A Celebration of Creativity, Intertwined with Nature

The rural weekend retreat of Ksaraah by Taliesyn Design and Architecture is a testament to its scenic setting, while serving as a collaborative space for the local community

- Ar. G.S. Mahaboob Basha & Ar. Shalini Chandrashekar

Project: Ksaraah, Bengaluru Rural

Architects: Taliesyn Design and Architecture, Bengaluru

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with the mighty Savandurga Hill—one of the largest monolith hills in Asia—framing its backdrop, Ksaraah is a weekend retreat in the rural outreaches of the lively metropolitan of Bengaluru in southern India. Nestled amidst lush coconut and areca tree plantations, it reimagines living in the embrace of nature and aims to foster a direct connection with the outdoors, sans boundaries, while sheltering its inhabitants—a creative professional and her family.

The primary design challenge was to create a built environment that would belong within its context— one that would blend, harmonise and inspire, rather than shock and dominate. The design intervention, therefore, ensures minimum deviation from the existing landscape, while providing a space with limitless opportunities for the users to thrive in.

An interplay of volumes and voids, the two storeyed primary residence is perched atop the site’s highest level, framing views of the farms that stretch to the horizon. Resting weightlessly on a set of two lofty, bevelled arches, it creates an expansive column and wall-free spans with deep overhangs. The ground floor hosts communal spaces such as the living, the dining, and a sit-out area that are seamlessly entwined with nature. The master bedroom and its ensuite bathing chamber, as well as a private study lounge occupy the first floor.