Tucked away in a very private and quiet neighborhood by the beach in Chennai, the “House in the Tropics” does not reveal too much at first sight. High compound walls block much of the residence and the only give away is the old antique doorway. The idea behind this was to reveal the design in stages and create an element of surprise as one moves through the house.

Our clients are a young couple who wanted a multi-generational house that accommodated their two children and their parents. They wanted a house that valued their traditions but was designed for their modern lifestyle. They wanted a large, airy and light filled house that enjoyed nature and the beach from ever y corner. Thus, we designed the residence in a tropical modern style accentuated with a lot of traditional south Indian elements, reflecting both the personality of our clients and the context.

In plan, the house has been designed along 2 major axes. One cuts across from the antique door from the road, onto the main door, foyer, living, dining and the koi pond at the end. The other is from the courtyard on the west, to the living room in the center and the swimming pool on the east. The entire design revolves around these axes. The north-south axis provides the connectivity between spaces while the East-West axis brings the spaces together visually and socially. The living room which is at the heart of the residence is designed with pocket doors that completely open up the space, providing a seamless connection between the indoor and the outdoor. This also helps us make best use of the sea breeze throughout the day. Large overhangs throughout the residence cuts down the heat but allows for continuous natural ventilation. The bedrooms and the family lounge at the upper level are oriented towards the swimming pool on the east and enjoy views of the beach in the vicinity as well.