Developed by Envisage, an Interior and Architecture firm, the Kaivinai House gracefully resides within the verdant streets of Bangalore. Effortlessly fusing the timeless charm of South Indian traditions with a touch of contemporary allure, the meticulously planned house balances traditional art elements and cultural roots with modern design and technology. Aptly named ‘Kaivinai’ meaning‘ handcrafted’ in Tamil, the name perfectly captures the essence of this remarkable dwelling.

Editor’s Note: The humble abode in Bangalore by Envisage takes elements of Chettinad architecture with bespoke handcrafted furniture. The interiors are adorned with elegantly carved pillars and Athangudi tiles, which are essential features of any Tamil home. Aesthetics and sustainability take the front seat in the design concept, with a touch of contemporary flair that weaves the present with the past. The vibrant mural art is a highlight of this home. – Gopika Pramod

A holistic amalgamation of sustainability and cultural roots | Envisage

The key design sensibility of the house is governed by the vernacular style of the region, standing as a testament to the significance of handcrafted allure, and amalgamating it with contemporary technology.

The overarching design ideology of the house is also governed by the inculcation of sustainable practices, which includes the use of 125 years old recycled Chettinadu pillars, salvaged and refinished from junkyards in Karaikudi.

Adorning the four sides of the foyer, not only do these pillars act as a testament to the eco-friendly practices integrated in the house but also pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of the region with their rustic charm.

To further build on these natural practices, sustainable handmade Athangudi flooring tiles from Chettinadu, made through an extensive process of sun drying and using rice husk polish are spread over the entire property.

Bringing bold yet warm colours to various areas, including a green patch in the foyer, a mustard tone in the living room, and a grey and red pattern in the bedrooms, the tiles thoroughly complement the otherwise earthy tones of the house.

The indigenous sentiment behind the design process has beautifully been illustrated with the use of traditional crafts such as Warli Art, Kasuthi embroidery, sheer curtains, Tanjore paintings and more.

Additionally, a vintage brick wall with shelves proudly displays cherished heirloom artifacts passed down through generations, such as an antique wooden statue of Dakshinamurthy, infusing nostalgic value and character into the interiors.

An elegantly carved wooden partition made using the local Channapatna toys (a GI-tagged craft) which demarcates the foyer and living room stands out as a key highlight.

A harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary handicrafts, an 8′ tall hand-painted Ganesha mural in the Guruvayur style captivates the foyer, immersing visitors in the South Indian cultural ambiance.

Spanning across 3500 sq meters of land, with a total built-up area of approximately 7000 sq ft, the house features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, family lounge, living room, dining room and pooja room with a zen garden.

Fact File

Designed by: Envisage

Project Type: Residential Interior Design

Project Name: Kaivinai

Location: Bangalore

Year Built: 2023

Duration of the project: 1 Year

Plot Area: 3500 Sq.ft

Built-up Area: 7000 Sq.ft

Principal Architects: Ar. Vishal Kakkar & Ar. Meena Murthy Kakkar

Team Design Credits: Ar. Tanvi Agrawal

Photograph Courtesy: Kuber

Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Paint, Wallpaper / Construction Materials – ACC CEMENT, AVB BRICKS / Lighting – Philips, Havells, Delhi Brass / Doors – House of Doors / Partitions – In house Sanitaryware – Grohe, Kohler / Windows – ASAHI / Sofas – In house / Chairs – Tusker Katha / Dining Table – Refurbished / Wardrobe – In house / Flooring – Athangudi Tiles, Hemlin & Somany / Paint – Asian Paints / Artefacts – Guruvayur School of Arts, Purple turtles, Ancestral pieces / Wallpaper – Kalakari Haath / Hardware – Hettich

Firm’s Website Link: Envisage

Firm’s Instagram Link: Envisage

Firm’s Facebook Link: Envisage

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