Abstract, linear volumes stack to form a crisp modern 4266 square foot home for a family of five in Bangalore, India. Created by Crest Architects, the unique angular form stands out sharply against a grey, densely populated metropolis. Clean white concrete and rich wood cladding encase a dwelling based upon the ancient architectural science of Vaastu, which embraces the benefits of nature.
The interior spaces are simple, spacious and designed around two landscaped courtyards, each with skylights that flood sunlight into the openly interconnected floors of the house. The natural greenery brings a valuable piece of the outdoors inside of the introverted city abode, with trees that draw the eye upward through the impressive void.
An illusion of levitating masses is achieved with slits and openings around the modern home exterior, which gives the building its name, “Floating Walls”.
The visually engaging structure is defined from the densely populated locality by sloping white concrete walls that push forth from the front and side. Rich wood cladding appears warm and inviting under the glow of exterior lights.
The tonal timber and clear glass elements juxtapose the solid white walls.
Unconventional cutaways have been staggered across the building to admit natural light and outside views whilst maintaining ultimate privacy.
Sun seeking plants spring from behind the concealing walls of the home, hinting at the nature centric design that awaits inside.
An impressive front entry gate makes a smart and lasting first impression.
A layered porch climbs to the inner front door, surrounded by lush green lawns and full plant beds.
The front entrance is a perfectly clear and seamless glass box, where the only frame is around the door itself.
Once inside the residence, we escape city life behind a screen of tall-growing tropical plants that filter out sunlight and prying eyes. The “informal” lounge at the back of the ground floor is a stylish arrangement of designer furniture with uplifting yellow and blue accents. A unique glass coffee table is elevated by an eye-catching area rug. A chic magazine holder complements an Eames style armchair.
Small side tables display decorative items next to the mustard yellow leather sofa. An illuminated box shelf brightly showcases small animal figurines above the statement couch.
Wood clad feature walls echo the outer aesthetic of the house. Tan chairs continue the rich earthy tone to the dining area.
A modest glass dining room chandelier subtly catches the sunlight during the daytime.
Modern fruit bowls adorn the sleek white marble dining table.
A Buddha statue designates an area of worship within the first landscaped courtyard design on the ground floor. A temple tree emerges from behind the Puja, drawing the eye up through the multi-story void to a skylight above.
A glossy white luxurious kitchen makes an L-shaped arrangement around the front of the house. Simple kitchen pendant lights drop a contrasting black accent.
The metal treads of the spectacular floating staircase design was inspired by the Japanese art of Origami. The shapely chair in the courtyard below it is a Wegner style shell chair. The original Wegner Shell chair was designed by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn in 1963.
Up on the first floor, a small sofa, pouf and planter make up another informal family lounge area.
The indoor plant is fed sunlight from a large skylight. A glass wall admits the wash of sunlight into the neighbouring bedroom.
The skylight is positioned directly above the tree inhabited courtyard on the ground floor.
At the other side of the first floor lounge space, a modern home office is arranged with a minimalist floating desk design.
The glass wall bedroom is decorated with an energised contrast of crimson red and royal blue accent pieces. Fabric panels are installed to provide privacy when required.
The bedroom unfolds into a fabulous two story suite. A small landing plays host to another Eames style lounge chair. The original Eames chair was designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1956.
Recessed shelving niches are lined with pops of red.
Each bedroom in the home is given its own unique identity.
Here, the palette changes to blue and yellow decor, and the layout spans a single level. A bedroom pendant light falls in front of a recessed shelving unit instead of a bedside table.
A modern bathroom vanity styles the ensuite with a bold black accent against a raw concrete wall.
A designer bedroom chair and a rug define a small lounge area inside this beautiful bedroom.
Decorative mirrors form a backlit series above the unique bathroom sink.
Intertwined indoor and outdoor spaces filter in natural light and ventilation.
Up on the second floor there is a guest bedroom and a semi-open terrace with a kitchenette.
A traditional load bearing and counterweight system has been employed to dramatically cantilever a series of 2″ thick Sadahalli slabs at a screen wall by the front entrance.
Ground floor plan, including formal and informal lounges, the kitchen, dining room and utility room, and the first of five bedrooms. The ground floor bedroom suite stands complete with a bathroom and walk-in closet for the homeowner’s parents.
Mezzanine floor plan, including a child’s bedroom suite with walk-in closet and bathroom.
First floor plan, including the master bedroom, guest bedroom, another kids’ bedroom, a family lounge area, and a study with a balcony.
Second floor plan, including a second guest bedroom with ensuite bathroom, and a large terrace with a kitchenette.