Architect: Deearth Architects
Area: 7800 ft²
Year: 2020
Photo: Tripleopixel
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Located in Saligramam, Chennai, this upscale home is carefully crafted & envisioned to give a serene escapade brimming with earthy luxuriance for a family of 5, despite being situated amidst the dense urban concrete jungle. With roads on both east & north sides, the 14 cents square plot is closely enveloped by residential & commercial spaces.
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Entrance to the site was provided from the east side to ensure maximum privacy and easier accessibility. A transitional entryway filled with lush greenery welcomes the user, which is curated to provide a much-needed respite from the chaos outside. The unwinding courtyard, complementing two linear blocks on either side forms the built mass spreading up to 2/3 of the site. This inward-looking courtyard gently veiled from the outer world space, blends the disparate entities, outer and inner, into a harmonious whole and acts as the innermost core of the house.
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The front built area comprises common areas and a kitchen. The second layer of the built area separated by the courtyards includes the bedrooms and pooja area. In this way, the user can maintain their privacy even while entertaining guests.
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The dining space, located in between the two courtyards, connects the two built zones. Togetherness and bonding are fostered by this comforting setting of the dining room. The inner courtyard creates a sense of calm in the home. Amidst the user’s varying moods with the space, the Buddha statue remains a silent and symbolic centre.
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Open doors from the main entrance invite your eyes to the Buddha statue. Besides restoring tranquillity to the space, this statue also serves as a visual axis and spine that links the spaces. Additionally, the statue is also an element that exemplifies the spiritual essence of the space through the subtle sound of the water fountain and various sensorial aspects that are felt in the dining area as well.
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A natural vibe is evoked in the courtyards by the random rubble cladding. A layer of porotherm bricks on the façade, significantly reduce the heat-intake of the structure. The kitchen opens out to a courtyard covered with jaali and glass, while the opposite side is left open to invite rain and sunshine. As a building mass, with its sloping roof and the carefully articulated structure enriched by the use of natural materials, the residence becomes a landmark among unremarkable concrete surroundings.
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Cr. Archdaily
