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Natural Materials and Craftsmanship in Design

byBiome Environmental SolutionsStudio in Vidyaranyapura; projects across Bengaluru & IndiaStarts from₹2,200 per sq. ft. of floor areaView full gallery

Architecture is not just about the big plan; it is about the texture of a mud wall and the pattern of a brick screen. Here is where we celebrate the details that bring a home to life.

The play of light through this custom-designed brick jali screen creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The intricate pattern is a testament to the skill of the masons and the versatility of brick as a material.

A simple circular window, perfectly framed with brick, offers a curated view of the wildflowers outside. This detail demonstrates how even the smallest opening can be designed to create a powerful connection with the landscape.

A brick vault under construction. This image captures the raw beauty of the building process, showing the structural logic and inherent texture of arched masonry before the final finishes are applied.

A close-up from a video of a rammed earth wall. You can see the distinct layers, or 'lifts', of compacted earth, which give the wall its unique, stratified appearance, almost like a geological formation.

A detail of the kinetic jali facade on the RSL Office. Each terracotta tile is individually rotated, creating a complex, undulating screen that is both functional for shading and beautiful as a piece of architectural sculpture.

This alternating tread staircase is a masterclass in compact design. The detail shows how each step is precisely placed to create a functional stair in a minimal amount of space, turning a utility item into a design feature.

Form follows function in this elegant detail. The staircase support is also the rainwater gutter, a seamless integration of structure and water management that is both clever and visually clean.

Playful cutouts in a brick wall create windows in the shape of stylized figures. This detail shows that structural walls can also be a source of joy and imagination, especially in a space for children.

Playful cutouts in a brick wall create windows in the shape of stylized figures. This detail shows that structural walls can also be a source of joy and imagination, especially in a space for children.

Playful cutouts in a brick wall create windows in the shape of stylized figures. This detail shows that structural walls can also be a source of joy and imagination, especially in a space for children.

About Details, Textures & Materiality

A wall is never just a surface to us; it is a chance to document the passage of light or the unique composition of the soil it was built from. Whether it is a hand-twisted terracotta jali that filters the afternoon sun or a structural staircase that doubles as a rainwater harvester, these small, deliberate interventions dictate how a space feels and ages over decades.

Over two decades of sustainable design — Approved by the tribe
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Biome Environmental Solutions

Studio in Vidyaranyapura; projects across Bengaluru & IndiaStarts from ₹2,200 per sq. ft. of floor area

We are a collective deeply invested in the lifecycle of buildings. We focus on vernacular traditions, circularity, and the honest application of natural materials to create spaces that serve both people and the planet.

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This image captures the process of creating our signature leaf-imprinted concrete. We carefully press large palm leaves into wet concrete, leaving behind a beautiful, natural texture that is truly one of a kind.9
The final result is a stunning home theater where the walls are adorned with custom leaf-shaped light fixtures and the bar features our unique leaf-imprinted concrete. It's a space where art and architecture become one.
A view through a circular opening in a brick wall during construction. This shot highlights the beautiful play of light and shadow created by a latticed roof, turning a simple material into a dynamic architectural element.
During the construction of a new project, we explore patterns and textures with exposed brickwork. This attention to material detail, even in the early stages, is fundamental to our design process.

Handcrafted Materials and Architectural Detail

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Mistry ArchitectsTakes interior projects across India; Visit Design Studio in Indiranagar
The simplicity of a plain mud wall is its greatest strength. In this Doddaballapura mud house, an arched niche plastered in a vibrant blue oxide provides a striking contrast to the earthy brown, showcasing a simple yet powerful design choice.30
The warm, reddish-brown hue of this wall at the Vinaya residence comes from a natural 'Lohi' lime plaster. The subtle variations in color and texture are a reminder that the material is sourced from the earth itself.
The play of light and shadow within a brick vault at the Samyak Yoga Retreat. The geometric precision of the brickwork creates a dynamic visual effect, turning a simple structural element into a piece of art.
Another perspective of the brick dome, showing how the light from the oculus washes over the textured surfaces. The mathematical beauty of the structure creates a sense of rhythm and harmony.

A Symphony of Materials: Textures and Details

P
PraanganaConsults at studio in Mysuru; Travels to Bengaluru & Karnataka
A collage showcasing the versatility and beauty of brick in my projects over the years. From simple bonds to complex jali screens and herringbone patterns, brick adds warmth, texture, and character.25
The interior of a house under construction, featuring two magnificent brick vaults. This traditional technique creates a space with incredible volume and a warm, earthy feel.
A view through a doorway in the 'Vault & Wall' house, where the rich red of the hollow clay bricks is the primary finish. The ramp provides accessible circulation through the space.
The interplay of ramps and steps within the brick-vaulted house. The design creates a dynamic journey through spaces that are defined by light and material.

The Art of Materiality: Exposed Brick & Clay Architecture

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SenscapeOffice in Basavanagudi; Projects in Bengaluru, Coimbatore & Kotagiri
We are always exploring ways to use waste materials. Here, we are testing a new type of wall cast using wood waste from a furniture factory, with wood chips substituting for aggregate.14
The process of grinding down the surface of our experimental wood-waste concrete block to expose the wood chips embedded within. This creates a unique, terrazzo-like finish.
A close-up of the finished wood-waste concrete. The random pattern of wood chips creates a warm and tactile surface, turning a waste product into a beautiful architectural material.
The outer face of the experimental block is cast against formwork made of waste wood strips, creating a ribbed texture. This exploration allows for different finishes on the interior and exterior of a single wall.

The Art of Materiality

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CollectiveProjectStudio in Indiranagar; Projects across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad & India
This curved feature wall is finished in yellow oxide with leaf imprints, created in collaboration with an artist. The wall becomes a canvas, bringing the texture and patterns of the outdoor landscape into the living space.32
The entrance yard features a Sira stone wall and floor laid in a random rubble pattern. The diagonal shadow cutting across the textured surfaces sets the tone for the earthy, tactile experience of the home.
A close-up of the random rubble stone wall at the Siri residence. The texture of the natural stone, combined with the foliage, creates a rich, organic surface.

The Art of Light and Detail in Residential Architecture

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Design KacheriVisit Design Studio in Vasanth Nagar; Projects across Bengaluru & Karnataka
This collage captures the essence of a project through its details: the texture of a stone wall, the pattern of a laser-cut door, the reflection in a pool, and the form of a sculptural column. It reveals the connected narrative and material palette of the home.11
A sculptural steel tree with copper-toned leaves sits in a bed of river pebbles inside a home. This piece of art and its shadow play on the marble wall behind it are an example of how I bring elements of nature indoors in an abstract and artistic way.
The warm and inviting palette of a home bar, featuring bronze and copper finishes, quilted leather bar stools, and smoked glass pendant lights. These details contribute to a sense of quiet luminosity and sophisticated comfort.
A detail of the cantilevered study, showing the custom-designed desk with its faceted metal base. The minimalist interior ensures that nothing distracts from the primary feature: the floor-to-ceiling view of the lush green canopy outside.

Designing Spaces Through Materiality and Detail

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Saka StudioTakes projects across India; Visit studio in DLF Phase 3, Gurugram

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