Waterfront HomeRealized

Design Brief:
The brief was to design a family vacation home on a plot of size 15,000 sqft on the outskirts of Bangalore. The architectural response was to maximize views of the lake and present blank facades to the access road. To achieve this, large glazed sliding doors have been incorporated in areas of the house that overlook the lake, providing uninterrupted lake views from the interiors. With a built-up area of 8500sqft and a dramatic form, one would expect the house to master the surroundings. Yet as we wander through large spaces and double-height volumes, one always gets the sense that the lake is the centerpiece

An important Intervention:
“When I was visiting the property for the first time, I was told that there was a lake in the vicinity which might be viewed from some parts of the property. However, as I walked around the property I was surprised with what I experienced – far from the stunning lake views I expected to see, I was confronted with a mere 'horizon-like line' of water – a disappointing, boring line! Getting over my initial dissatisfaction, I knew I would need to innovate in order to enhance views of the lake. With this in mind, and a hand from a team member, I clambered up a small tree on the property, in the hope of giving the lake a “second chance”! When I stood just 5 feet above the ground, I was thrilled to notice that this spectacular lake 'jumped out' at me. I knew instinctively what I had to do! I convinced my clients to allow me to lift the entire site up by 5 feet.” This early intervention completely altered the experience of the lake form the property.

Zoning and Planning:
The spaces are spread over two floors, the Ground Floor featuring an Entrance Foyer, a Living room, a Dining room, a Dry kitchen, a Wet kitchen with a Utility, and a Guest Bedroom with an attached toilet. The First floor comprises a Family room, Lounge, and two bedrooms with attached walk-in wardrobes and toilets. The interiors of the house feature two double-height volumes. Adjacent to the Foyer, you are greeted by a double-height Court with a serene water feature under a skylight. The second is a massive double-height volume that encompasses the Formal Living, Dining, and Dry kitchen areas. These two double-height volumes allow for a great sense of connection between the Ground and First floors.