Srivatsan Residence

Three-storey residence with timber screens, corten cladding and mature trees

My role: Design, Drawing and Visualization
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Year: 2024
Area: 7,500 sq ft
Typology: Residential
Scope: Architecture, Interior & Landscape
Studio: Mawi Design
Status: Ongoing
Materiality: Corten steel; concrete with greenery
Tools: SketchUp, Enscape

Brief & intent

Create a dynamic home that nurtures personal evolution through self-reflection and self-discovery — a poetic space that explores the relationship between lived experiences (memories, dreams, imagination) and the spaces we inhabit. A “mountain effect” introduces duality, mystery and discovery.

Design intent

To create a home that evokes emotion through space, light and nature. Inspired by mountains, forests and water, the design layers moments of discovery, framed views, natural materials and tranquil gardens to promote well-being and everyday mindfulness.

Close view of a timber-clad volume framed by tree canopy

Concept development

The form develops in six steps: site base, primary mass, volume split, massing composition, spatial refinement and material expression.

Six-step massing diagram from site base to material expression — Concept development diagram

Spatial layering

Vertical view of a planted courtyard between timber-screened volumes — Spatial layering — connecting outside with backyard

Plan and sections

Ground floor plan with garden, pool and covered parking — Ground floor plan

Sections A-A’ and B-B’ through the multi-storey house — Sections A-A’ and B-B’

Landscape

Covered terrace over a pool with tropical planting — Tropical landscape with sculptural and sensorial garden

Terrace garden with a boat and traditional chair among the planting — Artefacts such as a boat and traditional chair blend with the landscape