search

Thendral, A Classic Residence With A Unique Mesh Jali Façade Creates A Play Of Light And Shadows | House of Design Stories

“An ode to simple living, ‘Thendral’ is designed with great affection and care. The metal motif design is a repeated affair around the house. The house is fulfilled with respectable details, enhancing the interiors.”- Nishal Sevak(Co-Editor)

Chapter “Thendral, where there is uninterrupted air flow throughout the year and the name suggests it too. Thendrali is a story of a niche individual residence in Chennai, Tamilnadu. This residence takes a very minimal direction both in terms of spatial planning and materiality creating a subtle romance between the two. This four bedroom, 2450 Sq.ft home for a family of four sits on a 2400 Sq.ft piece of land. The client’s requirement for a simple, well-lit and well-ventilated layout, to complement their simple lifestyle and their love for rootedness is a start for this design. Thendral, a classic residence with a unique mesh jali façade creates a play of light and shadows. This modern Chennai home with roots sunk deep into the traditions, proves to be the testament of a “dream house” for the clients.

Thendral, A Classic Residence With A Unique Mesh Jali Façade Creates A Play Of Light And Shadows | House of Design Stories

Visit : House of Design Stories

Planning parameters involved careful understanding of the context to resolve site constraints. The site being located in a congested locality had concerns on privacy and ventilation.

Metal screens are one of the main aspect and feature of the residence that spans the entire stretch of the front façade wrapping the balcony acting as a security feature. Since the bedrooms have been planned with large openings, they also create a visual barrier from the road.

This was planned to help solve Mr. Veeramani’s concern on security as a young father as both of his kids’ bedrooms were planned on the first floor connected to the balcony.

The pattern on the screen is iterated in a way to screen the private levels denser to cut off direct heat and the rest are left more porous with a defined transition. The other facias are kept white, which plays a major role in giving the metal screen a visual lift up.

The house adapts a simple spatial layout with free flow of spaces and is well planned with two outdoor courts. The front court, a landscaped parcel combines as an entrance giving it a pleasant inviting look to the house. It is a semi private space overlooking the road.

The second court is intimately planned to flow from the dining room and is also guarded with metal framework for more security. All the spaces have been planned in a way such that they open into either one of the courts.

During the day the metal screens cast beautiful shadows in the balcony and inside the bedrooms as well.

The material pallete has been kept simple to reflect the lifestyle of our client Mr. Veeramani and his family. The pallete includes white with grey accents, metal works, Solid wood and aathangudi tiles. Metal framework and meshwork are planned as a translucent partition to bind spaces.

To give the house a touch of tradition Ghana teakwood, a low budget solution for solid teak is used for the shutters and furniture pieces. The built in furniture pieces are tastefully crafted in solid wood and also in combination with metal in certain areas.

The windows and doors are made of solid wood which is carefully designed thus maintaining the minimalism as well as retaining the essence of tradition while ensuring security and durability.

Aathangudi tiles for the flooring were homemade and the colours were derived mathematically and theoretically to achieve the pastel tones we envisioned. The moulds and colour pigments were custom made with respect to our design and to compliment the other elements of the house in a holistic approach.

The mould is taken as a replica of the metal screen. The rest of the flooring were done with Kota stone to compliment the aathangudi. Our design philosophy stands by understanding the clients as a whole to reflect their character and qualities in the design to make it more personalized for them.

We work collaboratively with the client to achieve a personalized and customized design that truly reflects their character and qualities. Likewise, in Thendral, we were all ears to Mr. Veeramani and his family to craft their dream residence holding on to their personal sensibilities and likability to create an environment that reflected their character and personality.

Our ultimate goal of creating a space that our client will enjoy and cherish for the years to come, came true with our personal favorite “Thendral”.

Fact File

Designed by : House of Design Stories

Project Type : Residential Architecture Design

Project Name : Thendral

Location : Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

Year Built : 2022

Duration of the project : 1.5 Years

Plot Area : 2400 Sq.ft

Built-up Area : 2450 Sq.ft

Project Cost : 65 Lakhs

Principal Architects : Ar. Arul Maniyan & Ar. Anu Krithika

Photograph Courtesy : kausik Srestaluri

Products / Materials / Vendors : Lighting – Philips / Paint – Asian Paints / Hardware – GJ hardwares

Firm’s Website Link : House of Design Stories

Firm’s Instagram Link : House of Design Stories

For Similar Projects >> A Residence With Clean Contemporary Lines, Asian-Influenced Design Elements, And Modernist Look



A Modern Bali House With Timeless Tropical Charm | Biombo Architects

Located in the coastal village of Pererenan, Bali, House Terra is a contemporary response to tropical living, designed by Biombo Architects as a family retreat. The project balances built space and landscape, creating a strong connection between architecture and nature while offering shelter from the island’s monsoon climate. Editor’s Note: “House Terra, more than a […]

Read More

Minimal Home Interior Design That Honors Heritage in a 15′ Wide Plot | Dinterplay Architects

Located on a 15′ x 95′ ancestral plot in a pal village, Surat, India, this residence is designed for a multi-generational family of seven. This minimal home interior design solves light and space challenges within a narrow plot. The family wanted to stay connected with their community and preserve their cultural roots. The site has […]

Read More

This Bungalow Is A Poetic Take On Modern Exterior House Design | Sparc Design

“The sky’s ever-changing canvas, painted with hues of blues at dawn and greys and blacks at dusk, seamlessly weaves itself into the very fabric of this home’s architecture and interior.” Located in a comparatively narrow lane of bungalow plots, this modern exterior house design borrows its modern straight-line form and color from the sky. A […]

Read More

15 Courtyards in Houses: Designing Tranquil Spaces That Elevate Homes

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 […]

Read More

The Residence Features An Exposed Brick Design That Enhances Its Street Presence | R+R Architects

The residence is sensitively designed and compatible with the neighborhood. Distinct from neighboring structures, the building creates a strong relationship to the streets by virtue of its large windows in facades. While there are dramatic and larger scale elements that define the building, it is also broken down into comprehensible human scale blocks with an […]

Read More

This Simple Contemporary House Design Harmonizes Craftsmanship and Nature | Karaagre Designs

This contemporary residence, covering 7500 square feet, combines modern design with timeless elegance to create a peaceful and luxurious retreat within a busy urban environment. The home is built around large frames that open up to nature, blending the interior with its surroundings. The design focuses on craftsmanship and harmony, making the simple contemporary house […]

Read More

Neuroarchitecture: Designing for the Human Mind

Imagine walking into a sunlit room with high ceilings, warm wooden floors, and a view of a leafy courtyard. How do you feel? Calm? Inspired? At ease? That’s not just your mood—it’s your brain responding to the space around you. Neuroarchitecture is an evolving domain that merges the understanding of neuroscience, psychology, and architecture to […]

Read More

Postmodernism Architecture: History, Elements & Famous Buildings

Architecture is more than just the construction of buildings, it is a reflection of our values, art, culture, and society. It is a movement towards new, promising, and philosophical design strategies. One such movement that significantly influenced the architectural landscape is Postmodernism architecture. In this research article, readers will find a comprehensive guide for Postmodernism […]

Read More

Mango Tree House is a Reflection of Traditional Modern Home Design | Offbeat Studio

Mango Tree House is an artfully designed personal residence that seamlessly integrates traditional architectural elements with the comforts of modern living, embodying the essence of traditional modern home design. Some houses are more than just structures; they hold stories, memories, and a deep connection to the land. Mango Tree House is one such space—one that […]

Read More

Modern Architecture Homes: 15 Trending Styles To Explore

What if the home of the future didn’t have walls? Modern architecture homes aren’t just about aesthetics – it’s a rebellion. A conscious break from tradition. In a world obsessed with innovation, our homes are becoming laboratories of design, sustainability, and radical thought. Modern architecture homes are sharp-edged, glass-wrapped, tech-infused sanctuaries that defy the standard. […]

Read More
  • A Classic Contemporary Office Space With A Touch Of Pastel Color Palette | Swastik Interiors

    A Structure With a Simple Yet Aesthetic Facade Design | Studio HC