SANCTUM House: Site-Specific Architecture in a Bangalore Orchard
A residence designed to integrate with an existing coconut plantation, proving that high-quality architecture is defined by how much nature it preserves rather than replaces.
The SANCTUM House, viewed from the surrounding coconut grove. The design's primary goal was to integrate the home into the landscape, preserving existing trees and creating a structure that feels like a natural extension of the orchard.
The white, minimalist form of the house stands in contrast to the organic shapes of the coconut palms. The design uses strategic openings and balconies to frame views of the lush surroundings from within.
The massing of the SANCTUM House is broken down by cascading green terraces and balconies. This approach reduces the building's scale and allows the landscape to feel as if it is reclaiming the structure.
A quiet sit-out area on the east side of the house, perfect for enjoying the morning sun. The simple steps and patio create a gentle transition from the interior living space to the manicured lawn.
An existing coconut tree was preserved and integrated into the design of the east sit-out. This detail exemplifies our site-led approach, where the land and its features guide the architectural form.
The east entrance to the SANCTUM House, nestled amongst lush bushes and climbing plants. The design creates a welcoming and private entry sequence, with a balcony overhead providing shade and a sense of enclosure.
About SANCTUM House: A Home Within an Orchard
The SANCTUM House demonstrates our site-led design methodology, where the existing coconut plantation dictated the building's footprint rather than the other way around. By treating the trees as structural constants, we achieved a layout that minimizes excavation and prioritizes natural light, allowing the landscape to effectively reclaim the built form through cascading terraces.
Our process for the SANCTUM House began with a rigorous site analysis of the 60' x 95' plot. The primary design challenge involved navigating access roads on both the east and west, which influenced the volumetric organization of public and private spaces. We opted for a linear block arrangement to separate circulation from residential zones, ensuring privacy without sacrificing the connection to the orchard.
The material palette is intentionally restrained. We utilized exposed concrete and crisp white walls to create a visual contrast against the organic textures of the coconut palms. To address Bangalore’s climate, the home features strategic orientation and shading devices that reduce heat gain. We also integrated hardscape elements using local Sadarahalli granite, ensuring the materiality remains consistent with our wider practice.
Beyond aesthetics, our involvement included full-scale architectural design and site planning—from the initial 3D visualization to the final Good for Construction (GFC) drawings. This project highlights our core belief that residential architecture should operate as a symbiotic entity with its environment, rather than an imposition upon it.
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