Tamara

Situated close to the Bannerghatta National Park in Bangalore, India- what was once an arid site has been transformed into a dense, layered ecosystem that blends architecture with nature and the daily rhythms of its residents. Today, almost two decades on, it’s almost impossible to seethe home in its entirety from the outside. The family home peaks through the tall trees and flourishing shrubbery that has grown around and with it, providing residents with the essential privacy and respite from the city's relentless pace.

The name Tamara is derived from Telugu and Malayalam meaning ‘lotus’, symbolizing purity and a deep connection to nature; which perfectly captures the spirit of the home. The principal architect, Dr. Sujit Kumar, who is also the home’s owner, was determined to design his family residence using the principles of: reduce, reuse and recycle, a design philosophy that deeply resonates with him.

Completely assembled in just 3 months using parts of an old Kerala palace, no new materials were manufactured for the primary structure. Instead, parts of the dismantled palace, originally built in 1807, were carefully catalogued, transported and re-assembled on the new site. The original palace was dismantled using sustainable forestry practices to minimize the environmental impact and ensure long term forest health.

The entry to the home operates on two levels: the main entrance sits significantly higher than the rear, second entrance, following the site’s sharp natural slope in certain areas. Rather than resist the natural topography, the house embraces it to define movement and views throughout. The house is constructed without mortar, relying on traditional wooden joinery. Remarkably, the same speed with which it was assembled allows for equally swift dismantling and relocation.

Since completion, all vegetation has been cultivated by the family using crop rotation to produce herbs, vegetables, and fruits throughout the year. Over two decades, the landscape has matured into a natural extension of the architecture. The vegetation surrounding the home now filters sunlight into the interiors, creating the intended design outcome; a built form that is both visually and physically integrated into the landscape.