Taliesyn projected a weekend house in Bangalore developed from a simple brief of experiencing nature at close quarters. 

The architecture of The Cabin House draws inspiration from simple forms and native bearings. The interior of the rectangular volume is broken effortlessly into a double-height living, dining and kitchen with a mezzanine floor on one end to accommodate the master bedroom. Earthy tones throughout the dwelling evoke the setting sun, whilst the starkness of the cement and warm tones of the furniture offer the required depth. Below the mezzanine is the washroom that features a cast in-situ island-concrete basin overlooking the landscape and a full-sized walk-in closet. 

Influenced by the surrounding old-Bangalore homes, design elements that date back to vernacular homes are fused with the residence’s minimal design language – where spaces became opportunities for conversations. On a similar note, the main staircase of the house leading to the mezzanine serves a dual purpose – facilitates movement and lends opportunities for informal seating nooks like a katte to add elements of playfulness.

Guided by a cabin house's compactness and verdant nature, varied design elements are interwoven with a contemporary approach. An extended section from the main staircase-landing morphs into a built-in seating that wraps around the entire length of the dining space. The hierarchy of spaces sensitively addresses privacy through variations in levels and soft barriers of the landscape. For instance, a horizontal opening in the washroom allows the user to constantly have nature on the horizon, while offering the required privacy through its placement. Liberal volume shifts in the interiors from 5m ceilings in the living and dining, dynamically contrasts the 3m ceiling in the master-bedroom with a bay window niche overlooking the foliage of trees. 

Photography Aaron Chapman

Architecture & Interior Design  Taliesyn