A tête-à-tête along the footpath of the plot, situated in the south of Bengaluru, proved to be a catalyst for a new commencement. The fate of a home was to be etched in the records of its owner’s personal construction project. A sloping road in the tranquil neighborhood of Banashankari accommodates ‘Thotti Mane’ which translates to ‘courtyard house’ in Kannada and is a testament to its namesake.The abode stays true to its name, featuring a central courtyard, that renders it airy in nature.

FACT FILE

The main entrance boasts a trio of choices, each at different levels. Two beckon for vehicular access, while one carved wooden door, adorned with brass embellishment extends a warm welcome to the pedestrians. This pedestrian entrance, framed by a gable roof, Tulsi Vrindavan, and covered parking, serves as the foretaste for the sanctuary that lies beyond. It exudes a sense of being inside out, with the sky peeking through the terraces and the porch’s canopy. A mere five treads further, another wooden carved door appears, granting access into the heart of this home.

A SPACE DIPPED IN TRADITION

Upon entering, one is greeted with a harmonious fusion of Athangudi tiles and Jaisalmer stone, reflecting the myriad hues of nature. As the focus shifts, it alights upon a framed courtyard, supported by wooden columns and brackets. This space serves as a prime location where the family and even the guests commune for conversations. Stepping into the courtyard’s printed Athangudi tiles, a scene unfolds taking one back to childhood, with a swing merrily swaying and the air filled with children’s giggles. A wooden swing adorned with brass stains, gracing the other end of the courtyard, evokes a sense of nostalgia. Drenched in natural light, courtesy of a strategically placed skylight, this space creates an airy and luminous aura throughout the home with other spaces opening up to it.

On the ground floor, living spaces surround the courtyard drawing from its light source. The living room, across the courtyard, features wooden furniture and an exposed brick feature wall adhering to the minimalistic theme. In the southeastern corner, the kitchen overlooks the entry, from the two windows that serve as peepholes. A pooja room is tucked in the north-eastern corner, while the bedrooms take up the western corner, optimizing the back wall of the residence for privacy.

As one ascends the stairs, a cut-out adorned with a wooden balustrade breathes light into the space. This upper floor accommodates the son’s bedroom, which sustains the home’s minimalistic theme. Adjacent to it, a little escape room transforms into a lounge where the family spends their time watching movies.

UNCOVERING THE COVERED

On either side of the cutout, two imposing French doors stand ready to transport you into a new realm. These magnificent wooden doors swing open to reveal a covered terrace adorned with Athangudi tiles. This covered expanse becomes a rain-watching den on a somber day. Beyond, it gracefully splits into two open terraces, to accommodate the entry and its gable roof. These terraces serve as a vantage point, overlooking the surrounding trees and the adjoining road. This space becomes an eye into the outside world from the comfort of one’s own abode.

THE REIGN OF WOOD

The judicious use of wood throughout the residence infuses the sanctuary with tones of warmth. From the wooden door at the entrance to the wooden furniture gracing every inch, the home is doused in wooden accents. This theme isn’t limited to mere furniture; the very core structure of this house evokes timelessness with wooden columns.

Taking cues from the traditional elements, this home seamlessly weaves a tapestry of materials. With the courtyard serving as the center of attention, it laces the residents’ minds with a sense of nostalgia.

A warm embrace of wood, paired with the home’s airy disposition, renders ‘Thotti Mane’ an enchanting residence.

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 impressive traditional homes in Bengaluru and across India.