The site for the residence lies at the T-junction of residential area in Chennai, Giving it an individual precinct. The site is narrow 6m wide and 18m deep being surrounded by buildings and a garden at the rear, one of the challenges was to bring in daylight deep inside the building and provide views with privacy.
The Clients desired a 2 bedroom private residence with an aura of positivity and easiness in communication within the house.
The house is from the first level leaving the ground level for parking and a small office at the rear, this also brings in daylight being surrounded by buildings. The foyer is accessed by cantilevered steps from a slate clad wall which allows light through louvres present at the top; this keeps the entrance visually light, well lit and open.
The design is a Central double height staircase core that divides the house in two, guiding sunlight from the terrace and connecting different spaces within the house making the narrow space more spacious and light.
The drawing room is connected by this double height with an open kitchen below and a family room at mezzanine level. Single piece fixed glass forms the wall on one side for the drawing room making the space sprawl out. Behind the Kitchen is a space for meditation with views of the garden in the background, and a powder room with a dedicated area for laundry.
The flooring in the drawing room is a combination of castinsitu white mosaic and black granite which progresses to form the steps for the mezzanine level, the landing step forms the counter for the kitchen also used as the dining table.
The family room at mezzanine level is the link between the bedrooms above and the drawing room below connected by well-lit staircase core and corner windows to bring the view of the garden inside; this multifunctional family space is used as study/play space by the children as well as for viewing television.
Climbing upwards from the family room leads to the master bedroom where one wall is clad with the same slate stone used at the entry, maintaining a connection within the house. The façade wall which is of the master bedroom has a L shaped fixed glass to let in the panorama of the street inside, through a layer of bamboo blinds and shear curtains to reduce the impact of the sun the bedroom renders warmth. Since the house has many stairs, at each level the staircase is designed and detailed differently, to keep it interesting. The house plan is complete with another bedroom for the children at the rear highest point of the building.
Founded in 2012 Art & Architecture is an architectural firm in Chennai with the ideology to practice tropical modernism and minimalistic design. The vision is to craft works that create sense and sensibility in person and space. To think design as a process and to comprehend what it serves is our drive.
Material Used :
1. Saint Gobain – Facade Glazing
2. Hunter Doughlas – Roller Blinds
3. Fenesta - Windows
4. Slate – Wall cladding
5. Quartzcrete - Flooring
6. Asian Paints – Wall paints
7. Tata steel – Steel fabrication works
