Founded on 1 November 2001, MayaPraxis is an architecture and design-related firm rendering services in urban design, interior designing, and landscape. The firm is headed by Dimple Mittal and Vijay Narnapatti in collaboration with the team of architects, interns, engineers, and others, which is considered as one of India’s emerging and talented firms in design and architecture. Renowned publication houses such as Indian Architect & Builder Magazine has recognized Mayapraxis and their practice as a ‘Practices of Consequence’. The firm has carried many projects in public and private, institutional, commercial, residential, schools, hospitals, larger mixed communities, institutions, apartments, houses, etc. The firm has specialized design consultants in their association-wide range of projects be it for technical, design, conceptual design to execution for projects. The design firm has their work profile in diverse scales, types, and settings for which they have earned many awards and publications for their design approaches. MayaPraxis is the firm believing in exploring project spirit beyond ‘functional’ requirements and project economics.
Here are 15 iconic projects by mayaPraxis
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1. House Triangle Farmhouse | MayaPraxis
House Triangle Farmhouse located in Bangalore; India is a weekend farmhouse that is designed on an undulating landscape of Deccan Plateau on the 3-acre site of which a 1600 sqft building is located facing the farmland. The design was conceptualized in three bays, these bays are fastened in place by four brick walls triangular in shape. The ground floor is without walls in interiors where there is a free plan for spaces across the verandah, living, dining, kitchen, pool room, and TV lounge. With the use of cavity walls and rat trap bond, the exposed bricks are wire cut bricks showcasing the natural beauty of materials and engineering. Extending beyond rooms the walls form triangles along the roof, the roof acts as a flip flop which contains the space and is flexible to lift up as required. The openings are designed to catch views and vistas of the natural landscape around the building, the design uses heavy masonry walls as similar in traditional cottage designs but for giving it a modern edge and context light roof with wood and tiles, simple materials and deep overhangs are provided. This project is one of the simplest yet statement-making architecture which has been recognized with awards and publications.
2. Interior of Curves
Interior of Curves is a 3-bedroom apartment located in Bangalore, India;inside a 16-floor apartment complex this residence is located on the third floor. The project was intended to make the apartment feel larger, make a flowing space, and use the existing space optimally. The masonry walls were broken replacing with lighter, transparent and certain movable partitions were introduced, space was expanded into adjacent spaces. The vocabulary of the project was kept modern and in flow by introducing curves and undulating planes in interiors with white as a theme. New partitions were erected to give a look of light, curved, and transparent interior space, this idea was extended to the ceiling to give an alternate option for an existing flat ceiling. The furniture was also given a form of undulating shapes to use similar vocabulary and approach for the entire interiors. The white theme of the entire interiors was contrasted by contrasting darker wood flooring. By using a simple white theme and curve shapes, the project marked its distinction from the typically seen interiors.
3. Bamiyan Cultural Centre
Located in Afganistan’s third-largest city Bamiyan, the project is Bamiyan Cultural Center, an architecture competition was held by UNESCO with the association of the Afghan Ministry of Information and Culture and Republic of Korea. This architecture competition is to catalyze the economic development of Bamiyan with help of local communities, culture, and focus on preserving and protecting cultural heritage and opening future opportunities of growth by sharing it. The project conceived exhibition, learning, working, training spaces, and communal spaces like amphitheater and plaza. All spaces are oriented keeping in mind the Bamiyan cliff view and the sun from the south, the project respects the site and its geography and utilizes the existing points of interest in its spatial sequencing.
4. Yoga Nikaya
Yoga Nikaya located near Bangalore, India is a place of learning and teaching on a 9 acre land of which 1.5-acre land is building footprint, other areas are left for orchards and farmland. Providing Yoga and meditation spaces with additional facilities of Cottages, dormitories, dining, and an observatory to view and learn scientific or spiritual references. The design focuses on natural connect for physical and mental wellbeing by utilizing the best materials, form, and technique. The buildings are inspired by yoga poses with balance and limbs stretched outwards in a grace, buildings are situated by digging into the ground or hugging the earth, in-between these buildings a water harvesting system runs the site channelizing and percolating water into the ground making its way in a recharge well. The project used natural, locally available or reused materials with sustainable features like water harvesting system and natural sewage treatment.
5. Poolhouse at MallyaAditi International School | MayaPraxis
MallyaAditi International School Pool house is located in Bangalore, India. It is a shed which is inspired by a body in swimming position that is a diver’s posture, concrete column, and a steel trussed structure that holds the roof of the shed. The swimming pool of 25m x 32m was spanned using boat-shaped trusses, at ends, it was supported with light steel brackets which were emerging in between the two split concrete columns. Along the length of the pool, skylights are placed, engineering and art are blended in the design of this swimming pool. On the roof solar panels are placed leaving areas of skylights, the building has enough natural light considering privacy the height of openings is kept on a higher level. Other facilities such as changing rooms, toilets and equipment places are designed elegantly, services such as pump rooms are below ground over which the coach’s room is designed. Bangalore has cool weather all year round considering this a covered heated pool was proposed which was heated by solar energy a much sustainable and economical option. The swimming pool is sustainably designed with distinct architecture.
6. Foot-over bridge on Outer Ring Road at Bellandur, Bengaluru
Located in Bellandur this footbridge was constructed for about 30000 pedestrians to cross busy outer ring road which has seen many fatalities, constructed to facilitate bus stop to the main carriageway this footbridge spans 72 meters and is column less across the main carriageway. Resembling to reptile the skeletal structure is flexible, ribcage is holding the bridge together by strong spine bound by sternum, and these abstract ideas are used in components of bridge. The design is inspireed by nature and the structure is beautiful and efficient.
7. Hotel in Bahrain
This hotel is located in Bahrain, the Persian Gulf which in its architecture is inspired by landscape and design of curves and curvilinear forms. Amid the warm and humid weather, the form is resultant of consideration of the analysis of existing sun path and wind patterns. Shadow analysis concluded to treat openings and pool areas in the shade which was percolated in its designs, the curve form is obtained from the projecting slabs on each floor of the hotel. With minimal usage of materials and simplicity, the exterior form is treated with the elimination of unnecessary ornamentation; meanwhile, interiors are conceived with articulation that is different spaces with different narratives, specific activities like restaurants have a specific character, welcoming and warm spas and ornate ballroom on the top floor. The exteriors are simplistic, monotonous and modern in nature but interiors are vibrant and distinctive.
8. Vriddhi Spa and Health Club
Vriddhi Spa and Heath Club is a Wellness Center located in Bangalore, India, which exists above a multiplex on the 7th floor that demanded a distinct character and soulful ambiance. Vriddhi provides clinically tested holistic wellness options encouraging an integrated approach. Their program proposed a spa, gym, salon, health, cafe, and store under one roof. Blending interior spaces as part of the architecture the wooden bridge blended itself as part of the architecture and lead to the cottage spaces, as part of 8 cottages and a spa was treated as a part of the landscape. This wellness center is a very simple yet elegant project carried by MayaPraxis.
9. Ayurvedic Spa at TajWestend, Bengaluru
Ayurvedic Spa at TajWestend, Bengaluru, is an interior design project carried by MayaPraxis, a couple of rooms in heritage colonial setting was intended to be made as a part of Taj Groups JivaAyurvedic Spa. Spatially, the space was treated with tall ceilings, arched openings and louvered shutters giving it a gentle makeover. Its architecture was inspired by the trellis element in natural wood with simple and elegant wooden furniture likely to be seen in the architecture of Kerala. Necessary facilities for a spa in function required a changing room, toilets, shower areas, and massage beds and spaces which were treated to look in appearance resembling the architectural character of Kerala. The project tried to maintain a traditional authentic architectural style that emits a warm welcoming feeling with its simplicity and warm indirect lighting conditions.
10. Asha Srinivas House | MayaPraxis
Asha Srinivas House is a residential building in Bangalore. This suburban house is designed to get the views of the garden space by the treated form in a concave curve like a plan. Spatially, the living room is planned at one side and another side is reserved for a taller block of rooms. The entire main body with its curve form is anchored on both ends. Larger windows are planned towards the garden to enhance natural lighting inside the building and smaller windows are planned away. To enhance soothing feel and warmth in interiors, the wooden and steel staircase is treated with a fountain of water below it. The structure is made to have views of green space yet being affordable in the budget.
11. Place MayaPraxis – Architects studio and home | MayaPraxis
Place MayaPraxis is an architect’s residence and studio located in Bengaluru. This brick building is made from the bricks made by the earth dug from the construction site by treating it with cement, sun drying for additional stabilization. Facing a 12 m wide road, the site is 264 sq m situated on the edge of forest reserve in an urban neighborhood. The building was considered of minimal architectural features for its elevation and intended to keep the look in a single material that is the brick to enhance its natural look and raw beauty. The project considered sustainable strategies to be implemented such as rainwater harvesting, using skylights and vents, natural ventilation system and day lighting was strengthened, solar power was used in working spaces. Residences have solar water heating, using the terracotta composting system a wet waste composting system for kitchens is used which is used in garden landscape for a vegetable garden. Terrace gardens were introduced to reduce heat load for the building to keep it cool. By considerations of sustainable techniques, versatile building materials, and building services, this is a composite house in itself. The project is one of itskinds that received an ARCASIA Gold medal for sustainability.
12. Kachra Mane
Kachra Mane located in Bangalore; India is an additional structure constructed to an existing older house. It is named Kachra Mane or Scrap house due to the frugal use of materials and reused packaging pinewood utilized for construction of the new house. Pinewood exterior walls with glass maintain a light and ventilated interior space, a roof made of corrugated bamboo matt board is lightweight, and the materials used for the construction of the structure are mostly salvaged. Retaining the gentle beauty and elegance of a house with due considerations of a warm welcoming environment, using natural mediums as solar power, natural recycling, and rainwater harvesting systems makes it a sustainable project.
13. Foot Over Bridge, Forum Mall
This Footbridge located in a busy junction in Bangalore, India provides essential safe passage crossover for movement across busy vehicular streets. The project is a beautiful collaboration of architecture and engineering rendering facilities to the public and is known to become a public utilitarian sculpture. Using Triangular geometry in cross-section and composition, designed to carry the load of long span with a base trussed structure which carries tubular lattice and triangular geometry frame which for safety is softened at edges and corners by curve blends. With its yellow color and entire design which complements the core function of aids in crossing over the road, the bridge is conceived as a sculptural and experiential public architecture.
14. Multi-Purpose Hall and Amphitheatre,Jalandhar
A new multipurpose hall and amphitheater located in Jalandhar, India is planned within the existing school campus acts as a cultural hub for the school, bringing young audience, natural environment and awareness for it including some strategies to address issues faced in the modern world. Simple design strategies to improve existing building design, including passive energy systems to natural ventilation, day lighting and water harvesting with the use of local materials, encouraging ecologically friendly design and technology. The project uses cavity walls, perforated jali in CSE bricks to form architectural character, with perforated brick panels, wet khus mats which cools natural breeze. Amphitheater consists of the landscape of CSE brick paving, fountains cooling air which flows in air ventilation system are certain sustainable strategies used. It aims to enhance green connect and using sustainable mediums in technology, materials, and designing was the crux of this project.
15. Roots Academy | MayaPraxis
Roots Academy is a school located in Bangalore, it is handled by Pruthvi and PranothiBanawasi, this school has a progressive view towards education which is facilitated by designing the school environment with as much openness as possible. The existing building is remodeled for classrooms meanwhile the rest of the site was planned as various shared learning spaces. The activities are accommodated in the multipurpose hall while the three small huts around the small court are where art and learning with fun are carried. The designs are used smartly with simple materials like compressed earth blocks and reused packing wood which keeps the entire look of the building natural and earthy. With simplistic yet rustic architecture, the teachers and children experience school and learning environments non-conventionally.
