Exterior view of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
Exterior view of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
Vastu principles were a foundational guide, laying the framework for spatial planning. Furthermore, the ground floor was designed for mixed-use revenue streams: a shop space and a small one bedroom rental studio. This floor also houses the parking space, a much-needed store room and the main staircase, with provision for a future lift.
The challenge was to make the compact facade tell a powerful cultural story. This required a complete vertical rethinking of the space, allowing the elevation to be maximized for both light and visual impact.
To address the limited natural light on the flanking sides and honor the family's deep roots, the exterior elevation was designed to be both striking and personal. Though now rooted in Bengaluru, the family's original home in Mysuru is celebrated through a large, customized metal cut-out on a blank wall depicting a scene from the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. This subtle yet powerful architectural motif provides a focal point, symbolizing cherished memories and a sense of heritage. The front facade is completed with a stone Ganesha statue and a planter holding ‘garike hullu’ (‘Durva’ or Cynodon dactylon), a traditional touch. The base of the facade integrates a final compassionate detail: a simple black granite water trough for stray animals, set right beneath the planter.
Commercial space of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
Lord Ganesha Idol of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
Entrance of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
Living room of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
At the ground floor, the functional elements - the parking gate and the shop shutter are unified in a singular black, monolithic design. The use of different finishes creates textural depth within the single color palette. This dark, grounded base allows the Ganesha and planter to stand out just enough, thoughtfully setting the stage for the dramatic Dasara cutout above, ensuring the cultural iconography remains the primary focal point.
The first floor is the primary shared living space, designed as an elegant and multi-functional core. The living room is brightly lit by immense windows that open onto an ingenious internal interpretation of a traditional verandah, complete with an old wooden column on a locally sourced stone base, and a reused swing. This transitional area is visually differentiated with patterned tiles and black granite; and serves as a quiet reading space, housing the family's collection in reused old wooden bookshelves. Yet, the true anchor of this space is the old stereo; positioned on the shelf, its daily use for listening to old Kannada songs ensures the past resonates vividly in the present.
Across from this is a fully black pooja room, designed to evoke the serenity and solemnity of a garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum). The space is completed by a remarkable 100-year-old, 500 kg metal chest, which required the use of a crane for installation, a testament to the family's commitment to honoring their legacy pieces.
All living room furniture has been thoughtfully reused, demonstrating a commitment to keep costs low and sentimentality. The open kitchen features a practical, foldable dining table ledge. It opens up to a utility area tucked at the rear.
Living room of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
Kitchen of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
Pooja Mandir of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
Stairwell of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
Parents Bedroom of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
The grandparents' bedroom is conveniently located on this floor. The bed frame was custom-built from old rosewood rafters the client already owned, ensuring minimal waste. To counter any visual flatness, the wardrobe shutters were finished with fabric, introducing essential texture and breaking up the room's monochromatic nature.
The journey between floors is itself a design feature. A skylight above the staircase transforms the ascent, casting beautiful, ever-changing light patterns onto the walls below.
Primary Bedroom of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
The second floor is dedicated to the younger family unit. The master bedroom includes a walk-in wardrobe and a dedicated bathroom. A fixed seat in red oxide finish runs parallel to the bed, serving as a side table at one end and extending into a study table at the other. The son's room, faced with spatial constraints, features an innovative, space-saving solution: a wardrobe drawer that doubles as a side table when pulled out. Privacy from close neighbors is maintained while ensuring light enters the room through the clever use of glass blocks.
Primary Bedroom's Walk-in Wardrobe of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
Study Area & Balcony of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
A study area is carved out with a high table that peers over the main road, ensuring ample daylight. This space also doubles up as a guest room, whenever required. Adjacent to this is a private, open-to-sky balcony. The area is shaded in the evenings, where the terracotta-colored walls and diffused lighting create a warm contrast against the black floor and white walls, an ideal spot for evening relaxation. The terrace level efficiently houses all necessary utilities, including the solar panels and water softener, completing the vertical integration of the home.
Dusk light exterior view of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
Night exterior view of Punyaprajna by From Around Here
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