Ethnic elegance (page 1)

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This is one home that so completely reflects the personal tastes and professional interests of its owners that it is almost like an extension of their personality. The Bangalore residence of renowned culture-activist Vimala Rangachar and Dr.R. Rangacharis a picture of sheer artistic beauty and ethnic elegance.

Vimala, chairperson, Crafts Council of Karnataka, has spent decades working for the cause of art and culture, and has received many awards. Having imbibed a love for art from her parents, she was later mentored by Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay. In fact, the Rangachar home has played host to many legends of Indian classical music and dance, all of whom have been the couple's friends.

The home as it stands today is the recently rebuilt version of the spacious bungalow the couple had occupied for four decades. With the sheer size and spread posing maintenance and security problems, the couple resolved to convert some of it into apartments. However, they wanted the size of the living space they previously enjoyed to remain unchanged. So, architects Bharadwaj Acharya. & Associates left the redesigned ground floor with the couple while five apartments were built over it.

The Rangachars also wanted and ensured that the facade retain a graceful, old-world look-and not assume the appearance of a typical staid, utilitarian apartment complex. The couple had no Vaastu. requirements except that the frontdoor should face east. However, the architects ensured the recreated home was largely Vaastucompliant.

Another request to the architects was that the house sport as few doors as possible. Hence, doors are made only where unavoidable-at the entrance, three bedrooms, and kitchen (since it leads into the backyard). The remaining rooms flow seamlessly into each other.

(Continues...)

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