The residence has a smooth and gradual massing towards the south-west, bringing in the feature of the extensive sloping roofs. The house reflects the planned flow of spaces to intentionally connect the many otherwise separate areas.
The office has many courtyards and internal verandas, which serve as a surprise element when entering form the entrance. It is a single storied structure, with traditional Tamil-Nadu pan tiles on the sloping roof. The roof is made of hollow box steel sections; no concrete has been used for the roof. Recycled doors and windows have been used. Many principles of sustainable architecture have been followed.
Sundari Silks is a textile shop that has a south Indian character. The shop is simple with high ceiling and lot of circulation space with an internal courtyard. Small sized green Athangudi tiles are used for the floors.Though done with traditional elements, it is done in a contemporary way to suit the versatile collection of the store.
The original Theatre, which has been updated, is now named “Chandramandala”. The changes are hardly perceptible, as they have been subtly worked into the original 25 year old structure. The height has been raised, the stage enlarged and the green rooms with their facilities have been added. What once served as mainly rehearsal and work-in-progress space is now transformed into a contemporary, open-air theatre for small audiences.
The Chandramandapa is the ancient Kuzhi Kalari of Kerala, transformed into a concept of twenty-first century Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Chandramandapa’s basic structural design starts in the traditional precepts. It is a“kuzhi” or pit, dug out of the earth, toa depth of 4 feet from ground level. The raised roof allows for a greater air flow and to take advantage of being on the seaside, to compensate for the absence of air conditioning, but providing natural coolness that is vital to all performers.
The uniqueness of the lake resort is that twenty-one cottages and twelve rooms have been comfortably accommodated on a small plot of land abutting Lake Vembanadu.
This building is built in a contemporary style using many traditional elements. It has a tiled roof porch at the entrance, and a large veranda in the ground and first floors. There is a small courtyard which is accessible from the dining and the plunge pool is part of this space.
Benny Kuriakose seeks to achieve sustainable architecture through vernacular and traditional practices. He believes in the logic behind traditional architecture being climate responsive, and using
