Joseph residence: An amalgamation of tropical and modern architecture by De Square Architects

This 2400 sqft home in South east Bangalore designed by De Square Architects belongs to a family of five and their furry friend. With parameters that go well beyond the physical and contextual realm, this home is a repository of memories and experiences, representing the ethos and cultural background of its occupants.

According to the Ar.Naveen G.J, Founder De Square Architects, the house evolved into an organic extension of the family as it evolved based on hierarchies of functions, requirements, and climate. For the client’s requirements, he wanted individual rooms for each member of the family, but also shared and interactive spaces for family activities. Additionally, being nature lovers, they wanted to incorporate as much natural light as possible.

By integrating greens and natural light into the house planning as well as making common areas for the family, the courtyard was created, which served as the inspiration for the house’s design and concept. All common areas of the ground and first floors are arranged around the courtyard so that it can be seen from all of them. There is a staircase leading from the courtyard to the first floor rooms.

A courtyard not only reduced the removal of existing trees from the site but also served as a tool for articulating and composing nature and light in the built environment. One’s attention is naturally drawn to the magnificence of the tree, extending from the floor to a double-height ceiling, and the volume of sunlight entering through the L-shaped skylight as they enter the house.

Another subliminal influence is the interplay between the living spaces and the courtyard; this was actually the result of the need to accommodate the semi-basement parking, which caused the entire ground floor to be raised except for the living room and foyer. As a result of the level difference, the courtyard is not only emphasised but also organically delineated.

The skylight mimics the sun path so that the prayer area is naturally lit throughout the day. In order to address the challenge of indoor heating posed by the large skylight, we have deployed three design strategies. In order to ensure direct cross-ventilation between the three sides, North, South, and East, wind-driven circular turbines were installed above the skylight.

Finally, the skylight is surrounded by a bamboo stick trellis structure that not only cuts the direct sunlight but also creates beautiful shadows. The combination of these three strategies has resulted in a microclimate conducive to comfortable use of the skylight without the need for air conditioning.

Owing to the client’s roots, influences of tropical architecture play out throughout the house. The influences can be seen in the façade with the usage of a slant roof and wherever possible materials have been kept exposed. The material palette largely comprises of exposed red bricks, concrete finish, wood, and yellow Kota stone, which in union create a medley that is earthy, rustic, warm, and embracing.

The tropical elements here don’t just stay static rather they fuse in with minimal and modern elements to create an intrinsic and personal language of their own. To underline this point further, in the recreational area, the exposed concrete floor with double-height exposed brick walls and a corner window is the perfect amalgamation of tropical and modern elements coming together.

In the culmination of all its elements, the concluding form is unassuming, honest, and empathetic in all its functions and interfaces.

FACT FILE