In an age of architecture where minimalism isn’t unfounded, The House of the Floating Walls solidifies its place amongst the rest. Shapes, spaces and forms are playfully painted upon a blank canvas, breathing life into this building. This Bengaluru home incorporates clear geometric lines and follows a century-old design philosophy of pure cubism. At first glance, the house doesn’t impose itself upon the viewer. Although heavy forms fortress the house, there seems to be a subtle balladry in the colours and the very positioning of its architectural pieces. One could easily describe the house using the phrase; ‘tactile poetry’. The facade is what constitutes these poetic elements. The floating walls are crafted using varying patterns of vertical strokes that are cut and laid in a series of intricate workmanship. This, along with the fabricated louvers of assorted metal profiles adds to the minimalist composition of the arrangement. The use of whites and greys are pivotal in bringing in a sense of calm, which is imperative considering the bold, heavy and otherwise jading outer skin. Certain pockets on the elevation act as interactive pause points with each other and the street ahead. As with everything, there is a give and take. While the floating walls are urged out projecting themselves onto the street below, other architectural elements balance this dance of forms by remaining recessed into the elevation. This is illustrated using teak framed squared windows. The facade cleverly disguises a stilt floored rental space, while the main house sits atop it. This floor facilitates all of the house’s service amenities such as the 3-car car-park, servants’ room, generator room, and of course the 2BHK rental residence. Here, garden spaces serve both residences with independent entry points. The rental residence is tucked behind a doglegged staircase and lift section which is out of sight to main house above. The threads and risers of the main staircase is finished in a rough-cut marble that’s shaded a similar tone to that of the floating masonry walls outside. The brushed gold vertical railings alternately, seem to mimic the exterior louvers. This combination of rustic gold and rough marble transcend the visitors into a contemporary space with a matching overtone. Amidst spaces that are confined to a purpose yet open to one another, the visitors are greeted with two obvious volumes. The formal living room is decked with an assemblage of lounging chairs, an Indian diwan and an L-shaped couch. The furniture is dyed with muted colors of grey, ash and the odd blue accent. Here, there are sprinkles of coffee tables, lampshades and carpets all glimpsing strips of the garden below. A careful roundness in the general medley of the space allows for a recognizable quietude. On the North East of the formal living room, a chequered wooden door ornamented with brass bells defines a rather decadent pooja room. The drawing room has an exaugurated double heighted ceiling which is accentuated by an expansive light fixture. The space features color coordinated furniture, artwork and upholstery. Further in, a concrete finished micro topped dining tables sits 6 plushed Chandigarh chairs. The warmth of the wood and the buzzing of the kitchen is sure to make this space the heart of the home. The kitchen itself follows a modern design and a minimal color palette. Stainless steel finishes paired with a smoked wood-like backsplash gives the kitchen a contemporary charm. Throughout, is a subtle concrete finished vitrified flooring that was categorically chosen to compliment all the shared spaces. Across the dining room, the deck space houses a chequered bench resting against a wall adorned with 16 niches, an ode to the geometry of the external elevation. The master bedroom is dipped in more mature hues. A thoughtful combination of beiges, tans and whites help in providing a space that doesn’t crowd an already bustling floor. Upstairs gives way to a rather intimate space, the family room. Here shades of black and olive make this space soft and restraint. Finished with an art deco meets bohemian charm, the family room is ideal for chatters in the dusk or a quiet afternoon nap. The daughters’ bedrooms both follow mutual schools of thought, keeping in mind their passions for music and dance, a more pastel and graceful approach has been taken here. Walls, headboards and closets are softened with a nude and champagne Alcantara, while the wooden flooring is toned a homey hazel. The house also includes a theatre room, that contains rather rugged pieces of furniture. Grey carpets, filmy wallpaper, stacked leather chests, shooting lights and a vintage film camera makes this space great for a drink or two, over a film or two. In Bengaluru’s constant rush and exhaustion, there stands tall a home of peace and quiet. Tranquility in the center of chaos. A building that constantly reminds you of the union of unlike singularities into timeless design. Here in The House of the Floating walls, more or less, less is more.