Nestled amidst the tall verdant greens, the humble abode of a noble couple of treta yuga of Hindu cosmology was made of natural and locally available materials like bamboo and thatch. The air was permeated with the sweet fragrance of wildflowers, while the melodious chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves created a serene ambiance. This setting embodied a profound sense of tranquillity, love, and resilience in the face of challenges, serving as an inspiration for the client’s dream abode.
The residents sought a sanctuary from the clamour of urban life. A suburban haven in Sarjapur, Bengaluru, spanning approximately 5000 square feet, offered the intangible yet invaluable luxuries for a fulfilling lifestyle. An ornamental garden welcomes one into the abode leading them to a foyer adorned by a skylight. The light from it guides its visitors to the living.
This space has windows that extend outwards with seaters to observe the enticing nature. It also overlooks the central courtyard. The courtyard is three-sided, the fourth side has a portal to a larger greenscape. Random rubble moon arch, the portal, provides a graceful transition from inside to the outside. It is surrounded by the Puja and kitchen, ideal for an Indian household to spill over during festivities.
The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, has low seating. This goes along with their philosophy of staying close to the ground and nature.
The first floor comprises a study and library space with ample light and ventilation for better productivity. It also has two bedrooms with bay windows to reduce the harsh sunlight from the west side. The furniture in these areas are of low height as well, similar to the dining area.
Windows on this floor have openings at two different levels. Thus allowing hot air to move out through the courtyard and capture cool air. Instead of separate balconies, a large terrace with semi-open and open spaces becomes a favourite spot for the naughty nocturnals and family gossip sessions.
A timbrel vault provides semi-open space on the terrace. The fluidity is continued on the above floor, where the vault covers the multipurpose room and the staircase. The skylight in this roof form, allows light to penetrate the spaces below.
Beautiful, for the inside and the outside.
Designing,
constructing, and maintaining dwellings in a way that lessens their impact on the environment is known as sustainable housing. This strategy encourages a healthy living environment and places an emphasis on the economical use of resources including electricity, water, and building materials.
In terms of the environment, it aids in resource conservation and carbon footprint reduction. In terms of the economy, it can result in considerable utility cost savings. Eco-friendly homes frequently provide a healthier living environment and improved air quality from a health standpoint.
This is exactly what the residents wanted for their dream home. The Welcoming and verdant gardens at the entrance have adequate plants and trees to reduce heat absorption and also allow rainwater to percolate into the ground, unlike regular concrete paving.
The Facade is adorned with exquisite stone masonry, while the interior is constructed using Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB). These blocks are produced on-site using locally sourced soil, with lime replacing the cement ratio. This unique composition enhances the structure’s strength over time. Additionally, selected herbs are incorporated into the block mixture, contributing to their durability. Parapets are crafted from these blocks and finished with mud plaster. The eastern facade features terracotta jali, and windows made from recycled wood add aesthetic appeal to the elevations.
The interiors boast lime-plastered walls adorned with stencil patterns, complemented by natural kota stone flooring. The courtyard is embellished with remaining Jaisalmer stones and mosaic tiles. Madras tiles are employed in the roof instead of concrete, further enhancing the eco-friendly design.
The use of steel is minimised and if used in the formwork, they are reused for other purposes. Birch ply and locally available sadarahalli stones are used to fabricate storage and wardrobes and are painted with eco-friendly chalk paint. They have incorporated a rainwater harvesting system as well that recharges the groundwater.
Incorporating all of these techniques, the residents were able to reduce their carbon footprint, save money as well as lead a healthy lifestyle. This also removes the widespread perception that sustainability is expensive and requires knowledge of various technologies and techniques.
Through planning, catering to all the family members, and response to the climate and planet, this abode is a true ‘Kalpataru’, a divine wish-fulfilling entity, granting the family the bliss of a Treta yuga ‘kutria’ of the noble couple, Sita and Rama.
REFERENCES:
- Buidofy. (2024). This Eco-Friendly Courtyard Home in Bengaluru is Inspired by Organic Forms. [YouTube video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4d1mu2gGQI&t=596s
