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
In a landscape where aspiration quietly waits, Granthalay emerges as a circular building and sanctuary for learning—gathering people, knowledge, and place into a shared civic moment. Granthalay is conceived as a civic institution that extends beyond the conventional idea of a library, responding to the acute lack of educational and community infrastructure in the district […]
A dilapidated old manor house in Jaffna peninsula, with warped roof beams, warped door windows and many structural defects were presented to the architects for refurbishment- by clients- to be refurbished as a retirement home for themselves who were returning to Sri Lanka after escaping to overseas due to the 25 years old North East […]
This residence is a sincere exploration of how architecture can remain simple, climate sensitive, cost-effective, and emotionally grounded, without compromising on spatial quality or design intent. Conceived as a 3BHK modest home for a small family, the project stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful planning, craft-oriented construction, and material intelligence come […]
Design, when it emerges as a living tapestry, turns the experience of living into a vibrant everyday narrative. Baldota House in Alandi, Pune by ARCHOS accommodates three generations under a single roof in the area spanning 7500 Sq. Ft. Spearheaded by the family’s desire for a generous space and a theatrical essence along with balanced […]
Few homes are celebrated for their iconic interiors, while some are celebrated for their open layouts. True to its unique context and subtleties, this home with a monochromatic palette, designed by Ar. Saumya Khanna & Ar. Sudhir Ambawata Co – founders & principle architects of SSDA Architects brings the essence of volumetric design and a […]
Adopting sustainable living today, both in design and daily life, is crucial for reducing our environmental footprint and preserving resources for future generations. In the design of this bamboo pavilion, this means using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and creating spaces that harmonize with natural surroundings. In daily living, sustainability involves mindful consumption, reducing waste, conserving […]
Tucked into the lush landscape of Thiruvananthapuram, Aashiyana is a residence that balances context, climate, and craft. Designed by architect Srijit Srinivas, this bungalow is conceived as more than a tropical retreat-it is a spatial journey where bold colour, filtered light, and thoughtful materials orchestrate a distinctive atmosphere. Nestled Amidst Lush Landscape Aashiyana Balances Craft […]
Situated on a compact 1200 sft south-west corner plot, this residence was conceived as an inward-looking sanctuary for a family of four — a home that balances privacy and openness, light and enclosure, within the dense urban fabric. This Residence Was Conceived As An Inward-Looking Sanctuary For A Family Of Four | The Insideout Studio […]
Project 1374 is located in one of the plotted developments in the north of Bangalore, characterized by well-demarcated plots, open spaces, spacious roads, and organized infrastructure. Trees flank the wide streets, dividing the plots with dense canopies offering shaded avenues. Abutting the plot stood a cluster of trees- a quiet presence. We borrowed these trees […]
‘Roots’ was an experiment to build sustainably but not confer to the design language typically associated with sustainable buildings. This residential project re-considers the expression of sustainable architecture through a minimalist and materially grounded lens. Located on a 4,000 sq.ft. plot, the designers conceived the house for a family of three and their pet, organizing […]