All the spaces and places in the house are placed in synch with the Vastu plan. The main areas of the house are placed according to the elements: the master bedroom in the Earth zone, kitchen in the Fire zone, and the pool and entrance in the Water zone and Air zones. Even positions of doors, the direction of the stairs, location of beds, wardrobes and desks and the positions of the wc’s in the bathrooms are decided in accordance with the correct energy flows.
Creating a visually appealing house structure was the main challenge faced by the architects, as they had to adhere to the rigid Vastu program.
The house is distinct for the linear horizontal lines and vast cantilevered roof that weave around the resident trees. Integration of large glass elements helps in blurring the spatial demarcations, offering an open feel. The open plan living spaces are demarcated from one another by bi-fold doors and are left open at some places with no barriers.
The Vastu House features two entrances. The private one faces a serene residential lane with the public entrance facing the main road.
The design of the house helps the structure to spontaneously respond to its surroundings through beautiful views from strategically placed rooms. A linear hand-chiseled stonewall and a low water body leads to the intimate foyer. The foyer is separated from the living area by a solid wall of Quera granite. The informal intimate lounge area faces a serene courtyard but also enjoys views of the garden and a vast lily pool.
The internal courtyard is encircled by a verandah, and the courtyard features a sloping vernacular Mangalore tiled roof. An outdoor dining table makes living and dining in semi-outdoor spaces a reality.
The climate sensitive Vastu House is designed to take advantage of Bangalore’s temperate climate all year round. Large overhangs protect the building from fierce monsoons; the southwestern facades of the house shield the house from the fierce summer sun, with the north side completely transparent to the property’s lush tropical foliage.
The Vastu House is notable for the interesting mix of luxe and natural elements such as, rough stone steps, pebbled courts, exposed concrete ceilings and polished cement floors that contrast with polished Italian marble, fine teak furniture, velvets and silks.
