This Chennai house and studio is designed for an artist couple who work with mixed media & textiles, respectively. “Tiered Realm” draws on the visualization of ‘home’ not just as a dwelling for two individuals but also as a space for one’s work & community – a world abuzz with creative energy and the spirit of the individual finding meaning within the collective. The home was conceived as a container for the dynamic dance between work and life. It is also the celebration of collaborative artistic processes, and long-standing friendships.
The house studio project is situated in Ambattur, on the outskirts of Chennai. It is a neighborhood representative of sprawling Indian suburbia. Along with brightly painted 2-3 story houses occupying tightly apportioned plots of land. “Tiered Realm” deviates from the typical ‘BHK’ format, its burnished brick façade unfolding gently upwards from the street along the west edge of the site. Thus, this Chennai house conceals a tapestry of interwoven spaces united by a communicative vertical void.
Editor’s Note: “With its burnished brick façade and tiered concept, this residence in Chennai weaves a tapestry of interconnected spaces united by a communicative vertical void. Careful planning positions the staircase as the central hero, binding the residence together. The blend of workspace and living quarters creates a captivating narrative through varied materials and textures.” ~Simran Khare
This Chennai house and Studio is for a Textile and Mixed Media Artist Couple | Fictional Project
The realm of work meets the street, generously opening along the edge, ushering one into the Chennai house. The ground floor features a space suitable for large-format work and accommodating larger groups, with an attached storage area neatly tucked away towards the rear.
The indoor garden that runs along the North-south axis roots the open core of the building, illuminated by a skylight along the north edge of the roof. Light from above washes across the multiple spatial layers to varying degrees, revealing the connectedness between spaces.
The staircase is a vital seam stitching together the many realms of the house that gradually cascade upwards through split levels of varying proportions. The landings expand to alternatingly form zones for work, rest, and recreation.
The act of stepping the volumes results in conversations crisscrossing through the realm of work, where each space also acts as a staggered gallery to its neighboring workshop across the core. The workshop for mixed-media work is the largest, with subtle mediation along the west edge to filter the daylight entering the space.
The workshops for textile art run along the eastern edge, implying the twin nature of the artistic process, which thrives as much on collaborative work as it does on spells of individual rumination. The open workshop below accommodates elongated worktables. Whereas the space above is enclosed with a system of wooden shutters, creating a retreat akin to an atelier-like nest.
Moreover, the realm of residence crowns the house with a compact kitchen that can gather near and dear for a meal. The penultimate landing of the staircase expands into a living area and a private bedroom with a balcony along the west. The social, celebratory realm caps the house in the form of a terrace with stepped seating overlooking a lake in the distance, a space for get-togethers at the end of the day.
Material explorations bear further testament to the spirit of artistic collaboration. A restrained palette of hardy IPS flooring unites the workshops, while handmade Athangudi tiles enliven the residential spaces. The pigmented plaster surfaces of the internal walls derived their shades from consultation with the artists and the respective functions of the spaces.
Workspaces feature lighter shades, while areas designated for rest and repose adopt darker hues that embrace shadows. A sliding door is crafted from recycled wood. It reuses wooden ceiling & column ornaments from older constructions to form a welcoming collage along the street edge.
Moreover, the bands of brick laid in differing configurations imbue the street-facing façade with composed animation. Thus showcasing the wealth of craftsmanship native to the land. The brick skin is a skilled expression of a series of relationships that continues inward. Thus reflecting the nature of the artist’s mixed-media explorations.
Fragmenting the whole and layering it anew to discover new relationships could very well be the most relevant metaphor for the architectural process. This allows each “tier” to be a realm unto its own within an interconnected whole.
Fact File
Designed by: Fictional Project
Project Name: Tiered Realm House and Studio
Location: Chennai
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 3500 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Chinchukumar Sreekandan
Photograph Courtesy: Syam Sreesylam
Design And Execution: ChinchuKumar Sreekandan, Julie Ann tharkan, Francis Kurian, Naina Johnson
Graphics And Design: Madhu S murthy
Graphics: Hiba Farsanah Hanif
Program / Use / Building Function: Artist Studio and Residence
Source: ArchDaily
Firm’s Instagram Link: Fictional Project
For Similar Project>>> A Climate Responsive Courtyard House In Kerala With An Earthy Palette And Natural Materials | Coax Group
The Ridge house is a jewel located in the dense urban fabric of Rajajinagar, Bengaluru. The brick house exterior is a bijou, sitting on a plot of 2400 sq. ft, shining brightly due to the two striking volumes of the built form adorned with simple yet folksy jaali bricks. Editor’s Note: “Distinguished by its eye-catching proportions […]
For years, asylum designs in India alienated patients and stigmatized psychiatric ailments. Ranchi has been the center of psychiatry in India, having two colonial-era asylums – CIP and RINPAS with imposing fortifications and cell-like enclosures. While numerous private outpatient clinics emerged gradually, inpatient facilities remained limited to governmental institutions. Thus, it owns to the prohibitive costs of […]
The first phase of student residence for Thapar University delivers space for 1200 students in 4 towers around a new public space on the campus in Patiala. The L-Shaped towers (3 further towers under construction) are linked by an elevated garden podium which shades the public spaces and pavilions beneath from the intense heat of the […]
In the bustling city of Indore, we have crafted a modern villa exterior design of contemporary sophistication and practicality. With a neutral colour palette and statement pieces, every corner of this marvel exudes modern opulence. For this project, we envisioned a dwelling with the concept of modern comfort meets subtle elegance; the use of soft […]
This six bedroom house design stands as an embodiment of elegance and innovation. Meticulously designed, this six bedroom house design, complete with two living rooms and a state-of-the-art kitchen, epitomises sophisticated architecture and thoughtful planning. Every element of this residence tells a unique story, offering a living experience that is both refined and deeply personal. […]
How to Renovate an Indian Kitchen is an uphill task as kitchens are known for their vibrant and functional design in India. They are considered the heart of many homes. Where meals are more than just daily bread — they are a celebration of culture, family, and tradition. Renovating an Indian kitchen involves a careful […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
This north facing house project in Ahmedabad, India, by Hitesh Mistry & Associates, was designed with the main prerequisite of the client, which was to follow all vastu directions. Each placement of space in the planning of the house is in sync with the plan of the Vastu purusha mandala. Editor’s Note: “Embracing the principles […]
The entire family had been living in an old 10 bedroom house design in the same location which had grown organically as the family had grown in the past 2 decades. Built for a large Joint family consisting of 3 generations spanning from Grand Mother, 3 brothers with their wives, 2 teenage boys and one little […]
Wall Moulding Design is a great way to amp up your space and elevate the overall look of your home. There are a wide range of moulding designs that can add a distinct character to your space. Wall moulding design comes from different kinds of materials, such as PVC, plaster, wood, etc. The right choice […]