The Turahalli House, a residence for a family of three, is located in the quiet suburbs of southern Bangalore. This 30-foot by 40-foot plot near the Turahalli forest is part of a planned neighbourhood by the government. A relatively smaller plot and a detailed brief from the client made for a contrast in design strategy. Their requirement for an airy and spacious home in a limited space was the main challenge for us.
A Contrast Design Stands Out In the Turahalli House | Shoulder Tap
Driving along the hilly terrain, you can already spot the structure from a couple of blocks away. Soon, the red bricks of the façade glisten in the sun, standing out in stark contrast design. Meanwhile, the green of the landscape and the blue of the sky together create the perfect backdrop.
As you arrive closer, the structure gradually reveals greater intricacy. With its curved walls and dark stone finish, the ground floor creates a striking contrast with the rest of the building. When you slide open the metal gate, you step into a garden space, where a sculptural green staircase curves upward on the right and a tranquil pond rests beneath it.
The green draws you in, and as you ascend the staircase, you begin to experience subtle shifts in volumes. As you walk along, your eyes first catch a glimpse of the skylight on the topmost floor, followed by a distinct volume projecting from the second floor, leading your gaze downward. Finally, your eyes rest on the striking ceiling of the foyer. This entry sequence becomes a precursor to the home’s architectural charm, hence the name – House of Surprises.
The main door opens into a smaller volume, following which you turn and step up into a spacious living and dining area. Defined by its high ceiling, this space is flanked on the east and west by large windows, while to the south, a freestanding wall set back from the main structure creates a slender slit that captures the sun’s movement throughout the day. With changing lights and an open layout, the space holds time within its experience, thus inviting users to linger for hours.
The kitchen showcases a bold mix of Rajasthan green marble and warm wooden shutters, balancing the ambience equally. While visually tucked away from the living room, it opens into the dining area, reflecting the home’s thoughtful contrast design.
Climbing a narrow dog-legged staircase to the next floor, the volume shifts to a more intimate scale, thus reflecting the privacy of the bedrooms it houses. Yellow triangular inserts on the floor draw attention to the use of two local Indian stones, Kota and Tandur, all the while combined in a striking pattern.
On this level, a double-height balcony in green expresses the home’s contrast design, thus standing apart from the scale and atmosphere of the bedrooms. Serving as a key connecting element, it links multiple levels while also tying into the entrance volume on the floor above.
The topmost level, that features a multi-use space with a balcony has an opening towards the east. Since it is similar in size to the living room, this space is designed to host the family’s more intimate gatherings.
Fact File
Designed by: Shoulder Tap
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The Turahalli House
Location: Thurahalli, Bangalore
Year Built: 2024
Project Size: 3700 Sq.ft
Photograph Courtesy: Rahul Palagani – Studio Nara
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: Shoulder Tap
Firm’s Instagram Link: Shoulder Tap
Firm’s Facebook Link: Shoulder Tap
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