Greece by the Bay of Bengal

A home in Tamil Nadu by Kapok Architects pays homage to its Indian context with Greek inspiration

24 Oct 2025

“Early conversations revolved around the word traditional, but our real task was to unpack what tradition meant to them (the homeowners),” begins Geethapriya of Kapok Architects, who designed a distinctly vernacular home in Chennai with the Bay of Bengal as its neighbour. With a medley of elements borrowed from the Mediterranean coastal architecture as well as the design vocabulary of South India, “The home draws its language from two distinct worlds, woven into a single continuum,” says Geethapriya.

Working largely with material that was sourced or handcrafted from local artisans across Tamil Nadu, the home is garnished with borrowed Greek details that define its unique character.

“From the start, we envisioned a home of emotional belonging as much as architectural logic — a place for daily rituals, lively family gatherings, moments of scholarship, and deep nostalgia."

- Geethapriya, Kapok Architects

The deck flows into the living room, layering lights from Phillips, curtains and Roman blinds from Asian Paints, among flooring from Bharat Flooring Tiles and Goyal Marble & Granite; Photography by Yash R. Jain

Indian instincts

The bones of the bungalow are loyal to their location, with an emphasis on heralding the traditions of Tamil Nadu throughout the flow of the house. A careful inclusion of regional architecture comes to the fore; the central structure mirrors Kothambalam performance halls, with short pillar columns embedded in the main living and reading nooks of the home. Welcoming in the Bay of Bengal, a mosaic of courtyards and verandah or Tinnai seatings in the home evoke a sense of shoreside openness that provide pockets for community, as elements of fluted glass reflect the light of the sea. The fluidity between the built and felt defines the space, “From the start, we envisioned a home of emotional belonging as much as architectural logic — a place for daily rituals, lively family gatherings, moments of scholarship, and deep nostalgia,” elucidates Geethapriya.

The home’s sea-facing deck reflects the colour of the ocean with subway tiles from Graffiti and floor tiles from Kajaria, on which rest stools from Bamboo Centre in Auroville; Photography by Yash R. Jain

The Pooja cum Library room features artwork from Varnaa Arts, chairs from Home Trotter and decor pieces from Design Ni Dukaan; Photography by Yash R. Jain

Material Memory

Subtle heritage details, such as coffered ceilings of warm wood and tiles embedded with sacred Kolam patterns, display the everyday nuances of a regionally-laced residence. With floors paved in handmade encaustic cement tiles that are inspired by traditional Athangudi artistry and rustic cement oxide surfaces, the tactility of the home speaks louder than its colour palette. Embellishments of brass, a hand-painted puja cabinet, and tinnai separators within spaces seem to join in this home’s celebration of enduring Tamil crafts.

The guest bedroom is enveloped in wood with linen from Metapharacha, Roman blinds and cushions from Asian Paints, along with a chair from Shakthi Ganapati; Photography by Yash R. Jain

The master bedroom is replete in wooden details with artwork and a mural from Varnaa Arts, floor tiles from Nexiona and bed linen from Nicobar; Photography by Yash R. Jain

Mediterranean Musing

Integrating within the space, a global palette, Kapok Architects choose to reference the white washed walls of the Greek ways of living. Providing a scenic callback to the whites and blues of the Aegean coast, the home also borrows hints of sea blue. It appears tucked between vibrant artworks and statement furniture, in tonal patterns that seep into soft furnishings, or even in rooms set awash in it. “A fine balance was key to making the home feel like a beachside retreat without losing its Tamil soul,” says Geethapriya, striking that sweet spot with a balance of the Mediterranean water-inspired hues and the gold and earthy tones of the South Indian landscape.

As the sea shifts beside it, this Tamil home intentionally incorporates corrosion-resistant tiles, refined timber stains, and long-lasting materials, ensuring it ages with dignity and only grows more rooted with time.