Located within a 250-villa community in North Bangalore, Surya Valencia draws on the ease and informality of Mediterranean living while responding closely to the needs of an Indian family. Instead of recreating a Spanish villa, Source Architecture has translated its spatial qualities through light, ventilation, material warmth and a strong relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.
We spoke with Sneha Ostawal of Source Architecture about the project’s environmental response, material language and the moments that define the home.
How did the site and the client’s brief shape the design?
The villa is located within a 250-villa residential community in North Bangalore, conceived around the relaxed ethos of Mediterranean living. Bangalore’s temperate climate and strong connection to outdoor living made it an ideal setting for reinterpreting Spanish architecture.
The brief was to create a home that felt warm, timeless and family-oriented, while introducing the character of Mediterranean architecture in a way that felt authentic to Indian living. The design prioritised openness, natural light and spaces that encourage gathering, while ensuring the house remained highly functional for multigenerational life.
Instead of creating a literal Spanish villa, the intent was to translate its underlying values of community, comfort and an effortless indoor-outdoor relationship into a contemporary Bangalore home.
What are the key structural and material decisions?
The defining structural intervention is the triple-height foyer and living room, crowned with twin skylights that dramatically improve daylight penetration and natural ventilation while creating the home’s central spatial experience.
Arches, exposed timber rafters and slender metal balustrades establish the architectural language, while the builder-provided beige flooring was retained and complemented by a palette of soft beige, muted olive and dusty pink.
Materials including timber, leather, cane, rope, metal, stucco, terracotta, terrazzo and Caesarstone were layered throughout the home to evoke Mediterranean warmth while drawing on Indian craftsmanship and practical durability.
Related: Mediterranean approach to family living
How does the house support multigenerational family life?
The design addresses both environmental and lifestyle needs. The triple-height volume and skylights enhance daylight and airflow, overcoming the site’s limited natural ventilation.
The kitchen is carefully planned with concealed appliances, dedicated preparation and cooking zones, and efficient circulation to support everyday use. Throughout the home, spaces are organised to accommodate multiple generations, balancing shared family areas with private retreats.
The outdoor terraces also have distinct purposes, from a quiet home-office extension to an entertainment deck, while durable, low-maintenance materials ensure they perform well through Bangalore’s monsoon seasons.
How did you approach the Mediterranean influence without making it feel literal?
Rather than replicating Mediterranean design, the home responds to local environmental conditions and the spatial expectations of an Indian family.
Soft arches, warm neutrals, textured surfaces and exposed timber bring in the character of Spanish architecture, but the planning remains grounded in how the family lives. The materials were also selected with local climate, durability and everyday use in mind, allowing the home to feel connected to its inspiration without becoming a pastiche.
What are your favourite moments in the house?
One of the most memorable moments is entering the home and experiencing the triple-height living space, where daylight pours in through twin skylights and shifts across the walls throughout the day, giving the interiors a constantly changing atmosphere.
Another favourite is the sequence of arches framing views across different levels, creating a sense of depth and connection between spaces.
The terraces are equally special, particularly the intimate front terrace with its swing and fireplace, and the main bathroom, where a bathtub sits beneath a skylight. Both capture the quiet, sunlit spirit of Mediterranean living while feeling perfectly at home in Bangalore.
