FACT FILE

REVAMPING WITH LAYERS

In the heart of T. Nagar, Chennai, lies a home that will make you feel like you've stepped into a lush labyrinth. Set at the far end of a triangular plot, this place is a true feast for the senses. The task was to revamp an existing building into a nature-connected, simple-to-perceive, and vibes-exalting haven. Architect Malli Saravanan kept only the structural grid of the original block, and everything else was stripped away. The entire form was then reimagined and redefined to suit the new vision, which was guided by the principles of spatial layering.

SPATIAL LAYERING

Spatial layering is an art that uses space, void, light, and materials to create a spatial continuity that stimulates different responses in people. The structure is imagined as compositions of opacity and transparency, open or closed, solid or porous. This was achieved by superimposing spaces, openings, materials of different natures, landscapes, and other architectural elements to create spatially and visually connected domains.

The original building was imposing and intimidating. It was three stories tall, with a long, narrow facade. Saravanan decided to break the building up into three wings by introducing open and semi-open courts and gardens. This made the building more inviting and less daunting.

Saravanan also added new spaces, such as an office, an entry porch, and a kid's pool. These spaces served as pause points that provided a gradual entry into the main house. To create a sense of curiosity, Saravanan layered the courts and gardens amongst the regular rooms. This created a refreshing environment that was moderated by the various garden pockets.

EXPLORING THE MATERIALS AND SPACES

This house's design has been meticulously crafted to create a serene and peaceful environment for its inhabitants. Upon arrival, the massive entry porch, constructed using concrete and wood, provides a grand welcome. Divided into two distinct areas, one serves as a seating area for guests surrounded by a lush landscape. At the same time, the other is a private home office, separated from the living area by glass walls and wooden frames.

Moving into the interior, the Zen Court, the first space that greets one, serves as a tranquil oasis. With a celestial ambience created by the light filtering in from the top, the area is adorned with a tree and stone backdrop, instilling a sense of calm.

The architect has further created a tropical garden that acts as a retreat for the family amidst the busy neighbourhood. With lush tropical landscaping and a water body, the garden exudes a sense of serenity and tranquillity.

The double-height living room has been designed to establish a connection between the two floors. Its orientation receives diffused north light through large glass panels, bathing the space in natural light. The house also features a recreational lounge area, surrounded by a lush landscape on one side and a pool area on the other, with muted colours and a bar area.

A large semi-open terrace, the Gazebo, is located on the first floor, offering a respite zone. The terrace has wooden flooring and a cantilevered shade that opens up to the view of the swimming pool on the ground floor. Speaking of the pool, the zone has been designed with two pools, one for adults and another for kids, with flooring made of broken Kadapa, in coherence with the surrounding landscape.

The project's façade has been designed using the concept of cubism. The form is divided into three blocks, with all three layers enveloped in greenery. The front façade features an impressive entrance porch with a large shade resting on sleek columns.

Finally, the architect has incorporated an exposed laterite wall, implementing spatial layering through the laid brickwork to create a visually translucent jaali, offering a different appreciation of the spaces within. All these spaces and elements combine to create a house that exudes a peaceful and serene ambience.