The house is situated on a relatively small plot of 30×40 (1200 sft) in a dense but leafy neighbourhood of J.P. Nagar (a prominent locality in South Bangalore).We call this the Minimal Indian House – ‘Minimal’, as there is no ostentation or decoration of any kind. Minimalist house design with traditional Indian elements, where the building elements like walls, floors, roof reveals, themselves as it is – walls are in stabilised mud blocks (Smb). Floor is natural Kota and the ceiling are filler slab roofing and the staircase treads are in Fossil Jaisalmer.
Minimalist House Design With Traditional Indian Elements | DESIGN MATTERS
visit : DESIGN MATTERS
The elevation façade is minimal, with staggered balconies and bay windows making it an interesting composition. The balconies are provided with planters so that the creepers can flow down the façade.
‘Indian’ because a lot of design elements are rooted in our tradition-The doors are antique door salvaged from Chettinad, refurbished and reused. The building materials used are native to our country.
The client wanted a ground and first duplex for the parents and second and third floor duplex for themselves. The requirement was challenging as there were numerous requirements but less space to plan the same.
The patterned cnc skylight animates the mud block walls and kota floors with interesting shadow patterns to create a dramatic ever changing effect. The stone and wooden columns are in the traditional design of our temples and ancient buildings.
The ground floor is allotted for the living, dining and a kitchen while the first floor houses two bedrooms with a family room opening out to a terrace. The two levels are connected with a cut out over the dining hence interconnecting the two levels visually.
Floors-Natural Kota stone instead of Vitrified Tiles. Fossil finish natural stone for staircase treads.
Doors-Reclaimed doors from Chettinad-Refurbished and reused. Antique pillars and brick jalis are used as an integral part of the interiors.
The second floor incorporates the client’s living, kitchen and utility and a study/guest room.
While the last level has the master bedroom and the study room
The third and fourth floor levels are connected by a skylit cut out with a leaf cnc pattern. The skylight lights up the kitchen and living and the cnc skylight casts interesting shadow patterns thoughout the day which animates the space.
We have used bay windows for the bedrooms -This extends the bedroom space by creating seating alcoves.
The bay windows and balconies are staggered creating an interesting façade. Projections are created in the SMB Walls to create interesting shadow patterns.
Walls made up of stabilised mud blocks-It has good thermal properties and the interiors will be cooler in summer than conventional buildings. Natural stone walls are used as highlights to break the monotony of SMB Walls
The double height space connects the two levels visually There are hanging lamps at different levels which dramatises the space
The clients were very clear that the building had to be eco friendly in as many ways as possible. Our design solution involved in allotting a corner for the vertical circulation which also had to accommodate a small lift and space for parking and the remaining portion for the main building.
We also designed the interiors for both the houses. The interiors is minimal and functional, embellished by small touches like interesting handle designs and other such details.
Wardrobes were made sliding as the rooms were small. The kitchen cabinets is finished with panelled membrane shutters and natural granite for the counters instead of Quartz
FACT FILE
Designed by : DESIGN MATTERS
Project Type : Residential Interior & Residential Architecture
Project Name : The Minimal Indian House
Location : J.P.Nagar, Bengaluru
Year Built : 2023
Duration of the project : 2 years
Plot Area : 1200 Sq.ft
Built-up Area : 3800 sq.ft
Project Size : 3800 sq.ft
Principal Architect : Ar. Kiran HanumaiahTeam Design Credits : Ar. Harshitha, Ar. Priyanka & Ar. Divya Shankar
Photograph Courtesy : Ajay Devasia
Products / Materials / Vendors : Construction Materials – Stabilised mud blocks, Filler Slab roof / Lighting – Mascon, decorative lights sourced from Chikpet / Doors and Partitions –Kelachandra Sanitaryware –Toto and Grohe / Facade Systems –Kelachandra window systems / Windows – Kelachandra and site finished wooden windows / Furniture – Client Sourced / Flooring – Kota, Jaisalmer marble / Kitchen – Vari Designs / Paint –Asian paints / Artefacts – Client Sourced
Firm’s Website Link : DESIGN MATTERS
Firm’s Instagram Link : DESIGN MATTERS
Firm’s Facebook Link : DESIGN MATTERS
For Similar Projects >> BUNGALOW DESIGN HAS A MODERNISTIC APPROACH, EMBELLISHED WITH TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]
In the heart of a dense urban fabric lies this conscientiously designed three-storeyed residence ‘VILAS’ in a plot of 1700 sq. ft. for a multi-generational family catering and navigating the requirements and ensuring their dreams come to reality. This three-storey house design is carefully crafted cuboid with interesting solids and voids, creating peripheral balconies and […]