REVISIT MEMORIES #1
Written by Preeti Shibu, Intern Architect-
MURALI ARCHITECTS, Chennai.
It was a
bright and cheerful morning on Thursday, when a small group of us from MURALI
ARCHITECTS, Chennai set out along the ECR to Neelankarai. The occasion was definitely
special- a revisit to one of our completed residences, designed for Mr. & Mrs. SURESH and family on
Blue Beach Road.
Being an
intern at Murali Architects, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be part
of our Revisit, and it was a rewarding experience, seeing how the spaces within
this home were so uniquely responsive to the tastes of its homeowners,
dignified and steeped in rich tradition, just as they are.
The shaded
walkway drew us inwards, with tall bamboo shoots on both sides, and soft light
streaming in through the bamboo pergola overhead. The local granite used to
accentuate the pathway struck a rich contrast to this.
Through low
windows to one side, we could see the large and spacious living room, with
dashes of color calling out attention to the curios and memorabilia that the
family so lovingly cherished. As we
reached the thinnai, we could hear the faint strains of Carnatic music, playing
from the puja.
We were
warmly welcomed by the lady of the house, Mrs. Malini Suresh, who graciously
allowed us to experience their home, even amidst their busy schedule. We
realised that the design of their home started as a response to their respect
for tradition and passion for Bharatanatyam- their daughter is an exponent of
this dance form.
The classic foyer with its marble clad
walls lead to the living rooms, and a remarkable puja room with a glass pavilion, leading out to a small shrine,
where the family worships together,
The color
palette of the interiors was set by the tone of earthy marble, wood and cool
white walls, with glass being used to create the maximum transparency and
openness within the house.
We got the
distinct feeling that one would not need lighting for the most part of the day,
as the sunlight streamed in through
shaded openings and the windows that faced the landscape courtyards.
The play of levels was another interesting facet
of this home, where the stairs at midlanding drew us out into a lush green terrace garden, where one could enjoy nature
and fresh air, without being watched, behind the screen walls with playful punctures that framed views of
the distance.
The bedrooms
got the privacy and quiet they needed, connected by a wooden deck, from where
one could see the double height living spaces on both sides. The bedrooms were softly
lit, with infusions of colour, echoing the tones of the rest of the home.
As we bid
the family goodbye and walked back through the bamboo gateway, we had a common
thought in our minds- how comforting it
must feel to have a patch of heaven on earth, in an abode that rang true to its
very soul...
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