Memory as material

Some escapes bring you back like this Chennai home by Quintae Architects

07 Aug 2025

This retreat is less about escape and more about return: to roots, rituals and the spaces that raised us. There’s a certain kind of memory that clings like sunlight through old curtains — like the nostalgia of childhood visits to grandparents’ homes. Not the objects, but the emotions. A 12,000 sq ft Chennai home, Buckingham Villa is designed to hold memory as much as light.

To turn emotion into environment, architects Sruthi Gangadharan and Srinath Suresh, co-founders of Quintae Architects, looked to Chettinad’s architectural traditions, celebrating its intricately carved wooden details, grand columns and tile work. This results in a language of contrasts: minimalist layouts softened by carved details, sleek surfaces interrupted by reclaimed doors and custom furniture that acts as a nod to the past.

Flooring from Guntupalli Marble and Granites grounds the space below large, teak wood pillars and a Creative Lights’ chandelier. Custom art from Sruthi Gangadharan and vintage decor from Rare Lily line the walls; Photography by Yash R Jain, Styled by Fymin Naif and Nimitha Harith

HERITAGE DEFINED

Contrasts find expression in various spaces throughout the house, unfolding gradually and with grace. You sense it first in the foyer, where bold, black pillars stand tall, framing delicate marble inlays and bursts of vivid art. Step further in and the ceiling catches you by surprise: a reclaimed antique door reimagined as an overhead panel that grounds the living room in stories that came before. In the dining area, a custom-designed, hand-painted lamp inspired by Pichwai motifs hovers like a quiet blessing. And in the bedrooms swing-like hangers suspend four-poster beds, vintage window frames filter in morning light and heritage trunks sit patiently at the foot.

The dining area features a Cabana Home Store dining table, a locally sourced traditional wooden wheel, a custom chandelier by Sruthi Gangadharan and Beyond Basic cane chairs; Photography by Yash R Jain, Styled by Fymin Naif and Nimitha Harith

A custom bed by Beyond Basic sits below an ivory pleated and black wood chandelier from Creative Lights; Photography by Yash R Jain, Styled by Fymin Naif and Nimitha Harith

COLOUR ME CHETTINAD

But the walls are kept simple here, for the architect treats the ceiling and the floor as her primary canvas. “There’s a harmonious interplay of earthy tones with occasional bursts of colour,” says Sruthi. A traditional Chettinad palette dominates the home. Greens, reds and golds compliment the warm tones of wood. These heritage hues are grounded by a unifying material base made up of marble, stone and wood. This materiality “remains tactile and layered, designed to evoke warmth, texture and authenticity,” she shares — where contemporary minimalism creates space for tradition to speak, not compete.

“The key challenge lay in ensuring that neither approach overpowered the other, allowing both to coexist harmoniously. This was achieved by introducing a muted grey backdrop, which acted as a neutral canvas, subtly complementing the rich traditional elements that served as focal points.” — Sruthi Gangadharan

Every corner of the house cradles comfort; Photography by Yash R Jain, Styled by Fymin Naif and Nimitha Harith

The library houses cabinetry made by local artisans. A Pepperfry lamp, Rugberry wool rug and SquareFoot flooring add the cozy to this nook; Photography by Yash R Jain, Styled by Fymin Naif and Nimitha Harith

FORM FOLLOWS FEELING

If the architecture holds memory and the detailing speaks of heritage, it is the furniture that makes this house feel lived in. Every piece has been chosen not just for function but for feeling; every nook is designed to feel like a gentle invitation, much like the warmth of a grandparent’s embrace. Rounded and turned forms define the furniture. There are no sharp lines, only curves that cradle comfort. Even when the pieces read differently — like the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman — they remain timeless. It’s the kind of home where marble holds memory, pillars throw shade (the elegant kind) and every corner feels like it’s about to offer you a snack and a story.