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 clients were very clear that the building had to be eco friendly in as many ways as possible.
Breaking down the identity
The designers named it the Minimal Indian House –
‘Minimal’ as there is no ostentation or decoration of any kind. The building elements-the 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. 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 stone and wooden columns are in the traditional design of our temples and ancient buildings.
Skylit spine
The 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. 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.
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. Bay windows for the bedrooms extends the bedroom space by creating seating alcoves.
Method to materiality
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. Floors-Natural Kota stone instead of Vitrified Tiles. Fossil finish natural stone for staircase treads. Roof: Filler slabs for a cooler interior. Doors-Reclaimed doors from Chettinad-Refurbished and reused. Antique pillars and brick jalis are used as an integral part of the interiors
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. The designers favourite element in the project are the louvred windows provided for the rooms for both the units. Once open, they instantly visually connect all the rooms in that level and achieve a visual connection with the lower level as well, and when closed affords privacy for the rooms
The core concept of the project is the balance of traditional and modern, balance of environment friendly elements and a modern design sensibility.
Fact file:
Name of the project: The Minmal Indian House
Location: J.P Nagar, Bangalore
Area: 3,800 sq ft
Type: Residential architecture and interior design
Design firm: Design Matters, Bengaluru
Lead Designer: Kiran Hanumaiah
Photography Credits: Ajay Devasiya
About the design firm:
Design Matters is an architectural and interior design firm started in 2011 by Kiran Hanumaiah located in Bangalore. Kiran has a Master’s degree from School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi and more than 23 years experience in the field of architecture, interior and product design. Design Matters believes in holistic, user centric designs where form follows function and strives to cater to the clients requirements.
