A quiet, tree-lined street in Bengaluru, Karnataka, conceals the striking House of Shadows, a home designed by Cadence Architects for a book-loving family. Their dramatic approach embraces a dark, shadowy palette, harmonizing this multi-generational residence with its verdant surroundings.
Design with family at its core
After spending 15 years in the USA, the family’s return journey to India culminated in a house that echoes their love for books and family living. Principal architect Smaran Mallesh revealed that the firm’s bold design of the home is not only a haven for the immediate family but also crafted to accommodate the homeowner’s parents.
Exterior Allure: Privacy in Shadows
A distinctive basalt stone base supports concrete walls and a slatted timber facade, offering both privacy and a whisper of light and air. The choice of materials aims to blend the residence with the neighboring shadows, making it an unobtrusive, yet impressive, structure on the street.
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Interior harmony: Generational spaces
The ground level’s open-plan design comprises a kitchen, living, and dining area—perfect for hosting. The architects’ flair ensures that privacy meets comfort with the grandparents’ personal quarters on this tranquil floor.
Ascending to the first floor reveals a sanctuary for parents and children. This level, rich with reading nooks and a study, offers a secluded escape tailored for reflection and quietude.
“Books and reading spaces form an important part of the interiors, encouraging the family to pause, read, and linger,” notes the studio. The top floor is an entertainment area for the children, complete with terraces and balconies enhancing airflow and alleviating the city’s heat.
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Material mastery: Balancing light and shade
Within the home, a juxtaposition of exterior darkness and interior lightness is achieved through natural materials like wood and lime plaster. The darker shades of the reading nooks create a cozy retreat that complements the architects’ dramatic design ethos.
Mallesh explains, “Crafting a home with local materials was paramount for a family returning to its roots. Our aim was a modern reinterpretation of traditional techniques.” Cadence Architects’ work resonates in its intent and execution, providing a serene, thoughtful living space replete with nods to cultural warmth and modern family life.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What architectural style does Cadence Architects use in the Bengaluru home?
Cadence Architects uses a dramatic, dark, and shadowy palette for the Bengaluru home, emphasizing its harmony with the surrounding environment.
How does the design cater to the multi-generational family?
The design includes privacy and comfort for the grandparents on the ground floor, and provides reading nooks and a study for reflection on the first floor. The top floor features entertainment spaces for the children with terraces and balconies.
What materials are used in the home’s construction?
The home uses natural materials like wood and lime plaster, with a basalt stone base, concrete walls, and a slatted timber facade to blend with the shadows.