Pantry at Raj Bhavan

About

This project transformed an ageing brick structure beside Raj Bhavan's historic glass house into a refined pantry and VVIP toilet for dignitaries, elevating bamboo from "poor man's timber" to a sophisticated governmental material. Notably, nearly 60% of the original structure's material—including roof understructure—was reused for conservation and efficiency. Bamboo Crete walls with cement plaster and unplastered window niches for natural light form the envelope.

Roofing uses IPIRTI-developed Bamboo Mat Corrugated Sheets (BMCS) with 3mm Bamboo Mat Board fascia protecting against sun and monsoons. The pantry counter innovates with Bamboo Mat Board over ferrocement, PU-coated for proven durability in heavy use.

Shimoga's Chitara tribal paintings by local bamboo artisans enrich interiors, blending regional craft with contemporary quality. The redesign showcases Karnataka's bamboo technologies in a high-profile, functional space.

  • Location: Bangalore, Karnataka

  • Project Type: Public amenities

  • Client: Rajbhavan, Bangalore

  • Year of Completion: 2001

  • Built-up Area: 1,341 sq.ft

  • Project Cost: 4 lakhs

  • Contractors: M/s KARNIK, Bangalore

Project at a Glance

  • Primary/Low-Energy Materials

    Bamboo Crete wall; Bamboo Mat Corrugated Sheets (BMCS); Bamboo Mat Board (BMB); recycled materials from original structure (~60%).

  • Natural Ventilation

    Achieved through strategically left openings within plastered bamboo-crete walls.

    Daylighting

    Wall openings allow diffused natural light.

    Thermal Protection

    BMCS roofing and BMB fascia provide protection against sun and monsoon rain.

  • Walls

    Bamboo Crete with cement plaster and unplastered window openings.

    Flooring

    Existing flooring retained/reused where feasible.

    Roofing

    Bamboo Mat Corrugated Sheets; BMB fascia for weather protection.

    Interiors

    Bamboo Mat Board pantry counter over ferrocement base with PU finish; traditional Chitara artwork from Shimoga.

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