nature becomes the protagonist of taliesyn's weekend house design in rural india

Ksaraah weekend home by taliesyn in india 

Surrounded by the lush vegetation on the plains around Bangalore, India, this weekend home by Taliesyn architecture + design creates a sanctum of rejuvenation away from the urban bustle. Dubbed ‘Ksaraah’, the project is designed to continually transform while always highlighting nature as the protagonist. The resulting architecture presents a series of open spaces that act as a bare canvas for self-exploration and self-expression.

all images courtesy of Sohaib Ilyas

a structure that ‘disappears’ into nature

The project was commissioned by a young creative professional for her family. Aside from meeting the needs of its residents, Ksaraah —humble in appearance, yet equipped with all the mod cons— also aims to meet those of the local community.

The design team at Taliesyn focused on creating vast, adaptable multi-use spaces with a congregational feel, capable of bringing people together and encouraging social activities. Rather than containing the home itself, the center of the site features a 25-meter-long pavilion made up of modules arranged in a visual rhythm that echoes the traditional local aesthetic. Its entire perimeter is punctuated by a dynamic progression of circular columns, each of which has been adorned with numerous climbing plants, with a view to ultimately engulfing the structure itself in time, allowing it to effectively ‘disappear’.

‘The unbounded spatial configuration is consciously kept devoid of unwanted wall envelopes,’ explains Chandrashekar and fellow Taliesyn principal GS Mahaboob Basha. ‘For experiencing the natural elements like the refreshing monsoons, the warmth of the morning sunlight, birds chirping and the aroma of the flora sprinkled all over the site.’ 

The house combines a range of architectural forms and motifs, including arched doorways, oak shutters, colonnade-style columns, a floating staircase, and overhanging roof slabs. This diversity is mirrored by the landscape, which incorporates tiered terraces, a swimming pool, meandering pathways, and a range of plant life that includes chikoo, mango, and banana trees.

project info:

name: Ksaraah
designer: Taliesyn

location: Bangalore, India 

photography & videography: Sohaib Ilyas | @Sohaib Ilyas

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. See more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina petridou | designboom