Villa Lumière
Grace in Glass
BENGALURU, INDIA
MARCH 2025
IN PLANNING
RESIDENTIAL
This 2,000 square meter mansion in India draws its central inspiration from the Jewel at Singapore Changi Airport, particularly its iconic dome. The glazed skylight dome above the core of the house floods the interior with natural light, creating a sense of openness and vitality throughout the day. This approach transforms the typically enclosed atmosphere of neoclassical mansions into something more breathable, serene, and spatially uplifting. While the architecture still holds grand proportions and symmetry, the infusion of daylight softens the formality and celebrates connection to nature through light.
On the right side, the design introduces two grand arched openings that span the full height of the building an indoor courtyard garden placed purposefully by the client’s request. This space blurs the boundary between exterior and interior, allowing greenery to thrive within the structure while visually connecting the garden to the outdoor landscape. The arches themselves recall classical forms but are interpreted in a modern, minimal way, drawing the eye to this unexpected oasis embedded within the formal architecture.
The left side of the mansion showcases a rhythm of tall, dark-framed windows, allowing deep views into the internal spaces while reinforcing the verticality of the neoclassical design. A feature spiral staircase sits behind a fully glazed cylinder, designed both as a sculptural moment and a functional core. From outside, it serves as a visual anchor a contemporary gesture framed within the classical symmetry. The light from the dome above filters through this area, making the entire corner glow with a soft ambiance throughout the day.
The front façade embraces a formal neoclassical language, marked by symmetry, proportion, and grandeur. Flanked by classical columns and detailed cornices, the entrance is centered beneath a triangular pediment, giving the arrival a sense of ceremony. Warm-toned landscape lighting and the soft glow from the interior create a striking contrast to the otherwise imposing architecture, making the space feel inviting rather than austere. A circular water fountain in the forecourt completes the composition, reinforcing the sense of timeless luxury while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
