The soul of a true home is often lost in the clamor of progress in the busy urban landscapes where concrete towers rise and fall like giants. Yet, in the middle of all of this mayhem, some architects and clients are trying to rethink the concept of home itself—not just as a place to live but also as a narrative that comes to life and a haven that speaks to the spirit of its occupants.

With their two kids, Mr. Ranganath and Mrs. Asha set out to reinvent their definition of home. With their roots firmly planted in Karnataka's rural landscapes, they longed for a home that would provide a haven where family ties could flourish despite the city's expansion by smoothly fusing the traditional with the modern.

Fact File

Blending the Traditional with the Modern

At the heart of the design philosophy lay a reverence for tradition, embodied by the central courtyard that mirrored the communal embrace of Karnataka village homes. Here, amid the bustle of the city, routines played out in a harmony of community, creating relationships beyond physical space. However, the architects recognized that a careful balancing act between privacy and connectivity was necessary for urban living. As a result, the design skillfully combined private escapes with public areas, generating a fluidity of movement that reflected the ups and downs of family life. It was more than simply architectural skill; it was about feeling the family's pulse and knowing their hopes, anxieties, and dreams. The architects and the clients collaborated to co-create a story honoring tradition and family's fundamental qualities through lengthy conversations and partnerships.

A Warm Material Palette

The entire house's material scheme is a deliberate fusion of sustainably produced and locally sourced materials, giving the area a feeling of warm coziness and raw elegance. Because of its natural beauty, terracotta blocks are used as cladding on the walls. They are arranged in interesting patterns along curved surfaces and they blend in perfectly with the plastered walls. These terracotta blocks continue into the flooring and ceiling to create a unified appearance throughout the house. The doors and windows feature salvaged teak wood frames that complement the terracotta hues to create a pleasant atmosphere in every room. Stained glasses of blue tones adorn the interior windows, adding a vibrant touch and a whimsical yet endearing quality.

Metal elements cleverly extend the space's perceived dimensions by adding a feeling of lightness and spaciousness, especially in the stairway. The well-planned placement of glass blocks in pooja spaces and skylights allows natural light to flood the interiors, creating enchanting patterns that flow across the walls throughout the day. This captivating interplay of light and shadow enhances the home and is a testament to the careful selection of materials and design.

A Façade that Stands Out

Featuring a multi-dwelling idea where each story reveals an independent living space, the house's elevation is a stunning monument to both functionality and aesthetics. A clever architectural maneuver ensures that with every ascending level, the internal spaces expand, ingeniously accomplished through the incorporation of curved walls on the upper floors. These walls create a unique façade that draws attention to the neighborhood with its beautiful interior and external curves.  The façade of this architectural wonder is enhanced by the curved terracotta blocks that are carefully placed to capture and manipulate light, generating captivating patterns of shadow that change throughout the day and giving the impression that the façade is dynamic and always in motion.

Jutting balconies give onlookers a sense of mystery while providing expansive vistas of the surroundings. The facade's attractiveness is further enhanced by a spiral staircase that appears to be a puzzle piece that fits perfectly into the curved facade, enticing passersby to envision and consider the plethora of possibilities contained within this architectural marvel. The house's elevation, with its dynamic interplay of form, light, and space, is a stunning tribute to creativity and innovation that leaves a lasting impact on everyone who sees it.

From the semi-circular bricks that adorn the exterior to the curvilinear bathrooms that challenge conventional norms, every design element is a testament to the marriage of tradition and modernity. Local materials and craftsmanship are celebrated, not just for their aesthetic appeal but for the stories they carry within their grains and textures.

This home goes beyond just being a building; it's a symbol of hope in a world where the true essence of home is often overlooked. For Mr. Ranganath, Mrs. Asha, and their children, it's not just a place to stay; it's a sanctuary where they find comfort, belonging, and the freedom to pursue their dreams.

To watch the complete home tour, peruse the drawings in detail, and browse additional photographs, visit Buildofy. While there, don’t miss out on the other spectacular contemporary homes in Karnataka and across India.