This is an example of a contemporary exterior in Ahmedabad.

The minimalistic façade of the bungalow with a wooden cube protruding out is camouflaged by tall Asoka trees. The tranquil architecture of the exterior-façade of which has a thermo ash cladding- and the well-defined open garden at the front juxtaposes with the tussled lawn lying at the embrace of the slate-clad boundary wall on one side and a water body on the other. Photo: Arvind Hoon

The 11 feet cantilevered block, emphasizing its prominence in the front façade, serves for a double-height semi-open space. Photo credits: Purnesh Dev Nikhanj

This is an example of a contemporary exterior in Ahmedabad.

A box with a flat surface just becomes a four lines drawn in a painting. What is it called? A two-dimensional figure? All it takes is a change of vision and perspective to make a “CUBE”, a three-dimensional figure. More or less addition of few angles, few vertex and few lines. The stack of cubes each on two ends giving an equal balance of architectural language from the front side brings out into our vision. An addition of depth into length and breadth makes its more dynamic than ever.

Inspiration for an Asian exterior in Bengaluru.

Prabu Shankar
Design ideas for a contemporary exterior in Bengaluru.

Inclined Studio

Deepak Aggarwal Photography

Nalukett Elevation and layout The main attraction of this quadrangular design residence is its open-to-sky central courtyard or nadumuttam which lets in a lot of ventilation and light that showcases the harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and climatic suitability. This two-storied five-bedroom home built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete, laterite brick, wood and stones balances the need for privacy along with a sense of community. The chuttu verandah or the hallway around the central courtyard segregates the formal living space, bedrooms, dining area, prayer room, kitchen and stair area. A Puja space located in the east side of the courtyard underlines the spiritual harmony within the home. This functional design preserves and promotes traditional and cultural practices. The north east cornered kitchen is open to the dining area built with teak wood finished veneered marine plywood in a traditional design extended with a vadakkini or a workspace. Unlike traditional houses that adhere to certain design principles, the overall height of joineries and rooms is elevated and the ventilation windows below the roof slab increase air circulation and maintain cool temperatures. It also incorporates contemporary amenities such as home automation, solar electric system, modern equipped bathrooms, rain-water harvesting and proper drainage systems. Home interiors The courtyard with stone tulsi planter and the prayer room holds a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants as eye-catching idols of Indian deities symbolise spiritualism, tradition and beliefs. Lighting, furniture and fabrics are set in traditional themes. Black palm, jackfruit, mahogany and teak wood are mainly used for making furniture and interior panelling works. Terracotta clay floor tiles with epoxy joint fillers and black vitrified tile border are used for flooring, and GI frames with wooden panelling are used on stairs. The rustic charm is endured by painting half of the wall of the common area with an earthen yellow colour and border design. While, chaarupadi or the inclined step in the wall-to courtyard visible from the main door and the traditional wooden swing adds elements to a vintage setting, various antique pieces and mural paintings raises fascination in the spectators. The intricate wooden and stone carvings on the main door, pillars, beams, roof ceilings , sitting bench and front steps make it even more impressive which celebrates the nuances of traditional architecture. The reflection of the artistic legacy of skilled craftsmen is blending within the interior design. The design's adaptability to the tropical climatic conditions and lifestyle needs of Kerala ensures a sustainable living environment. The focus on cross-ventilation, ample windows and natural lighting ensures the stability of indoor temperature in living spaces during the hot seasons. The verandas and corridors help promote air circulation and the roofs of west side bedrooms are designed with an additional layer of sunshade below the actual roof shade acting as double-layer shading elements that control evening sunlight and heat from entering the interior spaces, thereby keeping the bedroom interiors cool and comfortable at night. Roofs Interestingly, rather than typical homes, this grand home is merged with three types of roofs. The roofs of bedrooms are built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete flattened slab layered by terracotta tile providing insulation and protection from the tropical climate's intense heat and heavy rainfall whereas the space between the two layers with GI pipe frames above acts as the attic. Wooden frames with terracotta tiles are used in verandas. They are constructed with proper slope roofs for efficient drainage to withstand heavy monsoons and minimise the risk of water accumulation.

Nalukett Elevation and layout The main attraction of this quadrangular design residence is its open-to-sky central courtyard or nadumuttam which lets in a lot of ventilation and light that showcases the harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and climatic suitability. This two-storied five-bedroom home built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete, laterite brick, wood and stones balances the need for privacy along with a sense of community. The chuttu verandah or the hallway around the central courtyard segregates the formal living space, bedrooms, dining area, prayer room, kitchen and stair area. A Puja space located in the east side of the courtyard underlines the spiritual harmony within the home. This functional design preserves and promotes traditional and cultural practices. The north east cornered kitchen is open to the dining area built with teak wood finished veneered marine plywood in a traditional design extended with a vadakkini or a workspace. Unlike traditional houses that adhere to certain design principles, the overall height of joineries and rooms is elevated and the ventilation windows below the roof slab increase air circulation and maintain cool temperatures. It also incorporates contemporary amenities such as home automation, solar electric system, modern equipped bathrooms, rain-water harvesting and proper drainage systems. Home interiors The courtyard with stone tulsi planter and the prayer room holds a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants as eye-catching idols of Indian deities symbolise spiritualism, tradition and beliefs. Lighting, furniture and fabrics are set in traditional themes. Black palm, jackfruit, mahogany and teak wood are mainly used for making furniture and interior panelling works. Terracotta clay floor tiles with epoxy joint fillers and black vitrified tile border are used for flooring, and GI frames with wooden panelling are used on stairs. The rustic charm is endured by painting half of the wall of the common area with an earthen yellow colour and border design. While, chaarupadi or the inclined step in the wall-to courtyard visible from the main door and the traditional wooden swing adds elements to a vintage setting, various antique pieces and mural paintings raises fascination in the spectators. The intricate wooden and stone carvings on the main door, pillars, beams, roof ceilings , sitting bench and front steps make it even more impressive which celebrates the nuances of traditional architecture. The reflection of the artistic legacy of skilled craftsmen is blending within the interior design. The design's adaptability to the tropical climatic conditions and lifestyle needs of Kerala ensures a sustainable living environment. The focus on cross-ventilation, ample windows and natural lighting ensures the stability of indoor temperature in living spaces during the hot seasons. The verandas and corridors help promote air circulation and the roofs of west side bedrooms are designed with an additional layer of sunshade below the actual roof shade acting as double-layer shading elements that control evening sunlight and heat from entering the interior spaces, thereby keeping the bedroom interiors cool and comfortable at night. Roofs Interestingly, rather than typical homes, this grand home is merged with three types of roofs. The roofs of bedrooms are built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete flattened slab layered by terracotta tile providing insulation and protection from the tropical climate's intense heat and heavy rainfall whereas the space between the two layers with GI pipe frames above acts as the attic. Wooden frames with terracotta tiles are used in verandas. They are constructed with proper slope roofs for efficient drainage to withstand heavy monsoons and minimise the risk of water accumulation.

Nalukett Elevation and layout The main attraction of this quadrangular design residence is its open-to-sky central courtyard or nadumuttam which lets in a lot of ventilation and light that showcases the harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and climatic suitability. This two-storied five-bedroom home built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete, laterite brick, wood and stones balances the need for privacy along with a sense of community. The chuttu verandah or the hallway around the central courtyard segregates the formal living space, bedrooms, dining area, prayer room, kitchen and stair area. A Puja space located in the east side of the courtyard underlines the spiritual harmony within the home. This functional design preserves and promotes traditional and cultural practices. The north east cornered kitchen is open to the dining area built with teak wood finished veneered marine plywood in a traditional design extended with a vadakkini or a workspace. Unlike traditional houses that adhere to certain design principles, the overall height of joineries and rooms is elevated and the ventilation windows below the roof slab increase air circulation and maintain cool temperatures. It also incorporates contemporary amenities such as home automation, solar electric system, modern equipped bathrooms, rain-water harvesting and proper drainage systems. Home interiors The courtyard with stone tulsi planter and the prayer room holds a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants as eye-catching idols of Indian deities symbolise spiritualism, tradition and beliefs. Lighting, furniture and fabrics are set in traditional themes. Black palm, jackfruit, mahogany and teak wood are mainly used for making furniture and interior panelling works. Terracotta clay floor tiles with epoxy joint fillers and black vitrified tile border are used for flooring, and GI frames with wooden panelling are used on stairs. The rustic charm is endured by painting half of the wall of the common area with an earthen yellow colour and border design. While, chaarupadi or the inclined step in the wall-to courtyard visible from the main door and the traditional wooden swing adds elements to a vintage setting, various antique pieces and mural paintings raises fascination in the spectators. The intricate wooden and stone carvings on the main door, pillars, beams, roof ceilings , sitting bench and front steps make it even more impressive which celebrates the nuances of traditional architecture. The reflection of the artistic legacy of skilled craftsmen is blending within the interior design. The design's adaptability to the tropical climatic conditions and lifestyle needs of Kerala ensures a sustainable living environment. The focus on cross-ventilation, ample windows and natural lighting ensures the stability of indoor temperature in living spaces during the hot seasons. The verandas and corridors help promote air circulation and the roofs of west side bedrooms are designed with an additional layer of sunshade below the actual roof shade acting as double-layer shading elements that control evening sunlight and heat from entering the interior spaces, thereby keeping the bedroom interiors cool and comfortable at night. Roofs Interestingly, rather than typical homes, this grand home is merged with three types of roofs. The roofs of bedrooms are built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete flattened slab layered by terracotta tile providing insulation and protection from the tropical climate's intense heat and heavy rainfall whereas the space between the two layers with GI pipe frames above acts as the attic. Wooden frames with terracotta tiles are used in verandas. They are constructed with proper slope roofs for efficient drainage to withstand heavy monsoons and minimise the risk of water accumulation.

Nalukett Elevation and layout The main attraction of this quadrangular design residence is its open-to-sky central courtyard or nadumuttam which lets in a lot of ventilation and light that showcases the harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and climatic suitability. This two-storied five-bedroom home built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete, laterite brick, wood and stones balances the need for privacy along with a sense of community. The chuttu verandah or the hallway around the central courtyard segregates the formal living space, bedrooms, dining area, prayer room, kitchen and stair area. A Puja space located in the east side of the courtyard underlines the spiritual harmony within the home. This functional design preserves and promotes traditional and cultural practices. The north east cornered kitchen is open to the dining area built with teak wood finished veneered marine plywood in a traditional design extended with a vadakkini or a workspace. Unlike traditional houses that adhere to certain design principles, the overall height of joineries and rooms is elevated and the ventilation windows below the roof slab increase air circulation and maintain cool temperatures. It also incorporates contemporary amenities such as home automation, solar electric system, modern equipped bathrooms, rain-water harvesting and proper drainage systems. Home interiors The courtyard with stone tulsi planter and the prayer room holds a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants as eye-catching idols of Indian deities symbolise spiritualism, tradition and beliefs. Lighting, furniture and fabrics are set in traditional themes. Black palm, jackfruit, mahogany and teak wood are mainly used for making furniture and interior panelling works. Terracotta clay floor tiles with epoxy joint fillers and black vitrified tile border are used for flooring, and GI frames with wooden panelling are used on stairs. The rustic charm is endured by painting half of the wall of the common area with an earthen yellow colour and border design. While, chaarupadi or the inclined step in the wall-to courtyard visible from the main door and the traditional wooden swing adds elements to a vintage setting, various antique pieces and mural paintings raises fascination in the spectators. The intricate wooden and stone carvings on the main door, pillars, beams, roof ceilings , sitting bench and front steps make it even more impressive which celebrates the nuances of traditional architecture. The reflection of the artistic legacy of skilled craftsmen is blending within the interior design. The design's adaptability to the tropical climatic conditions and lifestyle needs of Kerala ensures a sustainable living environment. The focus on cross-ventilation, ample windows and natural lighting ensures the stability of indoor temperature in living spaces during the hot seasons. The verandas and corridors help promote air circulation and the roofs of west side bedrooms are designed with an additional layer of sunshade below the actual roof shade acting as double-layer shading elements that control evening sunlight and heat from entering the interior spaces, thereby keeping the bedroom interiors cool and comfortable at night. Roofs Interestingly, rather than typical homes, this grand home is merged with three types of roofs. The roofs of bedrooms are built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete flattened slab layered by terracotta tile providing insulation and protection from the tropical climate's intense heat and heavy rainfall whereas the space between the two layers with GI pipe frames above acts as the attic. Wooden frames with terracotta tiles are used in verandas. They are constructed with proper slope roofs for efficient drainage to withstand heavy monsoons and minimise the risk of water accumulation.

THE COURTYARD HOUSE Residential The Courtyard House is illustrative, where we tried to reflect back into our traditional courtyard houses with modern intervention where the dialogue between the spaces and activities revolves around the courtyard, which we refer to as the heart of the house. The project is ideally located in a local area called AkritiNeev in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The plot area is 1616sft. The plot is rectangular in shape with a length of 49’3” and a width of 32’10”. The west facing plot is designed with a Vastu oriented design. The elevation of the house strikes a modern & contemporary note in an urban milieu. The street facing front side of the house is sheathed by concrete texture. Submerged into exposed brick cladding and hints of white on the massing. The house is planned on two levels and involves living for three generations. Through Main Gate, there’s a wide parking space and a beautiful garden where pathway guides to house entry.Bedroom on the ground floor accommodates their elderly parents. The kitchen area & the related spaces are in the southeast direction at the rare side of the plotand a separate dining space alongside Mandir on a north-east zone to spread positivity in the house.Dining is attached with the kitchen and central courtyard. The staircase to level two goes adjacent to the central court, creating an experiential transition.Drawing room is connected to the front lawn &also gives the glimpse of courtyard. On the first floor, the lobby gives us a glimpse of the courtyard below establishing a visual connection. Also, the big skylight above adds up the feeling of openness. Three bedrooms & a living area with an extended open terrace on this floor. The master bedroom & living area were facing the garden and had a play of light all day with the movement of the sun.Upper Lobby also guided towards another staircase which leads to main terrace. This planning manages the future aspects with organized and comfort life ahead. Service Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Area 2667sft Plot Area 1616sft Status Built Location Bhopal

Nalukett Elevation and layout The main attraction of this quadrangular design residence is its open-to-sky central courtyard or nadumuttam which lets in a lot of ventilation and light that showcases the harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and climatic suitability. This two-storied five-bedroom home built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete, laterite brick, wood and stones balances the need for privacy along with a sense of community. The chuttu verandah or the hallway around the central courtyard segregates the formal living space, bedrooms, dining area, prayer room, kitchen and stair area. A Puja space located in the east side of the courtyard underlines the spiritual harmony within the home. This functional design preserves and promotes traditional and cultural practices. The north east cornered kitchen is open to the dining area built with teak wood finished veneered marine plywood in a traditional design extended with a vadakkini or a workspace. Unlike traditional houses that adhere to certain design principles, the overall height of joineries and rooms is elevated and the ventilation windows below the roof slab increase air circulation and maintain cool temperatures. It also incorporates contemporary amenities such as home automation, solar electric system, modern equipped bathrooms, rain-water harvesting and proper drainage systems. Home interiors The courtyard with stone tulsi planter and the prayer room holds a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants as eye-catching idols of Indian deities symbolise spiritualism, tradition and beliefs. Lighting, furniture and fabrics are set in traditional themes. Black palm, jackfruit, mahogany and teak wood are mainly used for making furniture and interior panelling works. Terracotta clay floor tiles with epoxy joint fillers and black vitrified tile border are used for flooring, and GI frames with wooden panelling are used on stairs. The rustic charm is endured by painting half of the wall of the common area with an earthen yellow colour and border design. While, chaarupadi or the inclined step in the wall-to courtyard visible from the main door and the traditional wooden swing adds elements to a vintage setting, various antique pieces and mural paintings raises fascination in the spectators. The intricate wooden and stone carvings on the main door, pillars, beams, roof ceilings , sitting bench and front steps make it even more impressive which celebrates the nuances of traditional architecture. The reflection of the artistic legacy of skilled craftsmen is blending within the interior design. The design's adaptability to the tropical climatic conditions and lifestyle needs of Kerala ensures a sustainable living environment. The focus on cross-ventilation, ample windows and natural lighting ensures the stability of indoor temperature in living spaces during the hot seasons. The verandas and corridors help promote air circulation and the roofs of west side bedrooms are designed with an additional layer of sunshade below the actual roof shade acting as double-layer shading elements that control evening sunlight and heat from entering the interior spaces, thereby keeping the bedroom interiors cool and comfortable at night. Roofs Interestingly, rather than typical homes, this grand home is merged with three types of roofs. The roofs of bedrooms are built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete flattened slab layered by terracotta tile providing insulation and protection from the tropical climate's intense heat and heavy rainfall whereas the space between the two layers with GI pipe frames above acts as the attic. Wooden frames with terracotta tiles are used in verandas. They are constructed with proper slope roofs for efficient drainage to withstand heavy monsoons and minimise the risk of water accumulation.

Nalukett Elevation and layout The main attraction of this quadrangular design residence is its open-to-sky central courtyard or nadumuttam which lets in a lot of ventilation and light that showcases the harmonious blend of aesthetics, functionality, and climatic suitability. This two-storied five-bedroom home built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete, laterite brick, wood and stones balances the need for privacy along with a sense of community. The chuttu verandah or the hallway around the central courtyard segregates the formal living space, bedrooms, dining area, prayer room, kitchen and stair area. A Puja space located in the east side of the courtyard underlines the spiritual harmony within the home. This functional design preserves and promotes traditional and cultural practices. The north east cornered kitchen is open to the dining area built with teak wood finished veneered marine plywood in a traditional design extended with a vadakkini or a workspace. Unlike traditional houses that adhere to certain design principles, the overall height of joineries and rooms is elevated and the ventilation windows below the roof slab increase air circulation and maintain cool temperatures. It also incorporates contemporary amenities such as home automation, solar electric system, modern equipped bathrooms, rain-water harvesting and proper drainage systems. Home interiors The courtyard with stone tulsi planter and the prayer room holds a special place in the hearts of the inhabitants as eye-catching idols of Indian deities symbolise spiritualism, tradition and beliefs. Lighting, furniture and fabrics are set in traditional themes. Black palm, jackfruit, mahogany and teak wood are mainly used for making furniture and interior panelling works. Terracotta clay floor tiles with epoxy joint fillers and black vitrified tile border are used for flooring, and GI frames with wooden panelling are used on stairs. The rustic charm is endured by painting half of the wall of the common area with an earthen yellow colour and border design. While, chaarupadi or the inclined step in the wall-to courtyard visible from the main door and the traditional wooden swing adds elements to a vintage setting, various antique pieces and mural paintings raises fascination in the spectators. The intricate wooden and stone carvings on the main door, pillars, beams, roof ceilings , sitting bench and front steps make it even more impressive which celebrates the nuances of traditional architecture. The reflection of the artistic legacy of skilled craftsmen is blending within the interior design. The design's adaptability to the tropical climatic conditions and lifestyle needs of Kerala ensures a sustainable living environment. The focus on cross-ventilation, ample windows and natural lighting ensures the stability of indoor temperature in living spaces during the hot seasons. The verandas and corridors help promote air circulation and the roofs of west side bedrooms are designed with an additional layer of sunshade below the actual roof shade acting as double-layer shading elements that control evening sunlight and heat from entering the interior spaces, thereby keeping the bedroom interiors cool and comfortable at night. Roofs Interestingly, rather than typical homes, this grand home is merged with three types of roofs. The roofs of bedrooms are built with Reinforcement Cement Concrete flattened slab layered by terracotta tile providing insulation and protection from the tropical climate's intense heat and heavy rainfall whereas the space between the two layers with GI pipe frames above acts as the attic. Wooden frames with terracotta tiles are used in verandas. They are constructed with proper slope roofs for efficient drainage to withstand heavy monsoons and minimise the risk of water accumulation.