Adaptive Reuse and Heritage Restoration in Bengaluru
Architecture is a conversation between the past and the present. We reimagine existing spaces—from industrial skeletons to historic homes—finding the delicate balance where heritage architecture meets modern functionality.
This video documents the transformation of a commercial building from the 1980s. We began with the existing concrete frame and reimagined it as a flexible, light-filled workspace suited for the information age, demonstrating my core belief that the most sustainable building is one that is already standing. This adaptive reuse project in Bengaluru is now a LEED-certified structure.
A brief look into several of my key projects, as featured by Livingetc India. This reel showcases the variety in my practice, from the adaptive reuse of a colonial-era building into the retail space for Cinnamon, to the stark, sunlit interiors of a private residence, and the public-facing design of the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP).
This is the 'Wonder on Wheels' project, a unique adaptive reuse initiative where we converted a bus into a mobile classroom for the Anganwadi program. It represents a creative and community-focused approach to design, taking learning and resources directly to where they are needed most.
A visual study of Tambekar Wada in Vadodara. I am continually learning from the intricate details of our heritage structures, such as the delicate wooden jali screens and the surviving murals that tell stories on the walls. Understanding this craftsmanship is fundamental to my conservation work.
Exploring the St. Angelo Fort in Kannur, a structure built in 1505. The resilience of the laterite and lime mortar, which has withstood centuries of coastal weather, is a testament to historic building techniques. The way nature has reclaimed parts of the fort offers lessons in how architecture can coexist with its environment.
My design process often begins with a pen and paper. These sketches are not just technical drawings but a way of thinking and seeing, capturing the essence of a place, from the complex structure of a traditional house to the simple honesty of a street scene. This practice of observation is central to my architectural approach.
A portrait taken during a visit to Studio Thirdspace in Belgaum. I believe architecture is a collaborative discipline, and moments of conversation and exchange with fellow practitioners are an invaluable part of my process.
About this collection
We do not believe in erasing history to build anew. Our process often begins with a 'Heritage Diagnostic' to determine the structural viability of your existing property before we touch a design element. If you have an old structure you are considering transforming—whether it is an 1980s office block or a traditional home—we prefer to start by analyzing its structural bones and material history to see what can be salvaged and integrated into a modern, sustainable layout.
Our Approach to Adaptive Reuse
The greenest building is the one that is already standing. When we approach a project, we look for the stories the walls already contain. In a rapidly changing city like Bengaluru, we focus on adaptive reuse that respects the building's ancestry while meeting the demands of the information age. Whether we are retrofitting a concrete frame or restoring a heritage structure, our goal is to retain the original soul while introducing contemporary MEP systems, structural strengthening, and light-filled layouts.
Heritage Diagnostics and Restoration
For historical structures, we do not simply patch cracks or repaint. Our conservation methodology relies on material fidelity. We reject incompatible modern cements in favor of traditional lime mortar, Surkhi, and oxide flooring. We manage specialized craftsmen for stone carving and wood joinery, ensuring that the repair process honors the building's original construction techniques. Our team conducts on-site health checks, including non-destructive testing, to ensure that the heritage aesthetic is maintained alongside necessary modern utilities like concealed AC units and electrical conduits.
Designing for the Future
Beyond restoration, we view our practice as a collaborative effort. By working with artists, thinkers, and our clients, we move from the first hand-drawn sketch to the built environment. We handle projects ranging from commercial workspaces that require LEED-compliant integration to public and community spaces that need to serve modern social needs. If you are looking to revitalize an old site, we are interested in how your space can be adapted for the future while remaining grounded in its past.
Soumitro Ghosh
My practice is less about building from scratch and more about listening to what a space already has to say. Along with my team, I work to bridge the gap between historic craftsmanship and the needs of a modern, fast-paced Bengaluru.
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