In one of Chennai’s fastest-developing Suburban areas, we had the opportunity to design a house on a rare open plot, creating a pierced plane of open space within the fully grown urban fabric of this facade design house. This east-facing plot, measuring 40’x70′, stood out as one of the few remaining vacant lands in the area. Our design ethos was inspired by the plot’s distinctive position, transforming the concept of a “pierced plane” into a “perforated plane house.” The façade and interior spaces evolved from this idea, aiming to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment while offering a serene ambiance.
Editor’s Note: “In a rapidly expanding neighborhood, this house is a gentle protest—an open shell that invites air, light, and earth into it. Carefully composed with layered textures and screens, it offers space to pause, reflect, and reconnect. More than a structure, it’s a sensory retreat, simplicity with depth, and a serenity carved into the chaos of the city.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Facade Design House Creates a Pierced Plane of Open Space Within This Urban Fabric | D.L.E.A
The ground floor has a living room with Deck Space, a courtyard in between the clinic and living room , open kitchen and dining area, and two bedrooms that provide comfortable accommodations for guests.
A small clinic with separate entrances for patients and the doctor integrates seamlessly into the home’s design.
The living room connects to a peaceful dry Zen court, complete with potted plants, a Buddha statue, slate stone cladding, and white pebbles. To ensure effortless upkeep, the water feature is situated outside, adjacent to a semi-open pergola and deck space.
The first floor is dedicated to the family’s private quarters, housing the master bedroom and the son’s bedroom.
The master bedroom features a mauve colour theme, complemented by bright green and subtle beige accents. Moreover, it reflects the doctor’s favourite colours. Furthermore, the teenage son’s room transforms from a study space to a gaming haven with RGB strip lights.
Above the clinic, A tranquil semi-open space above the clinic offers a peaceful retreat for elders, with perforated plane walls ensuring privacy. This adaptable area accommodates relaxation, recreation, and meditation, fostering a sense of serenity.
An external staircase ascends to the rooftop, where a productive terrace garden nurtures vegetable plants beneath solar panels. This harmonious blend of sustainability and self-sufficiency enables residents to grow their own produce and generate clean energy. Thus, reducing their ecological footprint.
The material palette was carefully selected to create a cohesive and earthy aesthetic. Moreover, it combines exposed brick, exposed concrete, and grey planter boxes. The integration of green plants and natural textures creates a harmonious balance between the built environment and nature.
The facade’s design draws from the “perforated plane” concept, featuring screen walls and canopies with square openings that filter natural light. Thus, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The front landscaped planter box, sheltered by a canopy with square piercings, adds articulation and character to the house’s exterior. Additionally, the gates and metal fabrications reflect this motif, unifying the facade with a distinctive identity.
Fact File
Designed by: D.L.E.A
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Perforated Plane House
Location: Chennai
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 1 Year
Plot Area: 2800 Sq.ft
Project Size: 4300 Sq.ft
Principal Architect: Ar. Dhayananth. G
Team Design Credits: Ar. Prasanth, Ar. Karthik, Ar. Soundrapandiyan & Mr. Chandrasekar
Photograph Courtesy: Hosh pictures
Products / Materials / Vendors: Wallcovering / Cladding – Nuvocotta / Construction Materials – Dalmia Cement ,ARS Steel / Lighting – Phillips / Doors and Partitions – Truewood / Sanitaryware – Hindware Furniture – Fezmo Easy Living / Flooring – Kajaria ,Somany / Kitchen – Hettitch, Europratik Laminates / Paint – Asian Paints / Wallpaper – Nilaya Wall Covering
Consultants for the Project: Civil – D.L.E.A / Interior Designers – D.L.E.A / Structure Engineers – Kural Associates / Contractors – Aparna Civil Contractors / Quantity Surveyors – Saisabari Constructions
Firm’s Website Link: D.L.E.A
The Firm’s Instagram Link: D.L.E.A
Firm’s Facebook Link: D.L.E.A
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