A Luxury Apartment Building that Combines the Nature of Communal-Living with a Sense of Privacy | SJK Architects
One of the ways in which space-starved cities today can cater to rising populations, while tackling ever-increasing land costs, is multi-storeyed apartment living. However, in metropolis of Chennai, is a luxury apartment building that combines the nature of communal-living with a sense of privacy. The affluent, residential neighborhood, colloquially called “Billionaires’ Row,” continues to be characterized by swanky and independent villas.
With the Boat Club Apartments, SJK Architects set a new precedent for residential design in the locality. The building, standing on a 10,000-square-feet trapezoidal corner plot, offers four 4BHK, duplex apartments. It ranges from 3500 sq.ft to 4500 sq.ft, each with its own private entry on separate levels. The apartments provide naturally-lit and ventilated spaces that provide residents privacy along with the opportunity to socialise and connect with nature.
Editor’s Note: Housing design parameters that are inclusive towards its impact on the socio-economic and cultural strata of its locality can truly be classified as a success. SJK architects, extended the fate of these apartments to climatic responsibilities as well, altogether while taking care of the details that shape the volume. The coupling of concrete and wood is sublime in appearance. ~ Nishal Sevak
Balancing Connection and Privacy – Villas in the Sky
The design of the apartments unites the communal aspect of apartment living with the private nature of independently-owned villas.
The building is a five-storey structure with parking at the lowermost level and four duplex apartments on the floors above. The arrangement of the apartments interlock around a central core, such that each level houses two residential units. Assessment of every duplex is from a personal entry on separate floors, creating villas in the sky.
The central core is a sun-filled atrium, comprising an elevator and a staircase with deep slabs for landings at all levels. It becomes the public heart of the building, encouraging the residents to soak in light, exercise, and commune with neighbors.
Unlike most luxury apartment buildings where separate verticals are provided for supporting staff – the country still remains divided on socio-economic lines. The architects have consciously chosen to allow movement through a central core to encourage a more inclusive way of living.
The principles of Vastu Shastra determine the layouts of the units, a traditional system of architecture based on ancient wisdom, which many believe attracts positive cosmic energy.
A stringent requirement from the building owner, this guided the placement and orientation of different spaces. The master bedrooms are located on the southwest and the kitchens on the northwest and southeast, and all other spaces swivel around it. Further, orientation of the entry doors are towards the north, and the position of the beds are in the east-west direction.
The intensity of Chennai’s heat, humidity and rain is difficult to reign in with high-performance windows and sealants. As a result, transitional spaces are essential to temper the extreme weather conditions, while bringing in light and fresh air.
In the traditional coastal homes of Chennai, people would spend their days lying somewhere between the inside and the outside. These include internal courtyards, and semi-open spaces shaded by sloping overhangs, the most conspicuous of which is the verandah. The courtyard translates into a mechanically ventilated central atrium, horizontal projections into chajjas (overhangs), and verandahs into balconies.
The balconies connect the residents with the magnificent view of the surrounding raintrees, and allow in pleasant coastal winds. While builders typically provide only a small 4-feet-deep balcony, as permitted by Chennai’s development control rules, the architects have an additional depth of 4 feet for the balconies. The resulting 8-feet-deep balconies can accommodate a seating, allowing people to sit, relax and enjoy the view.
The design of balcony windows consist of openable teakwood shutters and fixed to allow light and wind while preventing dust. In addition, recessed casement windows within each duplex unit ensure cross-ventilation, thus offering respite from humidity. The installation of doors and windows is with pleated, side-slide mosquito meshes and shutters to keep insects out.
On the façade, projections and recesses repeat at alternate levels, generating a playful exterior that engages with the streets.
Sadarhalli Grey Granite covers the facade, which insulates the building by creating a 40 mm wide air gap. Hence, it leads to a temperature drop of at least four degrees celsius between the outside and the inside.
Expression of luxury at the Boat Club Apartments building, is through a minimal aesthetic, comprising a limited selection of meticulously-finished materials.
Furthermore, Sadarhalli Grey Granite dominates as a finish throughout, pushing boundaries in the application of a single material. The application of stone is on floors, in flutes on the atrium, the boundary walls, and wall cladding on the façade. Whites and greys of the stone bathes the exterior, and browns of the timber, finished with precision.
Fact File
Designed by: SJK Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Boat Club Apartments
Location: Chennai, India
Year Built: September 2020
Built-up Area: 23680.6 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Sarika Shetty & Shimul Javeri Kadri
Team Design Credits: Shimul Javeri Kadri, Sarika Shetty, Bhavin Patel, Nikita Shahadadpuri, Riddhi Shah & Priyata Bosamia
Photograph Courtesy: Niveditaa Gupta
Products/Materials/Vendors: Sanitary Fittings – Grohe India Pvt Ltd / Sanitary Fixtures/ceramic ware & Accessories -Kohler India Pvt Ltd / Spotboy, AbbyiKapp – Abby Lighting / Surface mounted Lights – Hazel Lighting / Exterior Light fixtures -K-LiTE / Glass & False ceilings – Saint Gobain India & Gyproc India / Cement – Ultratech cement / Air Conditioners – Daikin VRV Units / Diesel Generators – Caterpillar Diesel Generators / Electrical Wires – Finolex & Polycab / Tile Italia – Marazzi porcelain marble slabs, Akar Granites, S-World Floors
Firm’s Website Link: SJK Architects
Firm’s Instagram Link: SJK Architects
Firm’s Facebook Link: SJK Architects
For Similar Project >>> A Striking Brick House with Hints of Traditional Design and Essence of Reformed Living
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]