BELAKU by Techno Architecture

The living room is separated from the rest of the home by a central water body (double height) allowing immense light to enter the home and brighten up the spaces. The visual connectivity is maintained with the greenery outside. Aiding to these sources of light is skylights placed in double-height spaces. The ample light and air in the house, the grey color floor (Tiles) and warm interior (wood) tends to add playfulness and curiosity to the place while warmly welcoming family and friends for a quiet evening or an all - nighters. The logic of the house lies in the creation of 2 distinct blocks bridged by the central water body, this in turn allows seamless communication between the various programs associated with spaces of the house. This strategy allows to traditional courtyard houses found in the Southern parts of India and provides for a cohesive connect which is crucial for a home. The entrance to the house itself is a “pause - mediating the inside and outside”.

Solid wood screen sandwiched in metal flats in the elevation covers against the harsh sun.

The main feature of the elevation in the use of corten steel which acts as an excellent variation to the wood and concrete colours which is common. The objective is to create an earthy ambience, with good balance. The use of colours and artwork helps the overall narrative and is further supported by the super-imposed neutral colour palette.

The client’s brief was the concept of Wabi-Sabi - aesthetic, simple, and close to nature, celebrating the beauty of a naturally imperfect world. This home provides simplicity yet is textually rich creating a harmony of natural materials. Restricting the palette to neutral color was an important decision as all the materials emphasize the beauty and poetic imperfection of nature. Walls and floor in pigmented cement plaster, mimic the home into the landscape while the wood in the ceiling adds the warmth to space.