A home grown from earth

A Bengaluru home by Kamat and Rozario murmurs sustainability of a new kind

31 Jul 2025

Step inside this home and find yourself back outside. A circular story of construction and conservation, the residence in Bengaluru is built with the soil and earth excavated from the very site. A blend of private and semi-private spaces, Kamat & Rozario Architecture grow a home from its roots for a family of three and their pet pinned on an eco-conscious sensibility and quiet luxury.

Designed by Lester Rozario, Principal Architect, the 4,250 sq ft. home dubbed Roots, “was never meant to be overt; it had to feel grounded in its context and adaptable to change. From these intentions emerged a design that embraced restraint while rooting itself materially and spatially,” says Lester Rozario.

“Responding to the urban unpredictability of the neighbourhood, courtyards and screens became tools for light, air, privacy and controlling views” — Lester Rozario

Above the stairwell, a skylight brings in the daylight, highlighting the brick wall and white surfaces; Photography by Arjun Krishna

Walls that reflect the earth

The home reflects sustainability in its very walls. How? Using in-situ manufactured earth blocks, the building is made with its soil. “The use of earth excavated from the site itself to make stabilised blocks was a practical move that set the tone for the project,” says Lester.

Despite its conscious choices, the home does not announce its green credentials, rather letting the minimalist design find a sense of sustainability. The courtyard and screens also double as an entrance for light and air, while maintaining privacy, owing to the urban unpredictability surrounding the site.

The wooden flooring is in a herringbone pattern in the family lounge. The step-down balcony leads back to the outside; Photography by Arjun Krishna

A touch of quiet luxury

The material and colour palette celebrate diversity in textures and colours. Stone sourced from Kadappa is laid into an intricate herringbone pattern accompanied by brass inlays, creating a touch of quiet luxury. The upper floors make use of timber that sets warmer tones for the space. The use of cantilevered stone volume, a terracotta screen and a metal stairway accompany the mix, allowing the space to develop its character in a minimalist manner. The systems also make use of sustainability — the practice of rainwater harvesting filters water into potable quality, while on the roof, solar panels generate adequate energy.

A cozy Japanese sit-out area offers privacy through a lush green vertical garden, offering interior comfort with outdoor serenity; Photography by Arjun Krishna

In the guest bedroom, the armchair is from Home Canvas; Photography by Arjun Krishna

The sides and inside

One side of the home opens up to a verandah, while the other side of the dining courtyard is covered by creeper-covered grills. On the north side, a narrow strip of greenery prevents an opening towards the lower side of the wall.

The son’s bedroom looks out into the street, using a front elevation that has a cantilever stone-clad volume. A part of the elevation uses a terracotta screen, maintaining privacy while giving the space a textural contrast. The terrace connects an independent studio apartment to the home, while bedrooms are also concealed behind an integrated cabinet wall. The home’s contemporary design doesn’t forget its roots of sustainability, breaking away from the typical design language, while making its own.