This Chennai home by Sonali & Sidharth Lodha Architecture breathes of heritage yet glows with a modern pulse

Chettinad homes are known for its lavish woodwork, Athangudi tiles, Tanjore paintings, traditional patterns and use of vibrant hues. More than just aesthetics, it is a reflection of South Indian values while honouring cultural preservation. Recently, this design concept has found a renewed prominence in a 6,000 sq ft Chennai residence, as co-founders and principal architects, Sidharth Lodha and Sonali Jain of Sonali & Sidharth Lodha Architecture dilute it with a contemporary yet deeply rooted Chettinad essence.

The owners, a South Indian family, initially envisioned marble and clean lines but were instantly captivated by the charm of Athangudi tiles. “We understood their lifestyle and guided them to do something more organic and Indian,” Sidharth explains. The design embraces handpicked art, dwarapalakas, deep colours, lots of bricks and tiles, and refurbished jewels from Karaikudi that once adorned the walls of palaces. 

The stilt-plus-three-floor home breathes Indo-contemporary style and it is evident right from the ground floor, where a foyer draped in burgundy red creates a bold, visceral welcome. The staircase with risers in black and white chequered pattern and treads cladded in black granite, prepare you for the visual feast that awaits above.

A space that breathes

The first floor is designed as a two–bedroom suite with a kitchen, where the owner’s parents can savour la dolce vita in comfort and style. The foyer here is embellished in a zingy black and white colour palette. Enter from the fluted solid teak wood door to find an airy light-filled living space that extends to a balcony. The living, dining, kitchen and utility spaces run parallel in an open-plan configuration. A common wall cladded with brick tiles serves as the unifying element and colour is infused through art and upholstery. “Brick was an integral part of the design both for interiors as well as exteriors as it reflects a warm, earthy space and also adds a rustic charm, which is our key design philosophy for this home” Sidharth shares. Both the bedrooms have been transformed into venerable mosaics of curated elegance.

A tale of tiles

The second and third floors come together as a stunning duplex, brimming with cultural panache. One is immediately captivated by the allure of an ornate veneer-finished wooden ceiling and refurbished doors from Karaikudi in the formal living room—the nucleus of this familial haven. Haloed with a glimmer of Indian craftsmanship, it is a mix of bespoke Athangudi floor, muted textured walls and contemporary furniture. “We chose materials and finishes that were easier on the pocket and also fit the design language” Sidharth mentions. This floor also envelopes a kitchen, Puja room and dedicated dining area in a double height space with levitating cane lights. Ascending to the third floor, you find an informal lounge overlooking the dining area below. The bedrooms on both the floors are treasure-filled spaces thriving with a modern cadence.

Art becomes timeless

With a keen eye on minuscule details, Sonali & Sidharth Lodha Architecture has managed to retain the individuality of each floor with thought provoking art pieces. “There is tons of art in the house and we have picked most of our art online. The idea was to pick art that reflected some sort of culture, heritage and shared a story that connected with each space” Sidharth confesses and signs off.

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