The brief for Madhura was to create two 3-BHK houses, one for each sibling with shared common spaces. It is a home designed as a response to the client’s wish for a home reminiscent of their ancestral home in Kampli, Karnataka —a quaint town near Hampi with old dwellings built in mud and stone. The challenge was to re-create a similar experience but one that is set in the current premise of the dense urban context of Bengaluru that they now call home.
Editor’s Note: In the embrace of earthy textures and lush landscapes, this architectural tapestry unfolds a serene narrative of homecoming. As one wanders through its spaces, the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity evokes a sense of warmth, inviting connection, reflection, and a celebration of life’s cherished moments. ~ Isha Bora
Madhura Merges Two 3 BHK Houses in the Dense Urban Context of Bengaluru | Design Kacheri
The 3 BHK houses are designed to be a connection to their roots and one that supports their traditional way of life. Based on our initial interactions with the family, we understood that they wanted several formal and informal spaces in the homes where they could socialize and host gatherings, like chamber concerts and religious meets.
Having built on a site area of 3000 sq. ft. , we decided to stack the houses one above the other so that the built footprint is judiciously managed and also the two houses can be independent and private. The planning of these two east-facing homes strictly follows the principles of Vastu.
The idea was to connect and envelop the built spaces with landscape all around. The living rooms of both homes open to the landscape —a garden along the ground floor and a covered courtyard on the first floor. These became spillover spaces when they hosted gatherings or events.
As one enters through the gate, the front yard and parking space greet you, lined with sira stone in random rubble patterns that set the tone for the experience ahead. The ground-floor house opens to this garden along the east side, featuring the ‘Tulasi brindavan’ (holy basil plant) as its focal point.
All the common space of the house are lined up—such as the entrance foyer, living room, dining area, puja space, and kitchen. These are parallel to this linear expanse of the garden. Henceforth, connecting them all at all times with the lush landscape while bringing in the pleasant eastern light. Meanwhile, the bedrooms open towards the decks and gardens along the sides.
Like the garden on the ground floor, we planned the first-floor house around a covered, landscaped courtyard. The courtyard is an informal space with stepped seating.
An interesting play of light and shadows through the day created by the terracotta jali wall and the clay-tiled sloping roof with glass inserts make this space very dynamic.
The third level is designed as an interesting combination of open and semi-open spaces, achieved by incorporating a sloping roof adorned with clay tiles.
This terrace floor is a common space for the houses with direct separate access. Lined with plants along the periphery, the terrace also includes a pantry and some seating areas. It creates a welcoming environment for residents to enjoy.
Additionally, along with the terrace, there is a home theater and a gym on the same floor. It’s a hub for common activities through various times of the day like gardening, yoga, and outdoor movies, as well as lounging and a party space.
Mud and stone are the two main materials utilized in various techniques. This helped to recreate the inherent earthiness of the ancestral homes. Meanwhile, it makes the structure eco-friendly. We employed various alternative construction techniques and materials to reduce the carbon footprint. It is built using unburnt earth blocks (compressed stabilized earth blocks, or CSEB) and hollow terracotta blocks that are predominantly left exposed.
This structure has interesting roofing variations both indoors as well as along the external elevation. To reduce concrete usage in the roofs, we incorporated the filler slab technique using hollow terracotta blocks. By doing so, we not only minimized material consumption but also enhanced the overall aesthetic appeal.
These hollow blocks act as excellent thermal insulators, reducing the heat transferred from the roofs. Additionally, the jack arch and vault roof in bricks further help this purpose. The houses are a melange of different Indian stones: sira granite as rough random rubble walls and floors. Meanwhile, yellow Jaisalmer stone, kota stone in both rough and polished finishes, and leather-finished black granite contribute to the striking aesthetic.
Fact File
Designed by: Design Kacheri
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Madhura House
Location: Bangalore
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 4300 Sq.ft
Design Team: Nidhish Kurup, Chaitra Saraf, Alex Paul, Arhata Jain & Mouleeswaran R
Photograph Courtesy: Arjun Krishna
Interior Styling: Drisha Jain
Structural Consultants: Sigma Consultants
Contractors: Deepak and Ezhumalai
Source: ArchDaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Design Kacheri
For Similar Project>> This Six Bedroom House Design Offers an Experience That is Refined
The Liquescent house, located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, is a testament to organic architecture, a dialogue between the built and unbuilt, and the careful integration of natural elements. The architect’s inclination towards the design language is imbued with a natural fluidity, shaped by a childhood immersed in clay. This formative experience—working with a material […]
The rural residence is thoughtfully situated on a 9,000 square foot plot in Pappanadu, a village renowned for its rich communal life and cultural heritage in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Designed to accommodate a couple and their mother, the objective was to create a distinctive home that not only stands out aesthetically but also remains accessible […]
The design philosophy of Bhide’s Farmhouse in Pune, deeply rooted in organic living, embraces modern minimalism while incorporating elements of rustic charm. The emphasis is on creating a harmonious relationship with the natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes of Maharashtra. The design prioritizes simplicity, authenticity, and sustainability. Editor’s Note: By beautifully incorporating rustic […]
This modern house by the lake is inspired by traditional Wada architecture while incorporating contemporary aesthetics and functionality. Embracing nature, the architectural design reflects cultural heritage, technological advancements, and natural surroundings. With its exposed brick exterior, central courtyard, landscaping, a swimming pool by the lake, and a narrow alley entrance reminiscent of old Wadas, this residence […]
If you were to step into this Hyderabad house, you would sense harmony in paradox as it harmonizes two distinct units. With both units seamlessly woven together with open-to-sky transitional spaces. Moving around, you get the impression of belongingness, thriving in complete balance with a respect for individuality. This Hyderabad House Harmonizes Two Distinct Units […]
Reflecting grandeur, this Delhi house, also called as Nievus Villa reinterprets classical architecture through a contemporary lens, resulting in a sophisticated, and inviting home. FAB Studio undertook the challenge of creating a residence that seamlessly integrates into Delhi’s architectural landscape, while blending timeless elegance with modern comfort. Editor’s Note: “By merging classical elements with contemporary […]
The sentiment of togetherness is conceptualised the best way by Shreesh Design Studio LLP in this luxe house and has executed it with brimming affection. ‘The Luxe Wave,’ as so appropriately named, is a residential haven located in the warm arms of a homely neighborhood in Rajkot, Gujarat. The coming together of familial bonding and […]
A building that is constructed and designed to be environmentally responsible and resource-efficient design is called a green building. Green buildings are designed to maintain or improve the quality of the environment around them. Deep under its stylish mien, with Nature running through the veins of this house of 3732 square feet, is a green […]
Coloured glass is incorporated into the east facing elevation of the house with a plan designed to interact beautifully with morning sunlight. As the sun rises, light filters through the coloured glass, casting vibrant, colourful rays throughout the interior and creating a dynamic, uplifting atmosphere. Each piece transforms into a radiant, gem-like feature when struck […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]