A contemporary Bengaluru home centred around a mango tree

BH: Could you elaborate on the layout and design of the project?

Pritvi Rao: The entry to the house is through the car park located on the stilt level which has an elevator that provides access to the rest of the floors. The next level i.e., ground floor has the living and dining spaces, a dry kitchen, a rear wet kitchen and the utility space. It also accommodates the parents’ bedroom and the puja room. The space in front of the puja room is accentuated by a textured wall which extends to the next level as well. There is a skylight on top and this accent wall is drenched by the natural light from the skylight during the day. The next level has a large family space with a balcony overlooking the courtyard and three bedrooms. The entire house has an open floor plan design with different spaces seamlessly blending into each other.

BH: How did you ensure that the tree remained an integral part of the house?

R Ramraj: Since the tree was growing from the ground level, we created an L-shaped plan and crafted a beautiful internal courtyard at the ground level. It is in the north east direction and we ensured that all the spaces like the living, dining and even the balcony of the family room overlook this double height courtyard which is covered at the terrace level.

BH: How did you make the most of the terrace?

R Ramraj: The terrace houses the entertainment area which includes an enclosed space, a deck area and an open terrace that is fully landscaped. A bar crafted in quartzite, a gym, a home theatre, a powder room and a pantry have also been incorporated on this level which is accessible directly from the elevator at the stilt level.