Inspired By Old Indian Streets And Set Against Lapping Waves, This Chennai Home Is A Gift In More Ways Than One

FACT FILE

SITE CONTEXT

Nestled at the culmination of a tranquil residential street in Chennai, the Gully Home commands its place on a slender plot, measuring 39 x 93 feet. Serenely perched overlooking the majestic expanse of the Bay of Bengal, this abode is a testimony to the harmony between nature and human habitation. From its vantage point, the house beckons the gentle sea breeze, inviting the rhythmic whispers of the waves to weave their way into its fabric.

A GIFT BY THE OCEAN WAVES

In a heartfelt gesture, the client, a father, wished to bestow upon his daughter a remarkable gift as she embarked on her new chapter of matrimony. The Gully Home emerged as a testament to this momentous occasion, standing tall on a uniquely linear plot, with the vast expanse of the ocean as its backdrop. Every inch of this architectural marvel was crafted to ensure that the beauty of the ocean could be savoured from every corner.

The east-facing orientation of the building was both a blessing and a challenge. While it provided the privilege of captivating ocean vistas, it also subjected the house to the relentless rays of the morning sun, unleashing its scorching heat upon the structure. In response, a design ingenuity took shape, manifesting as a double-skinned façade that skillfully tackled this climatic hurdle. At its core lay the sturdy Porotherm blocks, complemented by the artful arrangement of half-cut bricks on either side. The double-skinned façade ensured that the walls retained the soothing warmth within, preventing it from seeping out.

However, the desire for expansive views necessitated the incorporation of glazing, which came with a challenge—the potential for heat gain within these transparent portals. A delicate balance had to be struck to ensure both visual splendour and optimal thermal comfort.

To conquer this design conundrum, a highly versatile window system emerged, an epitome of adaptability and ingenuity. Each window became a work of functional art, comprising an inward-opening glass shutter paired with an outer aluminium shutter adorned with operable louvres. This combination offered a dazzling array of six distinct permutations, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of the occupants.

INSIDE THE HOUSE

The Gully Home stands elevated, adorned with grace and purpose, beckoning visitors through a meandering pedestrian approach embraced by an entry garden. The basement, nestled beneath the structure, discreetly accommodates an array of essential services and utilities, including car parking, a servant’s quarter, and a battery backup room, ensuring seamless functionality and convenience.

As one steps inside, a small foyer extends a warm embrace, leading guests into the expansive grandeur of the great room. Inspired by the vibrant tapestry of life found in the lively gullies of Indian cities, this space epitomises the essence of communal harmony and shared joy that thrived in the heart of Indian cities.

Immersed within the heart of the house lies a triple-height expanse, carefully crafted to embrace a sense of openness and serenity. Here, the living, dining, and kitchen areas converge, forming a harmonious union of functionality and elegance. The boundaries between indoor and outdoor dissolve effortlessly as this space seamlessly spills into a linear garden, offering an uninterrupted panorama of the majestic sea beyond.

VERTICAL INTRIGUE

To further elevate the sense of vertical connection and foster a symphony of sightlines, the Gully Home defies convention by deviating from the typical three-level floor plan. Instead, the floor plates gracefully stagger, extending by 5 feet on either side of the awe-inspiring triple-height space. This bold architectural choice not only adds an element of visual intrigue but also invites glimpses into the vibrant heart of the great room from various vantage points within the house. A captivating open metal dog-legged staircase ascends with elegance, guiding inhabitants from one floor to another, while each flight reveals a unique and inviting bedroom sanctuary. This seamless integration of design and accessibility imbues the Gully Home with a sense of refinement and effortless flow.

UPPER AREAS

Up the staircase, the first landing unveils a bedroom nestled in the northeast quadrant of the house. Continuing the ascent to the second landing, the master bedroom claims a commanding position within the dwelling. Anchored by expansive windows that open onto the ocean's majesty, this space becomes an idyllic sanctuary, offering a panoramic vista. A flight of stairs descends to a private deck.

The house also has a lounge area with a swimming pool. The design genius lies in the glazing, carefully crafted to dissolve boundaries when opened, seamlessly merging the deck with the lounge.

The topmost level boasts an open terrace, an enchanting haven enclosed by elegant brick jaalis. These masterfully crafted jaalis weave together intricate patterns, creating exquisitely framed openings that unveil a mesmerising tapestry of ocean vistas.

MATERIALS

The Gully Home is a harmonious fusion of architecture and interior design, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside. Cut brick cladding, lime-plastered walls, and exposed concrete elements form the core materials, creating an authentic and rustic atmosphere. Terracotta pots suspended from the ceiling add a whimsical touch. Furniture crafted from wood, fabric, and cane complements the rustic theme.

The absence of false ceilings showcases exposed concrete slabs, celebrating the structural beauty. This sustainable dwelling responds to its surroundings, embodying a perfect blend of climatic responsiveness and functional design. The Gully Home epitomises the power of architectural innovation and sensitivity, connecting inhabitants with their environment in a profound way.