In a densely urbanized and heavily trafficked area of South Bangalore, we designed a house that needed to be entirely introverted, minimizing interaction with the bustling exterior. The west walls faced heavy traffic, while the north was lined with small shops and street vendors.
To address this, we positioned the house to maximize ventilation and functionality within the constrained space. We opted against a traditional courtyard and instead created an enclosed arrival quadrangle with a large stone gate, which led to a spacious living area with a generous window. This was the primary source of natural light and ventilation for the home.
The design included a mezzanine study, a family lounge, an
open staircase, and a multifunctional entertainment hall. An
open kitchen with a skylight and a small backyard courtyard
contributed to both functional needs and natural airflow.
We aimed to unify these spaces visually and functionally,
ensuring they felt like a single volume despite their distinct
purposes. The bedrooms, arranged around a central vestibule,
were connected to a terrace vegetable garden and were designed
to be well-lit and spacious through strategic skylights and
ventilation.
Constructed primarily from steel and insulated wall panels,
the house effectively minimized noise and thermal transfer
from the surrounding traffic. An internal brick skin provided
additional acoustic isolation, creating a cozy, introspective
living environment amidst the urban intensity.
Bengaluru
2020