Remaking the house Shanta and Dhananjayan added more sloping roofs for ample space and visual effect
A house that works / Divergent lines
Location: Adyar
Architect : Benny Kuriakose
How do you create space to comfortably house a stylised residence, a dance school and a photo studio within the same compound, without compromising on privacy?
Veteran dancer couple Shanta and Dhananjayan's residence at Adyar throws up some interesting ideas.
Rather than tearing down the whole house and starting afresh, the family decided to build on it. To begin with, architect Benny introduced a sloping and tile-roofed veranda at the first floor level, with steps that turn around to lead it to the front yard. This broke the monotony of the flat façade of the old house. More sloping roofs were added at assorted heights over various living spaces within the house.
The couple's photographer son Satyajit suggested that the sun shades (lined by sloping tiles), rather than being left piecemeal over the windows, be extended to run all around the building.
This links the house into a cohesive whole, even while creating an interesting visual effect.
A wooden mezzanine level has been created under the high ceiling of the sloping roof in the first floor of the house, making for effective space utilisation; it simultaneously creates a cozy setting.
A grassy courtyard with jaali fence separates the house from the dance hall-studio structure located at the far end of the plot. “This makes for both privacy, as well as easy access to the workplace”, says Satyajit.
The dance hall – studio structure is accessible through a pathway that begins at the gateway of the house and runs beside the courtyard.
Inside the house, a spectacle of colours unfolds on the floors, thanks to the vibrant Athangudi tiles of various hues (rustic mustard, sea green, cloudy grey) which tile the floors. Colourfully upholstered classical furniture completes the ambience.
