Taliesyn 123 Office: A Sustainable, Collaborative Studio in Bengaluru

Taliesyn Design & Architecture, a decade-old architectural practice based in Bengaluru, has reimagined its own workspace with the Taliesyn 123 Office—a studio that blends sustainability, collaboration, and biophilic design. Completed in 2021, this 1,920 sq ft studio is more than an office; it is a living laboratory of ideas, embracing material experimentation, nature integration, and post-pandemic workplace sensibilities.

A Studio Rooted in Design Philosophy

The new Taliesyn office is a reflection of the studio’s ethos—minimalism, collaboration, and sensitivity to the environment. Located in southern Bengaluru, the studio is designed as a quiet yet inspiring retreat, where architecture engages deeply with existing foliage, vernacular traditions, and natural light. The layout prioritizes fluidity, open courtyards, and semi-open workspaces, encouraging dialogue, experimentation, and community.

Blurring Boundaries Between Indoors and Outdoors

Anchored by a bold exposed framework, the design blurs the line between built and unbuilt spaces. The façade combines terracotta blocks and cement arched panels, reinforced with metal sections that provide structure and ventilation while adding visual rhythm. This thoughtful juxtaposition enhances porosity, enabling cross-ventilation and thermal comfort—a key feature in Bengaluru’s tropical climate.

Inside, the staggered volumes allow visual connections across the double-height studio. The ground floor hosts open workstations, a material library, and collaborative areas, while the mezzanine serves as a discussion zone and private workspace for the founders. The centerpiece is a striking sage green circular metal staircase, symbolically connecting people, levels, and ideas while reflecting the colors of the surrounding landscape.

Materiality and Sustainable Practices

The Taliesyn 123 Office exemplifies the firm’s commitment to sustainable architecture and material honesty. Key features include:

• Terrazzo floors made from recycled chips, cast on-site.
• Minimalist birch ply furniture crafted locally on metal frames.
• Solar panels integrated into the roof, meeting the studio’s entire electricity demand.
• Rainwater harvesting systems, reinforcing water-conscious design.
• A retrofitted shipping container, transformed into a material library for research and experimentation.

This material-first approach allows the space to feel raw, authentic, and connected to its environment.

The Landscape as a Design Nucleus

At the heart of the studio lies an Indian Beech tree (Honge Mara), a native species that anchors the entire site. Around it, the landscape is zoned into open courtyards, semi-open seating areas, and experimental material displays. A central court with stone-tiled pathways connects outdoor and indoor spaces seamlessly, encouraging informal gatherings and social interaction.

Terracotta blocks and recycled materials are reused in landscaping features, further reflecting Taliesyn’s sustainable philosophy. The design fosters a sense of community, creativity, and ecological responsibility, making the studio both a workplace and a cultural hub.

A Reflection of Identity

Ultimately, the Taliesyn 123 Office is not just an architectural project but an embodiment of the firm’s identity. It represents a collaborative spirit, material exploration, and deep respect for context and nature. The studio stands as a sustainable model for future workspaces in India, where architecture fosters well-being, dialogue, and innovation.

All Photographs are works of Niveditaa Gupta