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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, LintaSanty, 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
The Firm’s Instagram Link: Bare Wall Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: Bare Wall Studio
For Similar Project >>> The Brick House Exterior is a Jewel in the Dense Urban Fabric
The site is located in Ahilyanagar town of Maharashtra, with a design brief of 7,000 sq feet, while the house had to be designed for the hot and dry climate, which responds carefully to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. The design focuses on reducing heat gain, improving natural ventilation, and creating comfortable indoor spaces with […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
SapanoUday is a contemporary residence that balances material rawness with layered textures and crafted detail, aligning modern living with cultural and spatial sensibilities. Designed by Hundreddesigns, the home responds closely to the client’s routines and artistic inclinations while thoughtfully integrating Vastu principles. HundredDesigns The designers defined the architecture through a minimal palette, using exposed concrete […]
KRIPA is a residence that reflects the personality and lifestyle of its homeowner — calm, open, and rooted in nature. The project focuses on creating light-filled, green spaces with minimal private zones, encouraging openness and connection. In a time when spaces are shrinking but expectations are rising, architecture becomes the medium to bridge this gap […]
The Sculpted Sanctuary is a masterclass in modern minimalist design. The project focuses on “Quiet Luxury”. It is the idea that a space doesn’t need bright colors or flashy decor to feel expensive. Instead, it uses raw natural materials, rich textures, and sharp architectural lines. This Home Is A Masterclass In Modern Minimalist Design | […]
SIDHARTHA, is a four-bedroom modern house which is functional and aesthetic driven by the specific needs of the client. The location of the site is in a dense neighbourhood in Bengaluru, India. The contemporary urban dwelling frequently negotiates competing demands. It balances generous daylight and visual connection to the street with privacy, dust control, and […]
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 […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]