Sustainable Small Home Design in Urban India: Deepthi and Hemanth's Residence by Biome Environmental Solutions

Redefining Urban Living Through Thoughtful Home Extensions

Located in Bengaluru, India, Deepthi and Hemanth’s home represents a modern approach to sustainable small home design in a dense urban setting. Designed by Biome Environmental Solutions, this 760 ft² addition-extension project breathes new life into a multi-family building by blending functionality, privacy, and sustainability.

Context and Challenges of the Project

The project was envisioned as a compact, self-contained living unit built on the terrace of a multi-family home. Deepthi and Hemanth previously lived with their parents on the lower floor, while the upper level housed a small unit for Hemanth’s uncle and an open terrace. The task was to transform the terrace into an independent home for the couple while ensuring privacy, efficient use of space, and minimal disruption to the existing structure.

The site presented unique challenges. Surrounded by closely spaced neighboring buildings on three sides and bound by the uncle’s unit on the other, the terrace offered no external views and raised privacy concerns. The architects overcame these challenges by creating a semi-shared outdoor court and designing windows and screens to control views while maintaining ventilation and natural light.

Designing a Multi-Level Compact Space

To optimize the limited terrace space, the design splits the home into two levels. The ground floor houses a sitting area, kitchen, dresser, toilet, and an accessible outdoor court. Above, a mezzanine level accommodates the bedroom and study area. This arrangement not only provides privacy but also ensures access to views of the tree canopies from the nearby public park.

The higher placement of the bedroom enabled the creation of a double-height ceiling in the sitting area, enhancing the sense of spaciousness in the compact home. The stairs to the mezzanine are discreetly tucked into the dresser area, maintaining privacy and creating a seamless flow between spaces.

Materials and Sustainability

A key feature of the project is its commitment to sustainability. The design incorporates a 'mud concrete' wall between the kitchen and dresser, constructed from debris salvaged during the partial demolition of the old parapet wall. The flooring primarily consists of cement, while selective use of cement oxide adds subtle bursts of color for visual interest.

The interiors feature a muted material palette of browns, greys, blacks, and whites, which ensures a spartan and non-imposing aesthetic. Every corner of the house has been optimized for dual-purpose functionality, such as window seats that double as storage and angled windows that provide privacy while directing breezes into the home.

Balancing Privacy and Connection

The need for privacy played a central role in shaping the home’s design. Windows are positioned and angled to avoid direct views into neighboring homes while drawing attention to the surrounding greenery and sky. For example, the study area windows focus on the park’s tree canopies, avoiding the service equipment on the lower terrace.

The bamboo screen near the terrace door creates a cozy reading nook while shielding the terrace from prying eyes. These thoughtful interventions ensure that the home feels open and connected to nature while maintaining a high degree of privacy in a dense urban setting.

A Versatile Outdoor Terrace

The terrace plays a pivotal role in the home’s design, serving multiple purposes. Deepthi, a yoga practitioner, uses the space as a serene area for her practice. The open terrace also provides a social connection to the shared outdoor court, fostering interaction among family members while giving the couple a private retreat.

Maximizing Compact Living

Biome Environmental Solutions has redefined compact living by designing a home that feels spacious despite its limited footprint. The design focuses on creating multi-functional spaces to avoid clutter, using built-in furniture like bedside ledges and window seats. The layout ensures that every inch of space is utilized without compromising comfort or aesthetics.

A Sustainable Model for Urban Living

Deepthi and Hemanth’s home is a testament to how thoughtful design can address the challenges of urban living. By prioritizing sustainability, privacy, and functionality, Biome Environmental Solutions has created a home that is not only beautiful but also practical and environmentally conscious.

This project demonstrates that small, sustainable homes can provide both comfort and a sense of openness, even in crowded urban contexts.

All Photographs are work of Vivek Muthuramalingam