Breathing Enclosure by A Threshold: A Sustainable Multifamily Housing in Bengaluru

Located in the bustling urban landscape of JP Nagar, Bengaluru, India, Breathing Enclosure by A Threshold redefines modern multifamily housing with a focus on sustainability and biophilic design. Spread across 12,350 sq. ft., this residential complex accommodates five families, offering a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.

Concept and Vision

The initial brief was to design a facade, but the architects took the concept a step further. They envisioned the facade as a “breathing enclosure,” creating a vibrant, living skin that integrates nature into urban spaces. The project aims to address the diminishing green cover in cities by providing residents with a direct connection to nature while enhancing the ecological value of the building.

Innovative Facade Design: A Tribute to Bengaluru’s Garden City

The facade is designed using a Ferro-cement modular planter system, functioning as a green envelope. This system not only transforms the aesthetics of the building but also contributes significantly to the building’s microclimate. Around 32 types of indigenous plants were carefully selected and planted to reflect the changing seasons, adding a dynamic visual dimension while promoting urban biodiversity.

Integrating Nature into Everyday Living

The plant-enclosed facade acts as a green community veranda, drawing inspiration from traditional Indian verandas that served as transition spaces between indoor and outdoor environments. This innovative design allows living spaces such as the dining area, kitchen, and sit-outs to seamlessly merge with the greenery. This extension of indoor spaces to the outdoors encourages natural interaction with the environment, offering residents a tranquil retreat amid the dense urban fabric.

Restoring the Traditional Veranda Concept in a Modern Context

Inspired by the vernacular architecture of western India, the community veranda functions as a multi-purpose space that adapts to various activities throughout the day. As urbanization limits direct connections with nature and community spaces, this enclosure restores the essence of a veranda in high-rise living, fostering a sense of shared community and engagement.

Eco-Friendly Benefits of the Living Facade

The modular planter system offers numerous ecological and environmental benefits, including:

 Evaporative Cooling: Lowers surface temperatures and cools the surrounding air.

 Air Purification: Absorbs carbon dioxide and filters pollutants, promoting healthier surroundings.

 Noise Reduction: Acts as a natural barrier, reducing noise pollution.

 Thermal Regulation: Minimizes solar heat gain, helping control indoor temperatures.

 Stormwater Management: Reduces runoff, enhancing groundwater recharge.

 Visual Screening and Privacy: Creates a serene and private environment for residents.

A Sustainable Model for Future Urban Living

This innovative approach to multifamily housing not only ensures a healthier and greener living environment but also serves as a scalable model for urban developments. As cities continue to grow, Breathing Enclosure sets a benchmark in sustainable architecture, showcasing how integrating nature into high-density urban areas can redefine modern living.

All photographs are works of  Vivek Muthuramalingam