoon tea.The project sits on a compact 1,200 sq. ft. east-facing plot. It houses a small nuclear family. This residence, designed by Esens Studio, intends to be a caring embrace after a long day of work and a canvas for the eyes to rest on.
This East-Facing Placid House in Bangalore Creates a Light-Filled Family Retreat | Esens Studio
The clients and the architect focused on one key principle while outlining the east-facing project vision: natural lighting throughout the day. The home had to capitalize on the light it receives on the eastern side of the plot, facing the road. The east-facing house also needed a well-organised layout, with a kitchen designed to handle the Monday morning rush efficiently. It had to stay Vaastu compliant while maximising storage in all parts of the house. It had to be simple and minimally ornamented, easy to maintain, with durable finishes all within a strict budget.
The plot had to include a one bedroom rental unit on the ground level and a duplex for the owner on the upper levels. The rental and owner’s units have separate gates at the ground-floor entrance. The owner’s home opens into a green outdoor foyer that creates a welcoming pause. A single staircase connects the outdoor and indoor areas of the house. This shared circulation strategy helps maximise the available space.
The open plan of the common areas on the first floor draws light in from the front facade of the house, illuminating the interior with diffused natural light. Bay windows and thoughtfully placed skylights ensure that light reaches every corner of the house.
At first glance, the house uses white and grey paint to demarcate the mass and void on the building’s elevation. The design composes grey rectangular elements against a white backdrop. Terracotta tiles highlight key areas and add warmth to the elevation.
The first floor opens out into the living room, bathed in eastern light drawn in by the balcony facing the street. It illuminates the Kota stone flooring, lending it a semi-glossy finish. It forms the background on which the material palette of the entire floor plays out. The wooden carcass of the living room sofa contrasts with the Kota stone and doubles as storage.
The living room opens out to the meticulously planned kitchen and dining area. The terracotta tiles in the elevation find an echo in the dining area, bringing warmth to the interior. The wooden highlights on the breakfast unit add to this warmth while they stand out from the Sadarahalli granite backsplash and white cabinets in the kitchen.
The puja skylight quietly enhances natural light throughout the space. It floods the pooja room and the living room with diffused light in later parts of the day. The fluted glass niche in the TV unit creates a subtle yet effective connection between the common areas. It allows light to pass uninterrupted while maintaining a certain degree of privacy between the two spaces. The windows from the staircase let the soft light in at all times of the day.
The common space on the first floor exudes a more private, laid-back atmosphere meant for afternoon siestas and study sessions in the evening. The focal point of the entire family area in the first floor is a display platform, an extension of the first three risers of the staircase.
A refreshing wash of green paint draws the eye toward the bay window that offers exposure to the eastern sun and cool breeze. A cozy study nook with an east-facing window creates a serene and studious environment. What sets this space apart is the oak-textured wooden flooring that gives a welcome contrast to the Kota stone flooring on the level below. East-facing windows bring in natural light, while a skylight above the staircase adds more daylight to the space.
Ascending to the next level, the common space opens out to an open-to-sky terrace space, where the client hosts informal family gatherings. It is paired with a minimal and elegant bar unit. The space is animated during the day by the play of shadows created by the light filtering through the skylight above the stairs.
“The colour palette for all the bedrooms is complementary to the greyish-blue tone of the Kota stone with pops of bright contrasting colours on the headboard” says Ar.Shreyanka, the principal architect of Esens Studio.
The bedroom on the first floor uses a cane textured laminate to achieve this contrast. The wooden borders, cane laminate and white plaster grooves add softness and warmth to the otherwise grey canvas of the bedroom.
The bathrooms follow a simple material palette: Sadarahalli grey granite flooring and wall cladding with black granite edges. The accent wall of the bathroom is finished with textured kit-kat tiles to add dynamism to the space.
The east-facing bedroom is defined by a grey and red colour palette. The grey is present as the cot back paneling with organized grid pattern crafted precisely in the plastering work. The grey persists on the study table adjoining the window seat. Polished wood borders running along the headboard and study tie the entire bedroom together. The red headboard and window seat cushion distinguishes the space, puncturing the grey grid with a bold focal point.
The red soft furnishings are complemented by a grey vertical line textured laminate finish on the wardrobe framed by warm polished wood borders of the dress. It is accented by the brushed gold hardware on the woodwork.
The master bedroom on the first floor stands out with the oak wood flooring that gives a warm and luxurious break from the Kota stone. The soft furnishings on the headboard add a refreshing pop of bright blue.
“The biggest challenge in this project was to accommodate well-lit spaces and long-lasting finishes within a modest budget. It also meant that all the electrical points in the ceiling were to be planned well in advance with a high level of specificity for the space to look composed without a false ceiling.” adds Ar. Shreyanka. The minimal and bright abode, Placid House, is proof that comfort and well-being are not defined by the square-footage of the space but by the choreographed movement of the elements within.
Fact File
Designed by: Esens Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Placid House
Location: Sarjapur, Bangalore, Karnataka
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 18 Months
Plot Area: 1200 Sq.ft
Built-up Area: 3200 Sq.ft
Project Cost: 1.1 Crore
Principal Architect: Ar. Shreyanka Prakash
Photograph Courtesy: Sanjay pp
Architectural journalist: Ar. Apoorva V
Firm’s Instagram Link: Esens Studio
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