Nestled between the bustling residential and industrial edges of Bengaluru, Ihita stands as a bold architectural statement, embodying a harmonious blend of traditional Indian house design and modernity. The home challenges conventional urban residential design by prioritizing openness, natural light, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Through the strategic use of large fenestrations, skylights, and carefully placed cutouts, the residence transforms into a luminous sanctuary, offering a stark contrast to the dense urban fabric that surrounds it.

Editor’s Note: “Ihita is an ode to architectural memory, bringing to life the strength of traditional Indian designs. Inspired by the courtyard homes of Karnataka, the design finds the beauty in raw materiality and mindful design. Moreover, this residence is an experience of time, space, tradition, and transformation, in the heart of urban Bangalore.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

Ihita Redefines Traditional Indian House Design with a Modern Architectural Statement | Bare Wall Studio

Design Inspiration

Ihita’s design draws profound inspiration from the traditional “Thotti mane” courtyard houses of Karnataka. A contemporary sensibility reinterprets this vernacular archetype, highlighting its central sunken courtyard.

At its heart lies a sunken living room, flanked by a double-height volume. Moreover, it serves as the focal point of the home.

This central void bathes every room in light and visually links them to the home’s core. Additionally, it fosters a sense of interconnectedness.

This modern adaptation not only pays homage to the region’s architectural heritage but also enhances the functional dynamics of the home.

Public and Private Spaces

The residence clearly delineates public and private spaces through meticulous organization. The ground floor, a realm of communal activity, houses a spacious living area, a functional kitchen, and a welcoming guest bedroom.

Ascending to the first floor, one enters the private sanctuary of the bedrooms. Moreover, each bedroom fosters both introspection and connection through thoughtful design. All bedrooms open onto balconies, sit-outs, and corner windows that foster a dialogue between the interior and exterior.

The terrace, an extension of the private realm, transforms into an intimate entertainment space. Thus, offering panoramic views and a tranquil retreat.

Role of Natural Light

Natural light plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the home. Massive skylights allow sunlight to cascade into the interiors. However, this creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that evolves with the passage of time and seasons.

This deliberate design choice not only enhances the spatial experience but also influences the daily rhythms of the inhabitants. Thus, grounding them in the natural world.

Concept

Ihita’s “House of Bare Walls” concept celebrates the inherent beauty of raw materials. Exposed concrete ceilings, porotherm walls, brickwork, and lime plaster create a rich tapestry of textures, lending the home a rustic yet sophisticated ambiance.

This material honesty is further enhanced by the seamless integration of stone finish tiles, slate, and carefully chosen tile patterns, each element contributing to the overall sense of tranquility and understated luxury.

The architectural integrity of Ihita is evident in its structural design. A flat slab construction technique eliminates the need for intrusive columns and beams, creating expansive, uninterrupted spaces. This structural clarity allows the meticulously curated interior details to shine.

Material Palette

Ihita’s narrative is deeply rooted in the preservation and celebration of heritage. Reclaimed Chettinad artefacts from Karaikudi, artfully integrated throughout the home, infuse the spaces with a sense of history and timeless elegance, from the repurposed Chettinad columns that grace the sunken living room to the reclaimed swing in the foyer and the transformed antique door serving as a dining table.

The material palette is deliberately understated, with dark wood veneers, brass accents, fluted glass, and jali walls adding subtle layers of luxury and character.

Facade

The facade, though subtle, makes a striking impression. The balcony is treated to create an illusion of floating bricks, a playful yet sophisticated detail that hints at the ingenuity within.

Each space within Ihita is designed as a peaceful retreat, inviting inhabitants to unwind and reconnect with their surroundings. From the carefully curated art and artefacts to the thoughtful integration of natural elements, the home is a testament to the power of architecture to inspire, comfort, and transform. It is not just a dwelling but a living, breathing entity that evolves with its inhabitants, embodying the timeless interplay of light, space, and tradition.

Fact File

Designed by: Bare Wall Studio

Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design

Project Name: House of Bare Walls

Location: Bangalore

Year Built: 2023

Duration of the project: 18 Months

Project Size: 4200 Sq.ft

Project Cost: 1.25 Crore

Principal Architect: Ar. Rishab Sudarshan

Team Design Credits: Edel Dsouza, Sushma Venkatesh, Hrishikesh, Gautham M.D, Linta
Santy, Supriya Ramesh & Saurabh Pradeep

Photograph Courtesy: Gopikrishnan Vijikumar

Structure Engineers: Rajesh Consultants

Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Limocoat, Asian paints / Construction Materials – Plastic formwork, Porotherm bricks / Lighting – Theon, White Teak / Sanitaryware – Toto / Furniture – Custom made / Flooring – Tile Lounge / Kitchen – Hettich / Paint – Asian paints / Artefacts – Karaikudi / Wallpaper – Homestories / Hardware – Ebco

Firm’s Website Link: Bare Wall Studio

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For Similar Project >>> The Brick House Exterior is a Jewel in the Dense Urban Fabric