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Amid Chennai’s serene shoreline, the Alai Residence unfolds in tactile drama. In this 2,500 sq. ft. abode envisioned by 1405 Design Studio, materials and hues shift in composition and tone to craft distinct encounters across the home. From dramatic travertine, wood, and brass paneling to serene, textile-filled corners and moodier rooms of deep fabrics and timber, each space reflects the studio’s vision to craft layered experiences. Shaped by such nuance, the home resists being merely occupied; it becomes lived-in and actively engaged with over time.
- Project Name: Alai
- Area: 2,500 sq ft
- Location: Chennai
- Design Firm: 1405 Design Studio
- Principal Designer/s: Divya Khullar & Ashwath Narayanan
- Design Team: Vedika Nichani, Thangapandian, Jayanthi Suresh
- Photographer: Phosart Studio
- Styling: Fymin Naif and Nimitha Harith
“The brief called for a modern, timeless home that could support a multigenerational family,” shares Divya Khullar, principal designer at 1405 Design Studio. “For us, that translated into a palette of materials that age gracefully and spatial compositions nuanced enough to give the home lasting intrigue,” adds Ashwath Narayanan, co-founder and principal designer at the studio.
Perched on the 14th floor of a sea-facing high-rise, the residence opens into an intimate foyer that flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas. The former, positioned towards the right of this common space, flows into a balcony that frames panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. Here, a bold expanse of richly veined red travertine defines the TV wall. It is layered with oak paneling that curves gently into a brass-lined niche, showcasing a curated collection of artisanal objects. The mix of natural stone, warm wood, and brushed metal finds a softened contrast in the upholstered elements in the foreground. Beige and burgundy linen seating rests atop a woven rug. Sculptural coffee and side tables in marble and dark-stained wood echo the curves found throughout the space. At the back, molded panelling completes the contemporary setting with a subtle classical touch.
Perched on the 14th floor of a sea-facing high-rise, the residence opens into an intimate foyer that flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas. The former, positioned towards the right of this common space, flows into a balcony that frames panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. Here, a bold expanse of richly veined red travertine defines the TV wall. It is layered with oak paneling that curves gently into a brass-lined niche, showcasing a curated collection of artisanal objects. The mix of natural stone, warm wood, and brushed metal finds a softened contrast in the upholstered elements in the foreground. Beige and burgundy linen seating rests atop a woven rug. Sculptural coffee and side tables in marble and dark-stained wood echo the curves found throughout the space. At the back, molded panelling completes the contemporary setting with a subtle classical touch.
On the other side of the entrance, the dining area remains intentionally understated, while a pooja nook nearby offers a refined counterpoint. Its fluted glass doors, encased in brass frames, feature a distinctive grid pattern with rose gold plates accentuating the nodes. Toward the bottom, perforated brass sheets layer the composition with intricate detail. As the day shifts, sunlight plays across the metal surface, enlivening the space with a quiet shimmer.
The master and daughter’s bedrooms flank either side of the living area, sharing the balcony’s orientation to natural light and sea breeze. A TV lounge sits between the master and son’s bedrooms, with the latter anchoring the other end of the layout. The kitchen and utility areas are accessed from the dining zone.
The master bedroom is a vibrant haven, where the floor-to-ceiling headboard in shades of burgundy is framed by oak paneling. Deeper wood consoles with cane and brass detailing on the opposite wall enhance the room's refined narrative. In contrast, the daughter’s room embraces lighter tones, with beige paneling inlaid with brass strips enveloping the walls. A pastel green headboard and rounded, white-toned furniture pieces bring a soft, graceful character to the space. A moody, masculine vibe defines the son’s bedroom where a charcoal grey headboard and walnut paneling set the tone. Deep blue and rust accents, along with wooden furniture further enrich the palette.
The master and daughter’s bedrooms flank either side of the living area, sharing the balcony’s orientation to natural light and sea breeze. A TV lounge sits between the master and son’s bedrooms, with the latter anchoring the other end of the layout. The kitchen and utility areas are accessed from the dining zone.
The master bedroom is a vibrant haven, where the floor-to-ceiling headboard in shades of burgundy is framed by oak paneling. Deeper wood consoles with cane and brass detailing on the opposite wall enhance the room's refined narrative. In contrast, the daughter’s room embraces lighter tones, with beige paneling inlaid with brass strips enveloping the walls. A pastel green headboard and rounded, white-toned furniture pieces bring a soft, graceful character to the space. A moody, masculine vibe defines the son’s bedroom where a charcoal grey headboard and walnut paneling set the tone. Deep blue and rust accents, along with wooden furniture further enrich the palette.
The Alai Residence prioritizes nuance over uniformity. “While most homes default to a restrained material palette, Alai resists homogeneity,” reflects Ashwath. “It was about creating subtle variations, enough for each room to feel distinct but not so much that the home lost its sense of unity.” This orchestration of material and hue compels constant attention, ensuring the home never recedes into silence but remains in active dialogue with its inhabitants. As the spaces shift from intimate and contemplative to bold and expansive, they sculpt a home whose moods ebb and flow like the sea beyond its walls.
