Fact File
Location: Bangalore
Size: 650 sq m
Principal Architect: Rajesh Shivaram
Photographs by Shamanth Patil Photography
Belaku by Technoarchitecture is an understated composition that amalgamates Wabi-Sabi sensibilities with a traditional Indian courtyard home. The east-facing site has been conceived as two residences—one for an elderly couple and the other for their son, who regularly shuttles between New York and Bangalore—connected by a central water body. A wooden screen sandwiched between concrete and metal flats forms a geometric façade that facilitates sciagraphy. In a conscious attempt to replicate the poetic imperfections of nature, the house features a neutral, earthy palette brought to life by textures, vibrant furnishings, and aesthetically curated artworks. The highlight of Belaku is the well-defined and balanced use of geometric forms.
Capitalizing on the pleasant climate that Bangalore has to offer, the design is open and porous. The client brief referenced the concept of Wabi-Sabi, an aesthetic, simple, and close-to-nature style celebrating the beauty of a naturally imperfect world. The straight lines of the architecture are in stark contrast to the neighbourhood, yet they are a simple, elegant, and visual solution, organising the home into separate areas. The objective was to create an earthy ambience with good balance. The open home concept complements the light, volume, and serenity of the built space. A lift and a staircase have been strategically positioned for both houses. The entrance to the house itself is a “pause between the inside and outside.” One is welcomed by a shaded verandah, which captures the essence of the spaces and materials used. The living room is separated from the rest of the home by a central water body (double height), allowing sunlight to enter the home and brighten up the interiors.
Visual connectivity is maintained with the greenery outside. Aiding these sources of light are skylights that have been placed in the double-height spaces. The ample light and air in the house, the grey-coloured floor (tiles), and the warm interior (wood) add playfulness and curiosity to the place. The spatial composition of the house lies in creating two distinct blocks bridged by the central water body. The main feature of the elevation is the use of Corten steel, which acts as an excellent variation to the wood and concrete hues. Restricting the palette to a neutral scheme was a significant decision, as all the materials emphasise the poetic imperfections of nature. Pigmented surfaces and cement plaster mimic the surrounding landscape, while the wood in the ceiling adds an element of warmth to the residence. The use of colours and artwork accentuates the overall narrative and is highlighted by the superimposed neutral colour palette. This home revels in simplicity yet is rich in texture, creating a harmony of natural materials.
Image caption, harmoniously combine two usually distinct indulgences
The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”
The link between the two main areas, the one closest to the entryway with the bar counter and lounge and the one at the rear reserved for aesthetic treatments, is a decorative feature with a great scenic impact: a series of deep blue glass portals guides the gaze towards the beauty area, giving the space perspective depth and a theatrical feel. This liminal space also houses the boutique and the facial bar, functions that will cater for a passing public and have faster times than the more complex treatments, as well as delineating the perimeter of the two lounges. “The management of flows and technical spaces,” the architects tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.” cts tell us, “was especially complex. The brief for both Ballard & Fant’s identities were quite specific and binding, so the phases of the choice of space and the layouts of the areas were the most challenging points in the whole project.”
Image caption, harmoniously combine two usually distinct indulgences
The choice of materials and finishes was in keeping with this chromatic landscape. “Through the moodboard we visualized the allure of the space,” explains Pennesi. “An interplay of alternations between more or less tactile surface textures, contrasting colors and opaque and translucent finishes that create intriguing peep-through effects.”
This led to the choice of stoneware tiles by Ceramica Sant’Agostino, which deck the floors and bar counter with their dense and uniform speckled pattern and bind together the different areas into which the space is divided, wth laminates from Arpa Industriale and Kaindl, used respectively for the support surfaces and the structures of the bespoke furnishings.
“We chose these materials for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Aesthetic because this type of semi-finished product has color ranges that enabled us to make choices consistent with the palette we created; and practical because they are wearproof materials and ensure easy sanitization. In particular, Fenix, a special laminate we used to coat the counter top, with a surface that has a non-porous outer layer, makes the material easy to clean and suitable for contact with food as well as fingerprint-proof and pleasant to the touch.”
Even the lighting was curated in detail, helping create a pleasant and richly detailed environment. Bellhop cordless table lamps designed by Barber & Osgerby for Flos, illuminate the tables with their discreet light. Suspended above the bar counter is a spectacular suspension composition created with a series of “leaves” in Diphy polycarbonate. Designed by Mirco Crosatto for Stilnovo, it was inspired by a fascinating Japanese plant, whose flowers turn as transparent as crystal in contact with water.
