Bengaluru home rebuilt with almost nothing wasted
A Bengaluru couple rebuilt their 40-year-old home by salvaging materials, incorporating rainwater harvesting and solar power, and repurposing objects for a sustainable, low-maintenance residence.
Key takeaways
- The project salvaged major structural and decorative elements from the old home to reduce waste and preserve memory.
- A rainwater harvesting pit with 8,000 litres capacity and two water tanks support household usage.
- Solar panels on the 700-square-foot roof power heavy loads, with continued grid power for other needs and reported monthly savings.
- Repurposing included transforming an elephant howdah into a lounge couch and converting other fittings into new uses.
- Vertical gardens and terrace plantings extended greenery throughout the home.
What Happened
A Bengaluru couple chose to reconstruct their 40-year-old home with a focus on memory, sustainability and ease of maintenance. They engaged architect Jyothika Baleri of Destination Designs and dismantled the existing structure rather than demolishing it. Salvaged materials included doors, windows, teak wood and foundation stones, which were reused in the new four-storey house. A rainwater harvesting pit was built to store water for the monsoon season, with a capacity of 8,000 litres and two tanks supplying Cauvery water and rainwater for household needs. The new roof, about 700 square feet, is equipped with solar panels connected to the grid to power heavy loads such as the lift, sump motor, and exterior and stairway lighting, while BESCOM power is still used. The project also repurposed items: a Jaipur centre table became a dining table, an old bookshelf was reused, doors too large for their original place became furniture legs, and an elephant howdah from Rajasthan was transformed into a couch for Sajitha. Indoor greenery was integrated via vertical gardens, and the terrace hosts bougainvillea, tulsi, coriander and green chillies. The builders and architect emphasised minimizing waste by salvaging and reusing wherever possible.
Why It Matters
The project demonstrates a model of rebuilding that prioritizes reuse of existing materials, on-site water management, and renewable energy integration to reduce ongoing utility costs. The homeowners report a noticeable monthly saving on electricity, alongside environmental and design benefits from recycled elements and vertical greenery. The approach reflects a hands-on, memory-preserving method that also lowers waste and consumption during reconstruction.
Background
The plan originated from a desire for a simpler, warmer home that is easy to care for since both spouses work. The old structure was dismantled rather than demolished to salvage materials for the new four-storey residence. The architect guided the reuse strategy, while the terrace and interior design incorporated greenery and salvaged items to create functional spaces and distinctive features.
Key Facts
- Location: Bengaluru
- Old home age: 40 years
- New construction: four-storey house
- salvaged materials: doors, windows, teak wood and foundation stones
- Rainwater harvesting capacity: 8,000 litres
- Water sources: two tanks for Cauvery water and rainwater
- Roof area: 700 square feet
- Energy: solar panels on the roof connected to the grid; solar powers heavy loads
- Monthly savings: Rs 6,000–7,000 (about Rs 72,000 a year)
- Repurposed items: Jaipur elephant howdah into a couch; dining table from Jaipur centre table; bookshelf reused; unused doors repurposed as furniture legs
- Indoor greenery: vertical gardens; terrace plants include bougainvillaea, tulsi, coriander and green chillies
- Architect: Jyothika Baleri of Destination Designs
Sources reviewed
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