A Chennai apartment embodying Bawa’s tropical modernist style

Minimalism meets nature in this 4BHK apartment designed by SaiLakshmi Architects for a family of three.

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Phosart Studio; courtesy SaiLakshmi Architects

The Hallway House designed by SaiLakshmi Architects is a 4BHK apartment in Chennai which reflects architect Geoffrey Bawa’s tropical modernist style. The clients, a family of three, wanted an easy-maintenance minimal space with a touch of luxury. Hence, a colour palette of white and green hues, with a touch of black and brown, was chosen to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. A balcony-turned-foyer — with its large windows, timber screens, and eye-catching arches — welcomes everyone into the apartment.

This light-filled foyer was introduced to break the linearity of the floor plan (giving this project its name, The Hallway House).Here, a wall panelled with square-shaped mirrors was a vastu requirement. A planter from Wudapple with an antique head from Sunshine Boulevard are the only decor elements here. A little ahead, handpicked furniture pieces, a side table from Escape Creatomy, a bench from Fabindia, and a bespoke console, form a casual seating zone.

In the living room, the walls are panelled with fluted MDF and finished in white. The sofa was custom made and the coffee table was sourced from Image Muffin, while the television unit was finished in veneer. The side table is from The House of Things and showcases a Sunshine Boulevard mirror frame above it. A contemporary rug from Jaipur Rugs holds all the furniture pieces together. A bevy of potted plants keeps the space fresh and alive.

To add more drama to the foyer, black rimmed arches were incorporated at the openings of the living room (on the right), and the dining area (on the left). The dining area displays a classical-modern vibe through its furniture and design elements. The other highlights include a series of impressive clay masks from Claymen displayed on the wall; and a bar unit on the left finished with marble and veneer and studio made handles.

The bedrooms are tranquil, with plush fabrics, comfortable furniture, elegant accent pieces, and windows overlooking nature. While the living room connects to the kid’s bedroom and guest bedroom; the master bedroom and kitchen can be accessed through the dining area. The master bedroom features a light wooden texture on the wall that complements the subdued, low-contrast aesthetic of the space. The daughter’s room, on the other hand, embraces contrast with a youthful black and white tropical wallpaper, salmon/dusty pink headboard, and clean white furniture with black accents. The guest bedroom has an upholstered bed with a window bench and a lamp shape from Fabindia. The bathrooms are extensions of their respective bedrooms and embraces natural light to create a fresh and positive ambience.