Arunagiri Residence, at Chennai, by Murali Architects

Water when combined with architecture, the interplay created by means of fluid and solid planes adds an extra dimension to the building making it extraordinary. “THE FLOATING CUBE” at Neelangarai is a guest house Indian base American client, evolved with the idea of ‘maze and puzzle’ by means of levels and projections creating an ‘awe’ in the minds of the user. Designed with an eye on nature and a nod to chic urban influences,the projecting balconies in the air dramatizes the façade, enriching the geometry adding to the concept of solid and voids having the water body as an enriching base.

The floating cube has an inviting plaza with the water body and a theme wall, ramping up to the huge main lobby. The necessity of car parking has been addressed by means of basement. The lounge provides the cheerful feel with water body on two sides and landscape on the other The internal court space holding the staircase acts a sa transition between the public (the lounge) to the private space (the apartment) The levels with in each apartment arouse a excited feel, having the cubes projecting from the bedroom which floats above the water body giving the sense of island surrounded by water. The double height spaces enriches the spatial quality and gives the sense of spaciousness and effervescence adding to visual dialogue. Status: Built Location: Chennai, IN My Role: Chief Architect