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
Conceived as a dialogue between architecture and landscape in Alibag, CASAVIVA transforms the house into a sequence of spaces where nature becomes an integral part of everyday life. This Home In Alibag Is Conceived As A Dialogue Between Architecture & Landscape | SHROFFLEoN Design Brief Designed for a family seeking a calm and timeless residence, […]
Some homes begin with a drawing, and The Saffron Verandah began with an orchard. In the mango-growing landscapes of Shoolagiri, a quiet hamlet in northern Tamil Nadu, the land has settled into its own rhythm over generations. Rows of mature mango trees stretch across nearly three-quarters of an acre, their broad canopies tempering the southern […]
The house is conceived as a metaphor for the valley it inhabits. The design borrows the language of a bustling street skyline, stretching the home along a corner site so it frames the valley and its lake. Three linear bays, offset vertically and linked by corridors, open the plan to filtered western light and cross […]
The site is located in Ahilyanagar town of Maharashtra, with a design brief of 7,000 sq feet, while the house had to be designed for the hot and dry climate, which responds carefully to extreme temperatures, intense sunlight, and low humidity. The design focuses on reducing heat gain, improving natural ventilation, and creating comfortable indoor spaces with […]
“Pravah” — A House That Breathes is envisioned as the main concept of this home revolves around a fluid, light-filled home where architecture becomes a continuous experience of movement, air, and connection. Located in Pal Gamtal, Surat, the project is a residential redevelopment on a 1,850 sq.ft. plot within a dense urban fabric. The site, […]
Editor’s Note: There’s a quiet clarity in homes that are shaped by real, everyday needs. Alcove feels like a thoughtful response to just that, balancing openness with comfort in a setting rooted in tradition. Moving away from a dense, older home, this residence embraces light, air, and simplicity while still holding on to its Kerala […]
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]