Panchatathva

Panchatathva
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Deepak Berthalome Architects
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Published on 30th May 2024

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Contents
Project Details......................................................................................................................... 9
Key Contributors..................................................................................................................... 9
Introduction........................................................................................................................... 10
Site Context........................................................................................................................... 12
Site Plan*............................................................................................................................... 14
Design Concept......................................................................................................................17
Entrance ................................................................................................................................ 18
Ground Floor Plan*.............................................................................................................. 23
Foyer.........................................................................................................................................26
Living Area.............................................................................................................................. 35
Pooja Area..............................................................................................................................40
Dining and Kitchen.............................................................................................................. 45
Master Bedroom...................................................................................................................48
Courtyard.................................................................................................................................51
Private Living Room............................................................................................................. 56
Bedrooms...............................................................................................................................60
Sections*................................................................................................................................66
Materials................................................................................................................................68
South and East Elevation* �� 70
North and West Elevation* �� 72
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................. 75
Material Palette.................................................................................................................... 76
Unique Material Applications �� 78
Product Specifications........................................................................................................ 78
Documentation Credits...................................................................................................... 79
* Drawings for reference on this page.

4 5
Foreword
The beauty of Panchatathva strikes
you right from its entrance. We reached
the site at 5 am and got to experience
the magical sunrise on the beautiful
outskirts of Bangalore. The residence
feels like its own little universe which
is almost completely self-sustaining
with its garden. The earthiness of
the materials and the contrast of the
modern design is a great step forward
in combining vernacular architecture
with current architectural trends. The
clients like their home are warm and
welcoming. A magical Pooja room,
unlike anything I’ve seen, is a concept
imbibed in me now. The meaning
behind the residence and the lifestyle
is sure to inspire anyone.
Pratistha Jagannath
Project Details
Location Bengaluru, Karnataka
Firm Deepak Berthalome Architects
Principal Architect Deepak Berthalome
Project Team Rosy Jose

Afsal Said Mubarak
Aqil T P
Plot Area 12,000 sq. ft.
Built-Up Area 3,400 sq. ft.
Project Budget INR 4,500 per sq ft
Project Start Date October 2020
Project End Date July 2022
Number of Floors G
Number of Car Parks 1
Number of Bedrooms 3
Vastu Compliant Yes
Key Contributors
Structural Consultant Brick Arch Consulting Engineers
Civil, Façade, Landscape, MEP, HVAC NSR Ventures

Consultants
8 9
Introduction
Nature’s five basic weapons to preserve balance are Earth, water, fire, air, and space. These
elements ensure a harmonious discourse between each minuscule component. Correspondingly,
Panchatathva employs a similar setup to strike a tête-à-tête with nature and its cohorts. Thus, in an
ode to nature, the greenheads at Deepak Berthalome Architects shaped this warm abode to tie the
built and the unbuilt.
Site Context
In an ethereal realm, away from the cacophony of the city, is a community called NSR Greenwoods,
assembled for the inclusivity of nature. It is located about 14 km from Hoskote in Karnataka, savouring
the slow life of the countryside. In this serene community, a 12,000 sq. ft. plot sits surrounded by
greenery with a park on the north and an army of trees on the east comes to focus. This northeast-
facing verdant plot accommodates a 3,400 sq. ft. eco-conscious abode that coexists with its natural
surroundings. The home’s design challenge is tackled by dividing it into three parts latitudinally,
allowing for the systematic classification of the spaces seamlessly flowing into each other. Thus, the
plot’s dimensions allow for zoning and placement of spaces around the existing landscape, fostering
a symbiotic relationship. The placement of openings cools the dwelling naturally without excessive
use of artificial appliances.
12 13
N
14 15
Design Concept
The abode lies in a sustainable community, so the only possibility was to follow the community’s
eco-consciousness guidelines. Thus, the designers at Deepak Berthalome Architects wove an
architectural narrative, using the five basic elements of nature to propagate a seamless yet deep-
rooted relationship with nature. Keeping with the clients’ beliefs, the design philosophy revolved
around the elements representing parts of one’s body, insinuating the complex and versatile
relationship between human beings and nature. Here, the Earth represents our body, water
signifies the mind, air epitomizes awareness, fire signifies intelligence and space/sky represents
consciousness. In this dwelling, these elements appear in materials and spaces while cultivating a
codependent design.
16 17
Entrance
The abode’s main entrance lies on the northwestern part of the plot, offering a separate lane for
pedestrians and vehicles. As one sets foot on the property, the lush greenery and flamboyant flora
establish a tranquil vibe. A sculptural garden captivates the visitor, mimicking the green blanket
beyond while hinting at the sustainable notion of the abode. As the lushness spell wanes, one spots
a gazebo standing opposite the entrance, offering shade to weary visitors. Resembling a tree with its
wide-spreading foliage, this structure starts at 8 feet and expands to about 18 feet above. Intended
as a snug room, it features wooden columns and built-in seating, providing a space for entertaining
guests without inviting them indoors. With a sloping roof shading every edge of the gazebo and
mosquito mesh, this snug space is well-ventilated, transforming into a petite piece of refuge.
18 19
20 21
N
Ground Floor
Trailing the dwindling pathway and relishing the lush garden’s greenery, a series of arches warmly
welcome the visitor into the inner sanctum of the home. Upon crossing the threshold, a sprawling
foyer basking in the northern diffused light suitably welcomes the visitors. Flanking this foyer to the
east is a semi-public family space that includes the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Opposite this
area is a private space with a meditation room, a powder bathroom, and a master bedroom with an
attached dresser and bathroom. This forms the main block of the home while being divided from
the private block by an open-to-sky courtyard. This courtyard is adorned with stepped seating and a
‘kund’ (a water feature). Basking in this courtyard, one can spot the private block containing master
bedrooms with attached dressers and bathrooms. These bedrooms, with the attached study and
pantry, are divided by a living area for perfectly concluding an exhausting day.
22 23
24 25
Foyer
Upon tracing the treads while looking at the greenery, a wooden door ushers the inhabitants into the
inner sanctum. It is flanked by built-in platforms on either side, offering a resting space for visitors
to catch their breath. On entering the home, a sprawling double-height foyer lounges in the diffused
light entering and caressing its surfaces from the north. The pristine whitewashed walls underscore
the feature wall mimicking the verdancy outside, adorned with filigree artwork that glimmers when
the sunlight touches its surface. These whitewashed walls accommodate a set of arches on either
side, allowing access to the other spaces of the home. Above the arches are a series of louvred
apertures that pull out the hot air, bestowing the space with a cool and tranquil atmosphere.
Between the arches is a set of colonial wall sconces that add a soft glow to the spaces. The seating
ensemble includes a terra-hued couch against the verdant wall, a wooden bench between the arch
on either side and a beige upholstered pouffe. A long pendant light adds to the dramatic effect of
the home.
26 27
28 29
30 31
32 33
Living Area
Skipping the first arch, one enters through the second arch into the living area, adorned with an
auburn-hued couch perched above Athangudi tiles. Flanking this ensemble is a set of bay windows
framed by arches, looking out onto the vibrant outdoors. These sunny edges become cozy reading
nooks or spots for afternoon naps while looking out of the sliding windows. The arches conceal
a series of shelves for displaying heirlooms and collectibles that take one down memory lane.
The seating of the bay windows includes storage, ensuring a clutter-free space, which is essential
in Indian households. A wooden coffee table and beige upholstered pouffes further complete the
seating arrangement of the space. A TV is perched above a reclaimed wooden TV unit, contributing
to the warmth of the home.
34 35
36 37
38 39
Pooja Area
Flanking the bay windows in the northeast corner of the living area is a modest pooja space with
wooden and brass accents. The wooden accents are provided by a wooden console set against a
terra-hued wall, parlays as a perch for the idols and as storage for pooja supplies. On either side of
this console are brass deepas, which, when lit, transform the pooja experience by adding an ethereal
glow to the space. The feature wall boasts six niches, with five niches forming a semi-circle around
a larger central niche. These niches offer the idols their alcoves, reflecting the home’s concept
where each of the five alcoves represents an element of nature. For instance, earth is signified by
sandalwood, air by incense, fire by a diya (small oil lamp), space by camphor (as it leaves nothing
when it burns), and water by a bowl of water. A wall washer and a window subtly illuminate the
space with flecks of golden hues.
40 41
42 43
Dining and Kitchen

Beyond the rust-coloured couch in the living room, a low-height wooden partition doubling as a
condiment storage area conceals a dining expanse. The dining space houses a wooden table and
elegant chairs, maintaining the concept of reusing furniture. A cobalt pendant lamp adds a subtle
glow during candle-lit dinners. Beyond this, a kitchen with wooden veneer-clad cabinets below and
white overhead cabinets are placed against vibrant lime-plastered walls overlooking the entire living
space. The white countertop contrasts with the wooden accents, creating a harmonious balance.
These spaces glimmer in the eastern sun, spreading a warm aura.
44 45
46 47
Master Bedroom
On the opposite side of the semi-public living space is a master bedroom that glows in the golden
hours of the evening, thanks to its west-facing orientation. Against an auburn lime-plastered wall with
a slit to display memorabilia, sits a wooden bed with a white cushion headrest, resting above white
and crimson Athangudi tiles. Opposite the bed, a wooden study table and chairs are accompanied
by overhead cabinets, providing a comfortable workspace for the inhabitants. Flanking the study
nook is a cozy bay window with floral upholstered seating, doubling as a storage unit, with a set of
azure cushions, making it a charming spot for connecting with nature. The bedroom, adorned with
wooden accents and warm terra hues, becomes a perfect haven for relaxing evenings.
48 49
Courtyard
From the kitchen, a door leads to the enchanted realm of the open-to-sky courtyard, which splits
the main block from the private block. Two full-grown trees frame this chestnut courtyard, while the
home guards the other two sides, creating a secluded refuge that the inhabitants flock to. On either
side, the roofs of the main and private blocks, supported by metal columns, slope into the courtyard,
providing additional shelter. The courtyard shares its airy character with a ‘kund’ (a water feature)
on the eastern portion, infusing the air with droplets. This process lowers the temperature of the
breeze, cooling both the courtyard and the home’s interiors. The kund resembles the step wells of
Rajasthan, with treaded seating for intimate conversations, surrounding a rectangular water body.
Cascading planter beds positioned at the center of the seating provide a striking contrast to the
auburn hues, sparking curiosity in the visitor’s mind and enticing them to explore this haven.
50 51
52 53
54 55
Private Living Room

Opposite the courtyard, a private block unfolds, with bedrooms separated by a living room that
serves as a private sanctuary where residents can unwind at the end of the day. This sleek, double-
height space features wooden seating on either side, maintaining the earthy character of the habitat.
The aisle between the seating leads to a planted bed with a slit window beyond, controlling the
inflow of light and creating a tranquil atmosphere. Windows on the upper part of the room help
eliminate warm air that rises, cooling the space. An embracing sloping roof shelters the expansive
double-height room, while perforations sustain its airy character.
56 57
58 59
Bedrooms
The bedrooms flanking the private living area feature a cobalt and chrome colour scheme tailored
to the preferences of the inhabiting residents. Bay windows overlooking the lush courtyard are a
recurring element in both rooms. One room is adorned with white and cobalt tones, while the other
showcases chrome and auburn hues. Corresponding to the room’s color palette, white-cobalt and
chrome-orange Athangudi tiles add a traditional touch. Wooden beds and resplendent side tables
complete the sleeping ensemble in both rooms. Strategically positioned away from the main block,
these rooms serve as sanctuaries for maximum privacy away from public areas.
60 61
62 63
64 65
Section @ 3-3 Section @ 4-4
Section @ 5-5
Section @ 6-6
66 67
Materials
In this tranquil abode, far from the clamour of the city, the architectural design remains modest to
foster a dialogue with the surrounding natural environment. Adhering to this principle, materials
used in construction are sourced locally, embodying an eco-conscious ethos. The framework
is crafted from mud concrete blocks moulded with earth sourced on-site. These walls are then
finished with variegated mud or lime plaster, tailored to the specific space and function. Wood
features prominently throughout the home, maintaining its earthy and natural character while also
embracing the trend of salvaged materials.
68 69
South Elevation
East Elevation
70 71
North Elevation
West Elevation
72 73
Conclusion
Living in a community often leads to like-minded individuals coming together to foster relationships
and uphold shared guidelines. Hence, Panchatathva, nestled in a community where sustainability
takes precedence, embraces the beliefs and ideologies of its neighbours. This habitat, personified
by natural, salvaged, and reclaimed elements, stands as a beacon of eco-consciousness while
adhering to contemporary aesthetics to stay in line with current trends. It highlights the significance
of nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship with nature and leaving behind minimal ecological
footprints. With its earthy and modest attributes, this home has become a haven for nature, with
lush greenery flourishing abundantly around it.
74 75
Material Palette
Mud Plaster Dyed Lime Plaster Mangalore Tiles Mud
Wood Athangudi Tiles Metal Glass
Brass Wooden Cladding
76 77
Unique Material Applications Documentation Credits

Façade Cladding and Internal Mud Plastering Photography Anushree Bhatter
Walls
Architectural Journalist Pratistha Jagannath
Flooring Cementitious Athangudi Tiles
Drawings and Graphics Deepak Berthalome Architects
eBook Design and Editing Simran Almeida
Product Specifications
Cement UltraTech
Windows and Doors Zen Windows
Doors Sumai Doors
Glass Saint-Gobain from Zen Windows
Hardware Hettich
Tiles Bharat Floorings
Sanitaryware and Bath Fittings Jaquar
Bath Flooring Bharat Floorings
Sofas, Chairs and Dining Table TeakLab
Wardrobe Spacewood
Curtains and Blinds Floating Walls
Modular Kitchen and Kitchen Sink Spacewood
Kitchen Hardware Hettich
Kitchen Surfaces Spacewood
Kitchen Chimney and Kitchen Appliances Bosch
Ply Greenply from Spacewood
Designer Fans Atomberg
Switches Legrand
Security System Intek

78 79
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Panchatathva

Published on 30th May 2024

Buildofy is a content platform that broadcasts interesting

Copyright ©Skyboard, 2023.

* Drawings for reference on this page.

Firm Deepak Berthalome Architects

Principal Architect Deepak Berthalome

Project Team Rosy Jose

Plot Area 12,000 sq. ft.

Built-Up Area 3,400 sq. ft.

Project Budget INR 4,500 per sq ft

Project Start Date October 2020

Project End Date July 2022

Number of Car Parks 1

Vastu Compliant Yes

Civil, Façade, Landscape, MEP, HVAC NSR Ventures

Dining and Kitchen

Private Living Room

Section @ 3-3 Section @ 4-4

Mud Plaster Dyed Lime Plaster Mangalore Tiles Mud

Wood Athangudi Tiles Metal Glass

Brass Wooden Cladding

Unique Material Applications Documentation Credits

eBook Design and Editing Simran Almeida

Windows and Doors Zen Windows

Doors Sumai Doors

Glass Saint-Gobain from Zen Windows

Tiles Bharat Floorings

Sanitaryware and Bath Fittings Jaquar

Bath Flooring Bharat Floorings

Sofas, Chairs and Dining Table TeakLab

Curtains and Blinds Floating Walls

Modular Kitchen and Kitchen Sink Spacewood

Kitchen Hardware Hettich

Kitchen Surfaces Spacewood

Kitchen Chimney and Kitchen Appliances Bosch

Ply Greenply from Spacewood

Designer Fans Atomberg

Security System Intek

©Skyboard, 2023. No part of this eBook

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