The core intent of the three story home design is to create an atmosphere that celebrates nature’s beauty while providing functional spaces through skylights, expansive windows, and courtyards.
Editor’s Note: “Establishing a connection with nature, this three story residence on the outskirts of Chennai enjoys the unobstructed views of a forest and a lake. The facade features elegant frames that exude a minimalistic aura, complemented by a majestic tapered ceiling and intricate planter boxes. Inside, a double-height living room and expansive staircase embrace the interiors with quiet luxury and sheer comfort, creating a space where tranquility meets refined living.” ~Simran Khare
This Three Story Home Design Is A Celebration Of Nature’s Beauty | Studio Riba
On the outskirts of Chennai, a two-ground plot is flanked by roads on the east and west, overlooking a reserved forest and a lake, conferring placidity in this turbulent world. This picturesque place is nestled in a developing area that boasts fresh air, privacy, and noiseless space. Natural light floods make the three-story dwelling establish a connection with nature.
The entrance unfolds with a heavily carved teak door complementing the stucco-cladding exterior and stone-patterned planter boxes. Moving in, exposed concrete steps accented by metallic handrails give a subtle elegance. The courtyard, decked with encaustic tiles, offers a contemporary twist balancing the concrete aesthetic.
The facade has a variety of frames, from grand to minute. It starts with a majestic tapered ceiling and descends to a planter box.
The glazing area, balcony, and foyer frames punctuate the narrative, offering a range of unique proportions. A separate open-car parking area is encompassed by landscape and a pedestrian pathway. Together, they create an exploration of scales.
The creation starts with extending a double-height slab to craft a tapered ceiling. Cantilever planter boxes projecting from the balcony catch attention.
The living room is highlighted by a sleek single-flight staircase. Three bedrooms, a gym, and outdoor areas are accommodated. The staircase is in the south to block heat.
The living space and master bedroom are in the east for optimum light and wind flow. Other bedrooms are in the west for sunset views.
A double-height living room connects to the entrance with water features and planter boxes.
A stringer beam runs through the wall, supporting cantilevered stairs fixed within it. Strings extend from the stairs to the roof, connected to a metal plate that acts as a handrail. Proceeding in, the courtyard features a clerestory optimizing the stack effect, epitomizing a spot for me-time.
The residence features a separate parking area, offering panoramic views from the roof. Upon entry, an extended slab and circular columns create a pleasant environment.
A staircase with seating illuminated by skylights adds a modern touch. The play of shadows in the living area enhances its aesthetics. The office room, accessible from both the living room and foyer, opens to an inner courtyard.
The dining area adjoining the courtyard features a swing, puja unit, and landscape. The guest bedroom unfolds to the backyard with fruit-bearing trees, complementing a bay window.
The first floor starts with an informal living area, leading to the master bedroom. It offers a balcony with a cantilevered planter box. The metal-fabricated balcony is adjustable for nature viewing and privacy.
The gym on the second floor opens to a spacious hosting area, enhanced by a tapered ceiling that serves as a seating and stargazing zone. The overall design focuses on fostering intimacy with nature.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio Riba
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: The House of frames
Location: Chennai, India
Year Built: 2024
Built Up Area: 5004 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. M. Galton Rinaldi
Team Design Credits: Ar. M. Galton Rinaldi & Ar. Bhavani. M
Photograph Courtesy: Hosh pictures
The Firm’s Website Link: Studio Riba
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio Riba
Firm’s Facebook Link: Studio Riba
For Similar Project>>> A Climate Responsive Courtyard House In Kerala With An Earthy Palette And Natural Materials
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Swarnabhoomi, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Ivory Courtyard is more than just a residence—it is an architectural statement that harmoniously blends Indian traditional values with modern contemporary living. With its pristine ivory colour exterior symbolising purity and sophistication, this home stands as a beacon of elegance and comfort for the two families […]
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
Nestled in what was once a coconut orchard, Sanctum serves as a sanctuary for a retired couple. Their daughter & a feline companion join them to offer a tranquil environment for everyday goings-on. The site is a 60’ x 90’ portion of land with six coconut trees. Two teak wood & silver oak trees, each […]
Tucked into the calm, tree-lined lanes of Nagarbhavi in Bangalore, Avani Residence rises as a poetic response to the chaos of the city, a vertical sanctuary where light dances, materials breathe, and space unfolds in gentle rhythms. Designed by Archemist Architects for a family of four, the residence is a nuanced interplay between constraint and […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]
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 […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
This simple farmhouse design is a humble residence that responds to the climate and site. It is a fun fact that the house is both an inward and outward looking house at the same time. One of the USPs of the simple farmhouse design project would be that it connects well with the most playful […]