Situated within the dense sprawl of Bengaluru’s urban landscape sits the Brick House designed for a family of three. Its characteristic facade makes it stand out amongst the neighbouring buildings owing to the rich earthy texture of the brick and its vivid orange hue. 

The signature element of the residence is the south-facing jali wall that extends the height of the structure. The perforated envelope serves the dual role of protecting the interiors from harsh sunlight and providing a sense of privacy. It also serves the aesthetic function of manipulating light as it spills through the gaps and animating the interiors. The porous brick skin was pushed out from the main structure allowing a gap of 2 ft to be left open to the sky. When it rains, the water traverses down to the ground floor onto a strip of garden; blurring the line between indoor and outdoor.

Bangalore,Karnataka,India

Architects : ShoulderTap
Area : 4600 sq. ft.
Year : 2023
Website : https://www.instagram.com/shoulder.tap/

Living room of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Living room of The Brick House by ShoulderTap

The entire building is constructed with wire-cut bricks from Malur laid in a rat trap bond. This was a deliberate choice to help regulate the temperature within while providing an easy solution for electrical conduiting.  

The owners love to entertain but wanted a clear delineation between the area meant for guests and their living quarters. The spaces were choreographed in a manner that resulted in the home’s final configuration. A full-sized bar and open-plan recreational area is situated on the ground floor with the private residences above. Large sliding doors open onto the south jali creating a light and airy space for congregating. 


Living room of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Living room of The Brick House by ShoulderTap

There is an immediate sense of solitude as soon as you ascend to the formal living quarters. Each room has been carefully composed in its sequence and layout to provide moments of togetherness through semi-private elements like balconies that act as larger openings in the jali, a gallery landing that looks into the living room, and a window within the son’s bedroom that allows him to converse with family even while sequestered in the confines of his own space. The play of volumes has been articulated with varying ceiling heights with double-height components like the living room and stairwell melding into the cosy dining and kitchen nook. Smooth black granite ties individual spaces together and contrasts with the vibrant hue of the exposed brick. 


Dining of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Kitchen of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Staircase of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Bedroom of The Brick House by ShoulderTap

Connecting the residential portions of the dwelling is a stand-alone bone-white sculptural staircase. It sits independent of the walls, being supported by its own weight; lending it the aura of an art piece housed in a gallery. It is enclosed on the south sides with glass allowing it to be viewed from the outside. Almost like an inverted silhouette - a shocking monochrome against an energetic orange backdrop. A linear slit along the sloped roof of the staircase creates a shaft of light within the stairwell that adds a dramatic touch. 

The architects hope that the play of light and the charm that comes with it makes the space an inspiring home to live in. 


Bedroom of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Bedroom 2 of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Balcony of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Balcony of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Foyer of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Pond of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Exterior view of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Exterior view of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Dusk light exterior view of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Detailed shot of exterior wall of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Ground Floor Plan of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


First Floor Plan of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Second Floor Plan of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Third Floor Plan of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Roof Plan of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Section A of The Brick House by ShoulderTap


Section B of The Brick House by ShoulderTap




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