Having spent their childhood growing up in old colonial home in New Delhi, the clients wanted one that would reflect their fond memories and take them back to their roots. Since it was their first, they wanted to build a simple residence that allowed a lot of natural light in and felt open and inviting in the heart of Bengaluru. We Design Studio’s initial vision for this home involved a home with an open-to-sky central courtyard that becomes the heart of this colonial home.
Editor’s Note: “The sleek, symmetrical facade of this Bangalore abode weaves seamlessly into a serene palette of concrete and wood. Drawing inspiration from the timeless Indian Aangan, the living spaces unfurl towards the vast sky and lush greenery. The interiors embrace the similar language of subtle luxury and craft spaces which are comfortable.” ~Simran Khare
This Residence Reflect The Client’s Fond Memories in Colonial Home | We Design Studio
Drawing inspiration from and being defined by the sustainable concepts of traditional Indian architecture, the main spaces look into a central open-to-sky ‘aangan’ on the inside and an ‘otla’ on the outside.
All the functions are placed around the courtyard, which is covered in a set of motorized louvers that respond to the weather. This ‘aangan’ is the heart of the home.
As one enters the property through a metal louvered gate, verdant surroundings within the compound walls create a private oasis, far from the sounds of the dynamic city. The ground floor houses the double-height living, kitchen, den, home office, and meditation space. The first floor has the bedrooms.
Being completely vastu compliant, one enters the home from the eastern veranda through a large wooden pivoted door. A double-curved teak wood partition separates the dining room from the entrance lobby and guides towards the central courtyard, where a single-flight staircase leads to the first floor.
The sandwiched spaces between the central courtyard and external veranda receive plenty of natural sunlight and ventilation. Thus, bringing nature into the home. Large floor-to-ceiling glass doors on either side visually connect the internal courtyard to the veranda outside.
The first floor steps back from the ground floor, softening the impact of the built form as you approach. The house features a locally popular cut-polish concrete finish. Meanwhile, the doors, windows, wardrobes, and furniture are crafted from Burma teak wood.
A light grey cement tile runs across the floor and walls of all bathrooms. A black basalt tile has been used for the floor of the veranda and semi-covered spaces. Colourful area rugs, art, and accessories bring in pops of colour. The material palette used throughout the house is classic, timeless, and elegant.
Conceived as a highly porous structure that allows nature’s elements to permeate freely, this home encourages introspection and social interaction in equal measure. The central aangan and the peripheral otla act as great solar passive features and help the house respond adequately to the climate of the city.
Fact File
Designed by: We Design Studio
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Otla House
Location: Bangalore
Year Built: 2021
Project Size: 9000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Nupur Shah & Saahil Parikh
Design Team: Nupur Shah, Saahil Parikh & Devyani Negi
Photograph Courtesy: Kunal Bhatia
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: We Design Studio
The Firm’s Instagram Link: We Design Studio
Firm’s Facebook Link: We Design Studio
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