- Project: Timber Edge
- Architect: Crest Architects
- Location: India, Bengaluru
- Year: 2024
- Area: 669 m2
- Photography: Shamanth Patil J
In the dense heart of Bengaluru, along the bustling Old Madras Road, a transformative architectural vision emerged: Timber Edge by Crest Architects. Completed in 2024, this 7,200 ft² residence showcases how design ingenuity can elevate constrained urban spaces into serene and functional homes—balanced in aesthetics, Vastu principles, and environmental responsiveness.
Set within a stilt-plus-four structure hemmed in by neighboring buildings and a school, the house faced formidable design constraints. The client’s vision was clear: to create a luxurious, Vastu-compliant home that maximized privacy, light, and spatial flow, while establishing a distinct architectural identity.
A Facade Defined by Wood and Geometry
Working within the limits of the existing structural grid, Crest Architects refrained from major structural overhauls. Instead, they introduced bold spatial interventions that reimagined the building’s character.
Projecting slabs along the eastern frontage were extended into sculptural balconies, clad in warm timber. These wood-clad cantilevered elements act as shading devices and transition zones, softening the rigid concrete mass. The inclined sunken balcony in the northeast corner—crafted to fulfill Vastu principles—anchors the facade with intention and elegance. This crisp dialogue between material and form is what gives the project its name: Timber Edge.
Layered Interiors with Tailored Experiences
Inside, Timber Edge unfolds as a sophisticated orchestration of light, volume, and crafted detail. An eastern-facing double-height opening channels natural light deep into the home’s core. To reconcile structural irregularities—like misaligned columns—designers employed elegant visual solutions: a marble and tinted glass partition that functions as both a TV unit and spatial divider between formal and informal lounges.
Between the dining and living zones, a curved lacquered glass screen integrates a mirror and wash basin—merging aesthetics with utility. A cantilevered marble breakfast counter floats lightly, reinforcing the spatial rhythm.
Staircase as Sculptural Centerpiece
At the heart of the home lies a statement element: a cantilevered staircase inspired by origami. Under a large skylight, its angular metal treads inlaid with timber create an interplay of sharp form and soft texture—offering rhythm and tactility as users ascend through the residence.
From the first-floor lounge, occupants enjoy views over the double-height space below. Teak louvers and grooved marble conceal private entries, while elliptical ceiling funnels heighten vertical perception and visual intrigue.
Personalized Bedrooms with Green Connectivity
Each bedroom reflects the personality of its occupant while adhering to a cohesive material language. The master and son’s rooms exhibit rich layers of marble, veneer, fabric, and wood, whereas the daughter’s and guest bedrooms lean minimalist, drawing attention to private green terraces beyond.
Innovative storage solutions include a cantilevered vanity in the master suite and a floating dresser in the son’s walk-in closet—both enhancing the sense of openness.
Terrace as Tranquil Retreat
Above it all, the terrace crowns the home with serenity. A yoga deck shaded by a metal-and-wood pergola offers a peaceful retreat. Here, a minimalist feature wall with a Buddha statue completes the narrative—where architecture meets contemplation.
