Otla House by We Design Studio: A Modern Courtyard Home Inspired by Traditional Indian Architecture in Bengaluru

Located in the bustling city of Bengaluru, India, Otla House by We Design Studio is a 9,000 ft² contemporary residence that harmoniously blends modern architectural aesthetics with traditional Indian design elements. Completed in 2021, this home was envisioned to create a bright, open, and inviting living environment, echoing the clients’ nostalgic memories of growing up in colonial homes in New Delhi. At the heart of this design lies a central open-to-sky courtyard, or aangan, which becomes the core of the home, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces while fostering natural light, ventilation, and social interaction.

Courtyard-Centric Design: A Modern Take on Indian Tradition

The design of Otla House draws inspiration from sustainable traditional Indian architecture. The layout revolves around the central courtyard (aangan) internally and the external otla (veranda), with all primary living functions arranged around these spaces. The courtyard is thoughtfully covered with motorized louvers that respond to weather conditions, ensuring comfort while maintaining a strong visual and functional connection with nature. This design strategy reflects a passive solar approach, maximizing natural lighting and ventilation throughout the day.

Entrance and Ground Floor Planning

Upon entering through a metal louvered gate, visitors are greeted by lush greenery within the property walls, creating a serene private oasis far removed from the city’s hustle. The ground floor features a double-height living room, kitchen, den, home office, and meditation space. Vastu-compliant principles guide the home’s orientation, with entry from the eastern veranda through a large pivoted teak wood door. A double-curved teak partition subtly separates the dining area from the entrance lobby while guiding movement toward the central courtyard.

Natural Light, Ventilation, and Indoor-Outdoor Connection

Spaces flanking the courtyard receive abundant natural light and cross-ventilation, enhancing comfort and sustainability. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors connect the courtyard with the external veranda, visually and spatially integrating interior and exterior areas. The design ensures a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience, making nature an integral part of everyday life.

Materiality and Interiors

The material palette of Otla House combines timeless elegance with local authenticity. The home is finished with cut-polish concrete, while Burma teak wood is used extensively for doors, windows, wardrobes, and furniture. Grey cement tiles cover bathroom floors and walls, and black basalt tiles are used for veranda flooring and semi-covered areas. Pops of color from area rugs, artwork, and accessories infuse the interiors with warmth and character. The use of natural, durable, and locally-sourced materials reinforces the home’s sustainable approach.

First Floor and Spatial Hierarchy

The first floor is set back from the ground level, softening the massing of the house and creating a lighter, more approachable form. Bedrooms are located here, offering privacy and quiet, while maintaining a strong visual connection to the central courtyard. A single-flight staircase from the courtyard ensures smooth circulation between levels and emphasizes the courtyard as the focal point of daily life.

Sustainability and Climate Responsiveness

Otla House is conceived as a porous, climate-responsive home, allowing natural elements to permeate freely. The combination of the central aangan and peripheral otla functions as an effective passive solar feature, regulating interior temperatures and optimizing energy efficiency. By incorporating traditional Indian architectural strategies with contemporary design, the home achieves a perfect balance between modern comfort and heritage-inspired living.

Otla House is a testament to modern residential design rooted in tradition, where courtyard living, sustainable materials, and natural light converge to create a home that is both introspective and socially engaging. By integrating Vastu principles, passive design strategies, and timeless materials, We Design Studio has created a residence that reflects the clients’ memories while offering a contemporary, serene, and sustainable lifestyle in the heart of Bengaluru.

All photographs are works of Kunal Bhatia