KAUSTUBHA

A Home of Light and Tranquility : Through the Photographer’s Lens In the heart of Bangalore’s dense urban sprawl, I discovered a home that felt like a sanctuary. Designed by Ar. Lavannya Goradia and built by the in-house team at Studio Alaya for Deepika and Bharat, this residence built on a 30x40 site balances openness, light, and sustainability. As a photographer, my goal was to capture not just its structure but its soul—the way light breathed life into its spaces, how nature intertwined with design, and how this home stood as a peaceful retreat amid the city's chaos. Stepping Into the Light The moment I walked in, the house unfolded like a story waiting to be told. Sunlight streamed through skylights and openings, painting the walls with an ever-changing canvas of shadows. The double-height space felt like a vast expanse, defying the constraints of its compact plot. As I moved through the interiors, I saw the house transform under the shifting light—morning brought a soft embrace, noon cast sharp contrasts, and evening draped it in golden serenity. Photography, here, wasn’t just about documenting—it was about timing. I waited, watching how light danced on textures, how the air felt lighter, and how the home seemed to breathe in sync with its surroundings. Each frame had to tell this story, one where architecture and nature wove a seamless narrative. Framing the Connection The double-height space wasn’t just an architectural feature—it was a bridge between levels, between openness and intimacy. I found myself drawn to angles that showcased this connection, capturing the way spaces flowed effortlessly into one another. Wide shots celebrated the vastness, while closer frames lingered on the intricate details—the warmth of reclaimed wood, the earthy textures of exposed brick, and the soft reflection of daylight on polished concrete. I climbed to the upper level, looking down at the living space below. The height, the openness—it all felt intentional, designed to make one pause and admire. My camera found its way to the smaller moments, too: a shaft of light illuminating a reading nook, a shadow gently tracing the curve of a staircase, the interplay of the indoors with the world outside. A Sanctuary in the City Outside, the city pulsed with movement, yet inside, there was stillness. Through the windows and terraces, I framed shots that juxtaposed this home’s serenity with the bustling urban landscape. It wasn’t about contrast—it was about coexistence. This house, built with sustainability at its core, embraced the city while carving out its own peaceful existence. Natural ventilation, passive cooling, and an earthy material palette made the space more than just visually stunning—it was a lesson in responsible living. I wanted my images to echo that sustainability, to show how thoughtful design could craft a home that was both beautiful and mindful. The interplay of nature and structure, of modernity and tradition, found its way into every shot. Through the Lens, a Story As I packed up my gear, I took one last look at the space. It wasn’t just a house—it was a home that felt alive, shifting with the light, responding to its surroundings, offering refuge in a city that seldom slows down. My photographs, I hoped, would carry this story forward—not just of design, but of experience, of a place where architecture and emotion intertwined seamlessly. It’s rare to find homes that don’t just exist but breathe. This one did. And through my lens, I told its story.