Axis Vanam, which means “forest” in Sanskrit, is envisioned as a sanctuary within a hectic urban environment. The core concept behind this project is to harmonize buildings with their natural surroundings. Research into the local community revealed a decline in green spaces and the deterioration of nearby lakes. Vanam addresses this growing disconnect by restoring a balance between architecture and nature, effectively blurring the line between built structures and greenery.
Situated in the heart of one of Bangalore’s busiest neighborhoods, Vanam is a medium-sized residential development comprising 20 units spread over five floors. Each apartment faces outward, maximizing natural light and promoting cross ventilation.
The building’s central core is fitted with skylights and louvers on the terrace, enabling chimney ventilation. This design enhances comfort throughout the building and reduces dependence on mechanical ventilation.
Each compact apartment features two bedrooms and extends its living space onto terraces, which serve as flexible areas for various activities throughout the day. These terraces can also be converted into green spaces, making each unit unique. The multifunctional spaces evolve over time, adapting to residents’ lifestyles.
The design of each apartment’s openings considers prevailing wind directions to optimize natural ventilation. The staggered balconies create a double-height space that connects to either the living room or master bedroom while providing room for tall trees to thrive on the balconies.
Balconies are reimagined as ‘garden decks’ designed to hold soil and pave pathways, creating multiple levels of private gardens for residents. Unlike typical balconies, these are engineered for soil stability to support sunken planting beds. Their scattered and flowing arrangement adds visual interest to the building’s geometric facade. Structurally, deeper beams support the soil loads, while taller windows align with the beams below.
The balconies measure 4 feet in width and 6 feet in height. After several model tests in galvanized iron, the final templates were made in mild steel. While precasting the balconies would have been ideal, budget constraints required manual casting. Each balcony was poured individually using the available templates and within time constraints. The flowerpot troughs complement the balcony design by integrating soil retention and expanding horizontal green space on each floor.
The building’s exterior harmonizes with the greenery on the balconies. The architect highlights the building’s prominent edges to create visual unity. The main facade features a 12mm-thick brick exterior with exposed gray textures. The interplay of light and shadow further enhances the facade’s appearance.
The public areas feature natural stone flooring and terracotta, connected by skylights that bring in natural light. The landscaping is tropical and tailored to the local environment. Each balcony includes a tree, encouraging residents to engage with the greenery. The balcony and flowerpot design extend the overhanging spaces, allowing plants to flourish along the entire length. It is anticipated that in coming years, buildings will offer more green spaces than concrete surfaces. This project introduces a ‘middle landscape’ that acts as an environmental filter, fostering a connection between residents and nature.
Project Drawings
▲ Basement Floor Plan
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Plans for the Second and Fourth Floors
▲ Plans for the Third and Fifth Floors
▲ East Elevation View
▲ North Elevation View
▲ Section Drawing AA
▲ Section Drawing BB
▲ Terrace and Flowerpot Sections
Project Information
Project Type: Apartment
Location: Bangalore, India
Architectural Design: The Purple Ink Studio
Area: 22,000 m²
Year: 2019
Photographer: Niveditaa Gupta
Suppliers: Trimble, Ganesh Sign Boards, Brown Kota & Black Granite, Asian Paints, Otis, UPVC Windows, Z.S Fabricator, Madhavi Constructions, Autodesk, Prashali Bricks, Lumion
Design Team: Akshay Heranjal, Nishita Bhatia, Sharanya, Priyanka, Arpita Pai, Jaikumar
Client: Axis Concept Construction Pvt Ltd
Engineer: Naik Associates
Landscape Design: The Purple Ink Studio – Aditi Pai
Consultant: Ceecon Engineers
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