This residence is designed around two contrasting ideas: fully utilizing a small plot of land for construction, while simultaneously maximizing the limited natural light and ventilation available. This approach addresses the challenge of building on a fully occupied plot.
The abacus, a traditional counting tool, inspired the design. The first and second floors offer views extending across the entire plot, emphasizing the narrowness of the site while creating a sense of openness and expansion. Indoor horizontal air circulation is seamlessly integrated with vertical airflow connecting to the public spaces on each floor.
To optimize lighting and ventilation, every angle has been carefully considered. The living room on the first floor opens directly into the courtyard. On the second floor, the partition wall has been removed to allow filtered light to reach the center of the home. A fixed vertical glass window, one foot wide, reflects horizontal light into the interior. Natural light streams through patterned grilles on the three-tiered terrace, illuminating the building from above. The third floor features a narrow terrace and a large stairway window, bringing light into the core of the house.
The stairs serve multiple purposes: they connect the floors, act as chimneys to facilitate natural air circulation, and bring in natural light. Given the proximity to neighboring homes, the metal curtain walls not only create striking light patterns but also provide privacy for the windows within the residence. As sunlight passes through these curtain walls, it transforms the walls and floors into dynamic murals that change throughout the day and seasons.
The abacus-inspired curtain wall is the defining symbol of this residence. It embodies the client’s two opposing goals: serving as a landmark, shielding the home from neighbors’ views, and providing a private sanctuary where residents can momentarily escape the dense neighborhood and enjoy the greenery on the street.
In designing the abacus curtain walls, natural materials were prioritized. The interior features natural stone and brick walls, while leftover teak wood from carpentry work was repurposed to create the abacus curtain wall. The facade is composed of rotatable wooden blocks attached to thin metal rods, forming a unique and dynamic exterior.
Design Drawings:
Floor plan (BIM)
Elevation drawing
Sectional view
Ventilation analysis
Project Information:
Architect: studioXS
Location: Bangalore, India
Category: Independent Residential Buildings
Lead Architects: Shivani Kumar (BIM Learning), Sucheth Palat, Tanika Krishnan, Meghana P
Building Area: 3,330 ft²
Project Year: 2017
Photographer: Anand Jaju
Manufacturers: Kohler, Nitco Limited, Asian Paints
Consultant: Bhadya Consultants
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