streams of natural light pour down on A threshold’s green-terraced residence in bangalore

innefable light house by a threshold in bangalore, india

Situated in a tight urban context, off Bannerghatta Road in Bangalore, India, the Ineffable Light House emerges as a porous residence where natural light, ventilation, and accessible green spaces interweave harmoniously. Local architecture practice A Threshold completed the design in a way that counteracts the limitations of the plot, drawing in daylight primarily from the east, the road-facing edge, and from above. Drawing inspiration from the quality of light in traditional Indian temples, the intensity of darkness increases as one moves from outside to inside, creating a sense of transition. Additionally, a skylight strategically placed within the central volume brings in streams of natural illumination, reminiscent of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in a temple. This injects a meditative quality to the space, where light and shadow become significant elements within the dwelling, evolving with time and seasons.

organizing the home around an existing Gulmohar Tree

The concept of Ineffable Light began with an existing large Gulmohar Tree, offering the team at A Threshold a primary clue for the design. In plan, it helps establish an axis that divides the house into public and private zones. Considering climate and functionality, the north side is designated to be more open, allowing for everyday gathering activities such as studying and family living. The southern side caters to spaces like toilets and bedroom wardrobes, where residents typically spend less time throughout the day. In the section, green terraces cascade southward, harmonizing with and accommodating the foliage of the Gulmohar tree, as though its foliage has overtaken the entire facade of the building, seamlessly blending nature with the built form. Furthermore, this design strategy serves to break down the scale of the building when viewed from the street.

The section allows multiple opportunities to experience the tree from within the house, fulfilling the architects’ primary objective of fostering a close connection with nature. Dining, kitchen, living, family, and gathering spaces open up strategically to get framed glimpses of this tree. The green terraces are also multiplied internally to become extensions of living and bedroom spaces, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Interconnected green courtyards, overlapping sections, and levels allow residents to have visual connectivity throughout the house. Lastly, the central axis serves as a focal point that unifies the entire home with a thoughtful layering of spaces and activities while also establishing a connection with nature. The central space acts as a binding element, seamlessly weaving together various activities and allowing them to function autonomously yet harmoniously as a whole.

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project info:

name: Ineffable Light house 
location: Jigani, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
client: Shashi Kumar N.

architecture & landscape: A Threshold | @a_threshold_
lead architects: Avinash Ankalge, Harshith Nayak, Sameed Ahmed, Karthik Krishna
builder: Manjunath BR., Design2konstruct

structural consultants: Radiance
civil contractor: Design2konstruct

photographer: Atik Bheda | @atikbheda

completion year: 2022
site area: ± 139 sqm 
built area: ±1,319 sqm