The brief from the client was to design a house for 3 on a 1200 sq.ft site—working techie couple with a young daughter and the occasional guest with 3 bedrooms and 2 car parks. This had to be done within a certain budget.
Editor’s Note: The earthy home in Bangalore explores multiple possibilities to experiment with brick volumes and textures. The double-height jali and the artificial lighting welcome warmth into the interiors, while the greenery further enhances the space. Although designed under constraints, efficient spatial planning creates an aura of abundance. The coffered ceiling above the traditional jhula is a perfect example of blending contemporary and traditional Indian architecture. – Gopika Pramod
A House Where Design Can Bring in Lots of Sunshine | Design Matters
They wanted a house which was’ not just another regular house ‘-A house where design can bring in lots of sunshine, spaces which delight with interesting volumes. They wanted efficient utilsation of the space as the space was limited. They liked the colour and tone of brick walls and wanted to use it for highlight walls.
Since the site was relatively small-30’x40’ ie.1200 site, we located the car park, lobby with lift and staircase and the guest bedroom with its toilet in the ground floor. This was done so we get the entire first floor footprint for designing a large living, dining, kitchen, utility and powder room.
The living ,dining and kitchen is a large seamless space with a double height courtyard area in between. The courtyard wall has a stunning double height jali which creates interesting shadow patterns depending on the seasons.
The courtyard is only differentiated by a flooring pattern of diagonal Jaisalmer marble square panels to highlight this area. The courtyard is skylight with a coffered ceiling-alternating panels of solids and voids.
The visual connection of the second floor bedrooms to the first floor is an important element as it gives the house a duplex feel and a feeling of spaciousness, Connecting the two is a small family/lounge area looking down to the court and the Jali wall.
We introduced a glass lift between the staircase as one has to access three levels and it would be convenient for the elderly to access the living dining as its on the first floor.
The second floor accommodates both the bedrooms with their respective walk in wardrobes and toilet. Each bedroom has a louvred window which when opened ,looks down to the courtyard
We took inspiration from the amazing Indian modern architecture done by our contemporaries.
We wanted to use a contemporary language and blend it with brick wall accents which would make it a bit more earthy and relatable.
The central skylight courtyard done in innumerable Indian homes was another inspiration, but we adapted the same concept without a level difference-A more seamless space which lights up the central part of the house and creates interesting patterns of light due to the coffered skylight in this area…hence this courtyard and the double height jali wall is the USP of the project.
The materials used is conventional RCC and solid block walls. However,the walls are highlighted with locally sourced wire cut brick cladding. The flooring consists mainly of Kota look alike tile from Ezio and the courtyard consists of Jaisalmer marble inlays. The treads of the steps is also made up of Jaisalmer marble. Brick Jalis are sourced from Nuvocotto.
Fact File
Designed by: Design Matters
Project Type: Residential Interior & Architecture Design
Project Name: ’Vivek’s Residence’
Location: Bangalore
Year Built: 2022-2023
Duration of the project: 18 Months
Plot Area: 1200 Sq.ft
Built-up Area: 3200 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Kiran Hanumaiah
Team Design Credits: Ar. Harshitha Chandrashekhar, Abhijith,Zeeshan & Femi Thomas(Interiors)
Photograph Courtesy: Ajay Devasia
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding –Locally sourced wire cut brick cladding Construction Materials –Solid cement block walls and RCC Roof / Lighting –Mascon, WIPRO, decorative lights sourced from Chikpet / Doors and Partitions –Custom made / Sanitaryware –Jaguar / Windows –Upvc windows by Seccurit / Furniture –Client Sourced / Flooring – tiles from ENZIO,Jaisalmer marble for highlights and staircase / Kitchen –Dimension Interio / Paint –Asian paints / Artefacts –Client Sourced Lights-Beruru Jali-Nuvocotto
Consultants for the Project: Civil – Mr.Nagaraj Kolkere / Structure Engineers – Yogesh Babu / Lighting Designers – Design Matters, Bangalore / Quantity Surveyors – Mr. Srinivas Bhat
Firm’s Website Link: Design Matters
Firm’s Instagram Link: Design Matters
Firm’s Facebook Link: Design Matters
For Similar Projects >> 402 Serene Home: A Harmonious Blend of Modern and Traditional Residential Interiors
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]