“Aadhya” - meaning the beginning, reflects the idea of a home that marks a new chapter for a young family—one that is deeply rooted in tradition while embracing a contemporary way of living. The intention was to create a house that feels warm, lived-in and culturally familiar, while still responding to the aspirations of a modern family.

The project is located within a gated community in Neelankarai along the coast of Chennai. The 3150 sqft plot is accessed from a 20 ft–wide lane at the north-east corner, which forms the only frontage to the site. The plot is surrounded by residential parcels on all four sides, some currently vacant. Since these neighboring plots are expected to be built up in the future, ensuring good natural light and ventilation within the house became a key driver of the planning strategy.

The residence measures approximately 6000 sqft of built-up area and is designed as a stilt + two-floor structure with a terrace level that accommodates a home theatre and garden. The house includes three bedrooms and a home office. From a planning perspective, openings were carefully positioned to maximize light and airflow. Large corner windows on the north-east bring in daylight and breeze, while the western edge of the house accommodates the staircase and elevator, helping minimize heat gain from the harsh western sun.

At the heart of the home lies a double-height courtyard that connects the living and dining spaces. The courtyard acts as an extension of these areas, allowing the family to gather, sit together, enjoy coffee, and watch the children play. Lined with plants and framed by traditional elements such as Chettinad columns and curated artwork, this space forms the social and cultural center of the house while also bringing natural light and ventilation deep into the interior.

Externally, the house is articulated through a palette of grey travertine, wooden panels and integrated planters, while bold cantilevered overhangs provide shade and create a distinctive yet warm architectural presence. Internally, a restrained palette of natural materials forms a calm backdrop that allows traditional crafts, artefacts and artwork to add character and meaning to the home.