Architecture focuses on capturing light! Opinions for this design project started off on this note: a brutalist design architecture studio executed on a tiny existing vacant terrace of a humble abode located in Chennai, abutting two cul-de-sacs on the north and west.
Editor’s Note: “This Brutalist haven towering above the lively city of Chennai, embraces the composition of material and light. Soaked in rawness, shadows circulate and shift with time, while steel, brick, and charred wood offer a refined workspace. This space, more than an office, is an exhibition meant to be explored and experienced.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
Chennai’s Brutalist Design Studio Built On A Tiny Vacant Terrace | Art & Architecture
The existing skylight on the terrace, surrounded by a parapet wall, served as inspiration. As a result, this led to the team placing three pre-cast concrete slabs above it, forming the floor of a semi-outdoor meeting room or cabin. To bear the load of the slabs, they inserted two I-sections as rafters onto the parapet wall.
The western side cul-de-sac serves as the entrance, with a metal folded plate dog-legged staircase leading to the north-facing entrance grill gate of the studio. As a tribute to the material and the building process, the structure uses only the leftovers from fabricating the blue-painted staircase. Moreover, the design self-evolves, projecting an abstract pattern.
On entry, a multifunctional semi-outdoor space separates the workspace from the open. Long steps also working as seating during group discussions and presentations lead up to a meeting room / cabin.
Workspace provided with visibility and without accessibility from the meeting cabin establishes a connection without compromising privacy. White oxide wall for a projector and collapsible aluminium doors to accommodate more strength whenever necessary representing adaptability for the space.
A brutalist take on the interior with exposed concrete wall finishes, coloured oxide IPS (indian patented stone) flooring, exposed brick-patterned partitions, steel roof sections, and glasses framed with aluminium were intended to make this studio display architectures commonly used materials and sample for vernacular techniques.
Upon entering the only non-utilitarian space, in this case the foyer, an open shelf with artifacts and a vintage radiogram are added for decor.
To effectively use the height of the space, a steel mezzanine floor with an open shelf made of charred wooden planks make up for additional library and file storage. Accessed by a ladder, it connects onto the principal cabin’s filler slab roof, providing additional storage. North light coming through the mezzanine floor renders the workspace ambient.
To be in union with the studio environment and to be maintenance-free Cast-in-situ central table and workstation desk were planned. The central table is multifunctional, from dining to discussions to modelling and whatnot.
Through a boxed opening, one can access the pantry and a hidden restroom. Art made out of scanning CD covers of music artists adds colour and background and breaks the material monotony in this space.
The principal’s cabin is zoned in a corner from where there is visibility to the workspace. By letting in a play of light and shadow through its corner window from the foliage of the oak tree on the west, making this space transform at different times of the day and cuts of the harsh western sun.
On the whole, the main intention behind the brutalist design of this studio was to create an open and interactive environment for its users as well as visitors.
Fact File
Designed by: Art & Architecture
Project Type: Office Architecture & Interior Design
Project Name: AAA & Vitham Studio
Location: Chennai
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 2023-2024
Built-up Area: 700 Sq.ft
Project Cost: 21 Lakhs
Principal Architect: Chamraj Suresh Babu
Design Credits: Naren G
Photograph Courtesy: Hosh pictures
MEP & HVAC Consultants: Vitham Constrcutions Pvt. Ltd.
Structure Engineers: Manjunath BL
Project Managers: Mr. Karthikeyan
Firm’s Website Link: Art & Architecture
Firm’s Instagram Link: Art & Architecture
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