This Keynote Speech from Elev8 Bangalore 2025 features architects Sandeep Khosla and Amaresh Anand discussing the design philosophy of Khosla Associates. They emphasize a contextual approach deeply rooted in site, climate, and local culture, promoting a sustainable and passive design strategy for India’s diverse environments. Throughout the talk, they share how their studio bridges traditional vernacular methods with a modern sensibility to create buildings that are both efficient and culturally resonant. By focusing on passive strategies rather than heavy technology, they demonstrate how architecture can responsibly harmonize with nature, providing climate-responsive solutions for the future of Indian construction.
Sunlight Management: The architects focus on protecting buildings from harsh sunlight while allowing diffused natural daylight. Examples include large overhangs and lyrical skylights in the Retreat in the Sahyadris, and louvered screens in the Gulmohar Clubhouse.
By understanding local breeze patterns, they modulate air through buildings. Notably, the DPS Kindergarten School utilizes terracotta jali walls and a stack effect in courtyards to cool classrooms without air conditioning.
They advocate for rainwater harvesting through recharging pits and storage tanks. In a project in Coorg, the designers use stored rainwater as a landscape feature. They also utilize graywater recycling with reed beds to filter water for gardening.
They promote sustainable choices by collaborating with local artisans and sourcing materials within a 5-kilometer radius for projects like the GreenPark Hotel to reduce environmental impact.
A major focus is on retrofitting and recycling existing structures rather than demolishing them. This is highlighted by the multi-decade transformation of the Tract and Book Society building in Bangalore, which has housed a bar, bookstore, and café.
In conclusion, Khosla and Anand advocate for building flexibility that considers a structure’s afterlife, arguing that buildings should be able to adapt to new uses over generations. Their dedication to sustainable architecture is evidenced by their use of local craft, intelligent sunlight management, and robust water harvesting techniques. By emphasizing adaptive reuse and retrofitting, they propose a path forward that minimizes environmental impact while celebrating India’s rich architectural heritage. Ultimately, their philosophy teaches us that responsible, contextual design is not just about aesthetics, but about creating enduring spaces that nurture both the inhabitants and the planet.
Set within a lush expanse of land, this sculptural house by Pranav Patel Design Studio is a poetic exploration of light, landscape, and living. Designed as a contemporary haven rooted deeply in Indian sensibilities, the project brings together sculptural architecture, organic landscape planning, and vernacular craftsmanship to create a space that is both immersive and […]
Paati Veedu, located in southern India, began with the vision of an elderly grandmother (Paati) with Terminal Cancer, whose wish was to rebuild her ancestral home and spend herfinal years in a space she could call her own. The Site is located in the outskirts of Mayiladuthurai, in Southern India. Paati set the 1200 sq […]
Modern tropical residential architecture approach that balances openness, functionality, natural ventilation, and visual connectivity. The concept focuses on creating a warm family-oriented home with a strong connection to nature through courtyards, double-height volumes, and open planning. Natural materials, wooden textures, and soft neutral tones enhance the sense of comfort, while carefully planned spatial zoning ensures […]
Project Perch is a playschool that sits along a busy secondary road in a rapidly growing urban neighbourhood, where noise, traffic and constant movement dominate the surroundings. Designing a playschool in such a setting required the architects to prioritise safety, privacy, and controlled exposure for young children. This informed an inward-facing planning strategy that shields […]
Vault House is conceived as a contemporary tropical residence that balances raw materiality with warmth, openness, and family-centric living. Designed for a multi-generational family comprising a couple, their daughter, and parents, the house responds to a clear client vision: a home that is unique, user-friendly, and deeply connected to natural light, ventilation, and greenery. This […]
Tucked into a corner of a lush 2 acre plantation off the Kanchipuram highway, this farmhouse is a quiet ode to sustainability and serenity. Surrounded by thriving groves of coconut, mango, and orange trees, the site offered a natural canvas for a home that would dissolve gently into its surroundings of rural landscapes—grounded in place […]
Located in Udaipur– Rajasthan, this residential project enjoys a unique setting with panoramic views of Roop Sagar on one side and surrounding hills on the remaining three sides. The design brief focused on creating a modern and minimalist residence that exudes serenity and understated luxury. “The designers thoughtfully planned the house to include premium lifestyle […]
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 […]
Located in HMT Layout, Bangalore, Isha_Srinidhi Nilaya stands as a multi-generational home designed on a compact 60×40 ft (2400 sq. ft) East facing plot, with a total built-up area of 8000 sq. ft. East Facing a lush public park, the residence responds to its urban setting through a layered design that balances privacy with a […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]