The dimensions were definitely challenging, let alone being unique. When Smaran Mallesh and his team at Cadence Architects were shown a site of 68 x 19 x 107 x 73 x 4 feet in south Bengaluru and asked to build a four-bedroom residence, spread over 7,800 square feet, they realized did that the design intervention must be unique. Not only was the site dimensions awkward, its location was equally as well, located in the corner of a busy junction between dense urban neighbourhoods.
With vehicular roads on two of its three sides, the design team was faced with the challenge of coming up with a structure that shielded the interiors from the chaos of the exterior, yet retained contact with the exterior without losing the serenity of an isolated dwelling. Was. Given the large internal space request, this meant that the building footprint would encompass the entire site; And a steep vertical extension of the structure was inevitable.
defensive, conspicuous
The structure that eventually emerged was the one that literally rose from the road, a flame red corten steel sheeting that wrapped the exterior defensively. The three-storey structure placed on an open stilt car park at ground level is further covered with a concrete canopy on the roof where the sharply angled slab points dramatically upwards, similar to the nose of the ship.
It was important to ensure that the façade did not appear as a massive vertical extension. The design team worked on height to successfully address this, punctuating the façade with concrete bands to go with the sheeting.
“Exposed concrete bands punctuate the façade at the surface and corners to cut this vertical extension. The raw textures of the concrete bands contrast aesthetically with the flame red perforated corten steel sheeting that wraps the exterior structure. Mallesh explains that The sheeting is delicately crafted within the concrete band to create a protective veil-like fabric. The sharply angled parasol, in addition to bringing dramatic dimension to the façade, also transforms this visual vertical extension.
twin field
The mix of rustic with warm earthy colors on the façade is reiterated in the contemporary themed interiors. The spaces display a rich combination of warm wood and concrete planes. The earthy flavor is enhanced by the neutral palette of the walls, with the greens in the courtyard blending to create an energetic composition. Sunlight streaks through the perforated steel sheeting entering another dimension in the minimalist interior.
Characterized by the interior as a division of two distinct activity areas, this feature is echoed in all three levels of the building. A spacious double height living area prevails on the first level. An open kitchen with dining area is tied into this living space, where a sunlit green open deck prevailing on the eastern side brings ample natural light and ventilation to the interiors. On the second level there is an open horizontal bridge, which visually connects to the living space below.
In the western part there is a bedroom with a worship area, in the main part of which there is a lift and stairs. A small sky-lit green courtyard surrounds the staircase that leads up to three levels. “The courtyard has been left open for the use of the house based on functional requirements”, says Mallesh. Equal division of spaces into the second level, the master bedroom and the third bedroom are located on either side of the core of the residence and converge on the pedestrian bridge. Charming nooks have flanking windows to connect to the exterior as well as serve as a relaxation or reading area.
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