Kaarai குடில் ( Kudil) - A home, retreat, abode inspired by the Chettinad.

Описание: Kaarai குடில் ( Kudil)
Project type - Residential Architecture - Architecture +Interiors
Project timeline - 3 years
Project completion - June 2024


Kaarai Kudil, as the name suggests is a dwelling that nests a sense of serenity and culture in the bustling city of Chennai. Kaarai is taken from Karaikudi - the land of Chettinad architecture and Kudil means home. The building blends contemporary architecture with traditional architectural elements of Chettinad homes.Athangudi tiles, intricate wooden work, open spaces, reclaimed & refurbished wood that once adorned the chettinad palaces are the highlights of this humble retreat.

Explaining the built-
It’s a stilt + three story corner building with a north east entrance. The ground floor hosts an entrance foyer, parking, store room and servant quarters. First floor is designed like an independent flat and has a living , dining, kitchen and 2 bedrooms with attached bath. The second floor and third floor are designed like a duplex with a living, dining, kitchen and a guest bed room on the second floor and 2 bedrooms on the third floors. Both of these floors are visually connected with a double height dining space magnifying the light into the space.

One of the most distinctive feature of the house is that it is connected at all levels not just from the inside but from the outside too. The stepped balconies visually connect each floor of the building and ties the whole space together. The building facing the east and with receding balconies each of the floor gets the beautiful eastern light beaming inside.

The material palette of the home is kept very warm and rustic. Textured concrete and brick are one of the prime materials and used throughout the house including the facade. Different flooring materials like Athangudi, black granite, Kota, patterned ceramic tiles are used. A lot of deep reds, burnt orange, greys are used to compliment the interiors. Lime plasters are also used for living room, puja room and guest and create a very organic seamless look.

The main highlight of the interiors remain the refurbished glory from the Chettinad. Wooden doors, windows, teak and rose wood panels are displayed throughout the house and brings in culture & heritage into the contemporary space.

Kaarai Kudil is a Chettinad retreat in its truest form and creates a tranquil environment within the home. Its a beautiful balance of culture, tradition and heritage within a modern contemporary space. A home of the heritage, from the heritage.

Videography by - Studio F8

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