Insights  ·  Journal

Notes on climate,
context and craft.

Working notes from our studio in Bangalore — on sustainable architecture, alternative construction, courtyard homes, and the small design decisions that make a residence feel inevitable.

Building with Earth

Hands on Building as a Therapy

What began as a farm getaway near Tumkur became a long relationship with a village — weeks of building a community cafe and a cob oven with earth, lime, husk and bare feet.

8 June 2026 · 4 min read

Climate-responsive design

How to Design a Passively Cooled Home in Bangalore

Bangalore's climate is one of India's most forgiving — but only if the building works with it, not against it. A field guide to cross-ventilation, orientation and thermal mass for the city's residences.

4 November 2025 · 6 min read

Materials

Choosing Materials for a Bangalore Home: An Honest Guide

Cement, steel and glass have their place — but they aren't the only palette. A working shortlist of materials that age well, breathe well, and belong to the region.

18 October 2025 · 5 min read

Design philosophy

The Three C's: Climate, Context, Culture

A short manifesto — how three simple filters keep our residential architecture grounded, generous and unmistakably of its place.

30 September 2025 · 4 min read

Alternative construction

Rammed Earth in Urban India: Myths and Realities

It looks handcrafted, weathers beautifully, and slashes embodied carbon — but rammed earth carries misconceptions. What Bangalore clients actually need to know before they commit.

12 September 2025 · 6 min read

Urbanism

Creating Inclusive and Equitable Cities

More than half the world now lives in cities. From Vienna to Tokyo to Pontevedra — what inclusive urbanism looks like when cities are designed for women, the elderly, children and transgender persons.

27 October 2023 · 5 min read

Energy

Designing a Low Energy Home

Residential energy use takes up about a quarter of India's total consumption. Passive design first, renewables second — what it really takes to design a net-zero home.

3 October 2022 · 5 min read

Urban Commons

Reclaiming the Commons, One at a Time. Our Streets.

Streets are our commons — shared spaces to be used, accessed and enjoyed by all. On walking, cycling, street vending and reclaiming our streets from motor vehicles.

16 July 2022 · 2 min read

Sustainability

Sustainable Architecture and the Square Feet

We talk of earth-friendly materials, climate responsiveness and energy savings — but are we missing the big picture? Why the most radical sustainable move might be the square feet we choose not to build.

18 April 2021 · 2 min read