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Architecture

2023

Nestled within the serene enclave of Dollars Colony in Bangalore—situated just behind the Air Force Training Command and moments away from the bustling airport road—this six-bedroom residence is a thoughtful response to site, climate, and context. Designed as a home for a family that enjoys hosting, the architecture seamlessly blends functionality, natural elements, and spatial connectivity.

At the heart of the site stood two mature trees—a mango tree in the northeast corner and a jackfruit tree to the southwest. Rather than displacing these natural anchors, the design embraced them as focal points. The home is carefully choreographed around these trees, with the mango tree becoming the soul of the house through the creation of a courtyard that defines the flow and openness of the ground level.

The entertainment zone, located adjacent to this mango courtyard, features sliding-folding doors that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. When open, this space spills effortlessly into the car park, transforming into a generous, free-flowing gathering area for friends and family. A sculptural staircase rises alongside the courtyard, connecting the dining area above while maintaining a visual and physical link between levels.

Bangalore,Karnataka,India

Architects	:	Design Plus
Area	:	12,325 sq. ft.
Year	:	2023
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/design_plusblr/

Mango tree courtyad overviewed by the entire section of the house of H2 by Design plus

Mango tree courtyard finished with natural and local material of H2 by Design plus

Courtyard view from kitchen of H2 by Design plus

Sculptural staircase from courtyard to dining of H2 by Design plus

Staircase from lower entertainment area to courtyard as informal seating of H2 by Design plus

Living Area of H2 by Design plus

Dining with bench all around over looking the courtyard of H2 by Design plus

First floor Family with courtyard view of H2 by Design plus

Bedrooms are strategically positioned on the north and south ends of the site, enclosing a staggered, double-height central void. This central space is crowned with a skylight fitted with custom metal trails, casting ever-changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. The minimal blank wall facing the skylight becomes a living canvas, animated by these patterns and visible from every part of the central space.

Rather than conventional balconies, each bedroom opens onto deep, built-in benches flanked by finely detailed metal trellises. These trellises not only create poetic light-and-shadow effects but also serve to reduce solar heat gain. The terrace, located at the front of the house, offers an expansive green space with unobstructed views of the Air Force Command and CPRI grounds, ensuring excellent cross-ventilation throughout the upper levels.

Vertical transparence from bedroom window of H2 by Design plus

Bedroom of H2 by Design plus

Bedroom 2 of H2 by Design plus

Pargola creating dynamic play of light and shadow of H2 by Design plus

The residence is built using an RCC frame structure with wire-cut brick wall infills, marrying structural robustness with textural warmth. Locally sourced undressed stone clads key walls, grounding the home in its regional context. Natural timber is used for doors and shutters, while aluminum windows with integrated security bug mesh offer practical comfort. Flooring materials alternate between timber and marble, lending a tactile richness to the interiors. MS enamel-painted trusses and skylights add an industrial precision to the otherwise earthy palette.

By centering natural light and spatial openness around the trees and the courtyard, the design fosters an inward-looking, vertically transparent home. It not only meets the client’s aspirations for a hospitable and connected living environment but also deepens the sense of familial cohesion and connection to nature.