A typical home of Southern India where local materials, contextual elements and the central blue stairs are the protagonists.

The site is in the hot and humid city of Mangalore, Karnataka, India. It experiences monsoon for over 4 to 5 months in a year. Firstly, the project is designed to have two houses within the compound and is built in a site size of 15 cents. The built form incorporates the needs of an extended family of two siblings with stark blue stairs in the center. Further, the linear house is for the brother and his family along with his parents.

Stark Blue Stairs takes the Center Stage of this Residence | Int-Hab architecture+design Studio

Editor’s Note: With projected balconies, sloping roofs, and coconut trees in the background, ‘Jodi Mane’ is like any other Southern home. But the interiors cast a different effect. Thoroughly bathed in white, the skeletal staircase takes the position of the heart of the house doused in sky blue hue. The essence of traditional roots in this house is restful and assured. ~ Nishal Sevak

A little back story

An architect by profession, he has also included a studio space in the upper floors. The second house is for the sister, who along with her husband are doctors by profession. 

The site is trapezoidal in shape, the planning of linear house is in 22’ X 100’ while the other house fits in the remaining site. The design is a climatic response and takes its influence by the surrounding area, including the hilly terrain.

Also, elements like high volume ceilings, double height spaces and sloped roof with optimal waterproof treatment ensures cross ventilation and daylighting.

The Linear House

The Linear house places itself along the length of the site with a courtyard where the stairway is provided. Basically, this house has a simple plan and divides into two parts. The front portion has the house which includes two floors, and the back portion has the design studio.

Certainly, the central metallic blue stairs is the hero element of the design with a contemporary style emphasizing the bold colour palette.

Besides, the stairway is safe and easy to access for the elderly and children alike, taking its inspiration by the cradle to provide support from all directions.

The ground floor has a kitchen, dining, living space and a bedroom. Furthermore, the first floor has two rooms and a family space. The internal blue stairs continue to the next floor that houses the design studio.  

The Second House

The second house is designed in the trapezoidal portion of the site. Due to this, it is recessed on one side with offsets alongside which the functional spaces are aligned.

Evidently, this setback makes for a nice garden which is accessible from each of the spaces. This helps in the seamless connectivity of the interior and exterior spaces. Following, the ground floor of the house has a living space along with dining, kitchen and two bedrooms. 

Further, the first floor is completely private with a master bedroom and a library area that can be used for unwinding over a book or music with family and friends or for work meetings.

Additionally, the second floor is has recreational spaces like the gym, art corner and a home theatre.

The two houses are a perfect blend of vernacular and modern design. Elements like the courtyard, verandah space or Jagali and the garden spaces marries effortlessly with modern elements such as the car park with UV resistant glass roof and metallic staircases.

A brief sum-up

In this project, the god is in the details. For example, the car park roof includes bamboo sticks to combat the heat from the harsh sunlight.

The well in the corner of the site blends into the landscape. Also, the outlets provided for the rainwater have cast iron chains as ornaments to enhance the beauty of the monsoon weather.

Characterized by distinctive volumes and clean lines, the exterior façade for the residence brings a flavour of the classic and traditional to the architecture of the house and helps in giving the overall project a complete look.

Fact File

Designed by: Int-Hab architecture+design Studio

Project Type: Residential Architecture & Interior Design

Project Name: Jodi Mane

Location: Mangaluru, Karnataka, India

Year Built: 2022

Duration of the project: Feb 2020 – May 2022

Plot Area: 6,534 sq.ft.

Built-up Area: 9,300 sq.ft.

Project Size:  9,300 sq.ft.

Principal Architect: Ar. Sachin Shetty

Team Design Credits: Ar. Madhura C.

Photograph Courtesy: Shamanth Patil Photography

Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Greenlam, Bangalore; Sources Unlimited, Mumbai / Wallcovering / Cladding – Laterite Cladding: M/s. Manjushree Designs / Construction Materials – Dayaa Enterprises / Lighting – Flos, Delta, Endo: Spectra Solutions / Doors and Partitions – Saburi Plywoods and Doors / Sanitaryware – Hansgrohe: Maruthi Ceramics, Bangalore / Windows – Angel and Ana’s Aluminium UPVC Windows and Doors / Furniture – Simply Sofas / Flooring – Maruthi Ceramics; Maheshwari, Bangalore; Abhay Marble, Mangalore; Wooden Flooring: Floormax Interiors / Kitchen – Inch2Inch; Kitchen sink: Jaquar, Maruthi Ceramics; Kitchen Hardware: Hettich, Blum; Chimney: Bosch; Appliances: Bosch, Siemens / Paint – Asian Paints / Wallpaper – Floormax Interiors.

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