2DC817 Studio House

Bangalore, India

Photo © Rajesh Renganathan

Single Houses

Architects: Flying Elephant Studio

Location: 2D Cross Rd, 560043 Bangalore, India
Year: 2001
Architects: Kiran Chandra, Karun Poovaiah, Shalini Arora, Champaka Rajagopalan, Rajesh Renganathan
Structure: Manjunath & Co
Contractor: Gurushanth (Phase 1) Lakshmikanth
Awards: Winner, All India Stone Architectural Awards (AISAA)

The brief was to provide living accommodation for a family of three along with studio work-spaces, on a typical urban plot measuring 60 by 40 feet. The program is fragmented into two ‘blocks’ arranged in an ‘L’ configuration. The footprint is pushed to the extreme allowable by regulations allowing for creation of a generous ‘back garden’. Living spaces are stacked at the upper levels while work studios occupy the basement floors.

The project explores an idea that takes the 'skin' elements of a conventional urban dwelling and transform them into a new architectural arrangement. A key element is the layered ‘screen wall’ which contains all the elements of a conventional ‘window’ including security grills, insect mesh screens, glass and curtains-movable blinds. This captures and intensifies the experience of unique changes in nature particular to Bangalore, while satisfying utilitarian needs.