The Split House by Collage Architecture Studio: A Contemporary Courtyard House Design in India

Introduction to a Contextual and Nature-Centered Courtyard Home

Set within the serene Sunny Brooks community in Bengaluru, The Split House by Collage Architecture Studio redefines courtyard house design in India with its poetic yet practical approach to living with nature. Spanning 578 m² and designed for a family of four, the residence integrates a central architectural “split”—a landscaped void that organizes space, brings in light and air, and orchestrates the home around greenery and spiritual reflection.

A Site-Sensitive Strategy Rooted in Nature

Built on an 80x83.5-foot west-facing plot, the design carefully respects the site's existing trees and landscape. Rather than clearing the natural terrain, the architects created built volumes that gently work around nature. Both vehicle and pedestrian access points are located in the northwest corner, while service staff enter through the southeast, discreetly leading to utility zones. This dual-access strategy maintains privacy while enhancing functional clarity.

Central Split as Spatial and Emotional Anchor

At the heart of the residence lies a unique architectural move—the split. Far from being a divide, this gravel-lined courtyard becomes the soul of the house. A granite stepping stone leads through it, accompanied by a sculptural glass wall that morphs into a skylight. Slender trees rise through the open roof, symbolically and physically rooting the house in nature. The split defines spatial zones while encouraging airflow, daylight, and connection between the home's two volumes.

A white puja room in the middle further strengthens the spiritual presence, anchoring the home in cultural continuity. Above it, a teak-lined bridge connects private areas across the split, balancing circulation with poetic softness.

Interior Spaces Framed by Nature

Upon entering, one encounters a peaceful stairwell adjacent to a planter, followed by the living room—surrounded by two glazed walls, one of which opens to a wooden deck. The material palette is earthy and honest: white walls, teak finishes, brown textures, and the persistent presence of green views. Interiors are simple but highly functional, always oriented toward light and openness.

In the dining space, positioned between landscaped views, an eight-seater teak table becomes the family gathering point. Just beyond lies an efficient kitchen with hidden utility, and the master bedroom on the ground floor opens directly to a private garden, complete with dressing and ensuite bath.

Layered Living Through Level Differentiation

A sculptural staircase—made of cantilevered concrete treads with a teak handrail—leads to the upper floor. Here, the second master bedroom mimics the lower layout, offering access to a balcony with granite louvers and a traditional swing. The mother’s room sits adjacent with a similar outlook into the central courtyard, highlighting visual porosity throughout.

A bridge connects to the second wing of the home, where a family room opens to a breezy terrace and a guest suite enjoys its own balcony and twin-vanity bathroom. These spaces demonstrate how vertical zoning and circulation are designed not merely for movement but for experience, reflection, and retreat.

A Private Wellness Sanctuary Above

On the uppermost level, the terrace unfolds into two distinct zones. One side houses a flexible lounge, Jacuzzi, steam room, and shaded deck—making wellness a natural extension of daily life. The other remains open to the sky, envisioned for stargazing, small events, or contemplative solitude. A slender rear bridge connects both sides, enabling seamless flow without compromising privacy.

A Courtyard Home Designed for Modern Indian Living

The Split House is a refined exploration of courtyard house design in India, merging tradition and contemporary sensibility. With its thoughtful zoning, green integration, and spatial clarity, it becomes more than a residence—it is a living organism that breathes with its users. Collage Architecture Studio has created a calm, context-driven home that balances modern luxury with timeless spatial values rooted in Indian domestic culture.

All Photographs are works of Harshan Thomson, Abhishek Chavhan