Amongst a dense urban area in Chennai, Ilainayam Residence lies on a corner plot of land in a residential neighborhood. Ilainayam refers to ‘Texture’ from the language Tamil. The unique characteristics of this residence focus on the play of textures. “Ilainayam” by Studio SKAI is an amalgamation of modern technology with traditional values.
“Ilainayam” By Studio SKAI Is An Amalgamation Of Modern Technology With Traditional Values | Studio SKAI
Visit : Studio SKAI
It is a poetic approach to articulate depth through juxtaposing and finding the right balance of space, void, light, textures, and materials creating a smooth transition in order to harmonize aesthetically and functionally in a meticulous way that stimulates different emotions in the residents who experience them.
This design is achieved by being contemporary and minimalist while being in harmony with the traditional context of the site.
Rosabeith Moss kanter once said “The architecture of change involves the design and construction of new patterns or the re-conceptualization of old ones to make new and hopefully more productive actions possible “Even though there are innumerable new tools, materials, and techniques, there is always a need to re-embrace elements and principles of traditional architecture and pair them with modern tools to achieve optimum results.
Ilaiyanayam illustrates the unique conundrum which exists between traditional and modern elements and strikes a balance to achieve benefits for the residents and the surrounding environment.
Ilaiyanayam is a three-storey structure, comprising parking, caretaker’s room, and a restroom on the ground level. The main entry point of the house is raised to the first floor which can be accessed by Staircase and lift provided for the vertical circulation of the building and a separate service staircase directly accessing the kitchen/utility for the maids to avoid interruption.
A courtyard with a water body (that embraces traditional values but also can be used as a swimming pool by using modern technology), formal and double floor height informal living, kitchen, utility powder room, and guest room with attached Bathroom and walk-in closet on the first floor.
The upper level is followed by private bedrooms with attached toilets and a walk-in closet. Along with bridges and balconies overlooking the courtyard. Private office space on the third floor to avoid any kind of distractions from the semi-public and public spaces of the house.
The terrace is landscaped with green roofing. All the private spaces flow seamlessly into each other and remain un-contained. There are framed views from each space of the courtyard and from the greens of the strategically located planter boxes, Balconies, and bridge.
We have embellished the structure with projecting pockets of landscapes to create spaces that are breathable and breezy while also protecting the inhabitants from the horrid sun and maintaining privacy. It is planted with local vegetation for easy maintenance that can also be harvested by the residents.
We have created a skylit courtyard with a water body that can function as a swimming pool. The concrete pergolas used in the high ceiling allow light and ventilation to flow through the structure. The water body softens the rough textures of the building. The courtyard acts as a transitional space thereby creating a sense of fluidity and interconnectedness on the inside while melding effortlessly with the outside.
The modernized courtyard and planter box create an internal microclimate that keeps the internal ecosystem cool. The terracotta screens and glass blocks further help modulate the ambient environment providing shading and privacy. The rooms have been outfilled with floor-to-ceiling height French windows to facilitate light and ventilation into the house.
The glass blocks around the staircase ensure light flows in. The aesthetic of the house is based on the fusion of modern and traditional palettes. The materials used are quarry slate tiles, wooden textured concrete, terracotta, and glass. The palette has an intense dialogue with the unique character of the residence reflecting on the play of textures.
Fact File
Designed by : Studio SKAI
Project Type : Residential Architecture Design
Year : 2022
Location : Chennai
Project Name : Ilainayam House
Area : 2132 Sq.ft
Principal Architect : Senthil Kumar
Project Architect : Manoj Kumar, Prajhwal, Praveen & Sharon Cynthia
Photography Credits : Little Attic
Firm’s Website Link : Studio SKAI
Firm’s Instagram Link : Studio SKAI
Firm’s Facebook Link : Studio SKAI
Source : Archdaily
For Similar Project >> BRICK SCREEN HOUSE: AN ABODE OF SUBTLE INDIAN AND EARTHY AESTHETICS
This bungalow style house influences the site context and can be visualised in multiple facades of sharp edges & cuboidal form. Her,e salient features like U-Projection are an expression of the bench on a level one. The house divides itself into three bays. On the ground floor, where first bay acquire all public activities like […]
Imagine yourself on the terrace of your hidden mountain retreat, drinking a fresh cup of coffee as you admire the sunrise emerging from behind the rolling hills across the valley. This serene atmosphere is exactly what Hello Wood’s latest project, the Console House, is designed to offer. The Console House showcases modern architecture design while […]
As cities continue to grow and evolve, there is a growing desire to incorporate elements of rural living into urban design. By embracing rural living principles, cities can create more eco-friendly and sustainable spaces. Rural living is not just about wide-open spaces and rolling hills. It’s also about community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. […]
Located in the thriving city of Ichalkaranji, this is an example of luxury residences is a seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. The striking exterior, adorned with brick and natural stone cladding, exudes warmth, character, and permanence. These rich textures create a visually captivating façade, harmonizing tradition with contemporary design while making a […]
Throughout history, stone has embodied permanence, artistry, and raw beauty in architecture. From the grandeur of Roman amphitheaters to the earthy elegance of modern villas, stone remains a beloved material for its strength, sustainability, and aesthetic richness. As design trends evolve toward natural materials, eco-conscious decisions, and biophilic design, stone has found new expressions — […]
The space adopts a biophilic office design and climate-responsive approach, creating a workspace that reimagines urban interiors by deeply embedding them with nature. The style is earthy, minimal, and modern with a strong contextual sensitivity to its location. Also, a lush canopy surrounds the bare-shell site on the first floor, allowing for abundant daylight and […]
The design started from an old house where a family of seven stood, one yet to be born. Hari & Sreelakshmi, Usha-Hari’s mother, Malathi, teacher, Hari’s grandmother, kids, Sankari, Paru, and yet to be born Sreebala. Four generations living in a 60-year-old house that had begun to show its age with dimly lit rooms, leaking […]
The clients’ requirement was to create a wellbeing centre at Oleander Farms, Karjat, Maharashtra, that would be a tranquil sanctuary for their visitors. Walking through a dense canopy of trees, hearing the soft chirping of birds, we slowly embarked on an expanse of a 2-acre of land that was both open yet heavily tree-laden. This […]
The thought was to create a space which would act as a formal real estate workspace in the daytime and a family retreat in the evening. By its name, as it is, ‘Leveled. This office with a garden is defined using levels, in terms of volumes, surfaces as well as edges. These levels are rationalized […]
Nirmay (निर्मय) reflects purity and holistic well-being. Envisioned as a quiet sanctuary amidst the noise of urban life, these courtyard villas offer a way of living that is calm, conscious, and deeply connected to the land. Rooted in sustainability and ecological harmony, the design responds to both nature and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants. […]