PLANTER HOUSE
Residence
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
2018
A small plot of land in a very crowded metropolitan locality, the brief given was to create haven within; A space to which the family could retreat into, a space looking into a courtyard with lots of greenery. Given the small footprint possible, the height regulations of the area and the number of rooms required, it was decided early on to wrap the house with greenery rather than center the courtyard within.
Very close neighboring buildings means that though light and ventilation is very much required in the hot and humid weather, privacy needed to be given much thought. The planters not just shade the large window openings, but also have plants forming a screen giving dappled views to the outside and allowing dappled sunlight within.
The house is finished in a simple palette –rough stone and wood in the interiors and exposed brickwork in the exterior – both set against plastered walls.