Nestled in Chennai, this 6000 sq. ft luxury penthouse designed by Rachana and Vikram Goyam of Midas Luxury Interiors features design elements from across the globe, reflecting the ideology and philosophy of the designers.
The apartment unravels a harmonious combination of different genres; it has quintessential signs of decadent neo-classical design elements blended with a refreshing contemporary narrative. The design team segregated the space into two wings. The right-wing is the main entrance with an informal living space and dining area followed by a prayer room, two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a pent area.
The central zone has an open play area. The home’s left wing has more informal spaces - a playroom, passage, living area, and a lavish kids' room, and master suite with dressing. All spaces are designed without any rigid boundaries to maintain a seamless flow between them.
(Source: Midas Luxury Interiors)
Glass has played a vital role in accentuating the character of the spaces. Along with adding style and sophistication to the apartment, it has served multiple other functions. Different types of glass – transparent, translucent, and opaque – have been used for very specific roles.
The entire apartment exudes a sense of fluidity. Multiple spaces are interconnected and blended with subtle bifurcations, achieved through the creative usage of glass. Adjacent to the informal living area, the dining area ceiling is clad with a combination of tinted mirrors and wood to enhance the spatial quality and effortlessly double up the visual volume. It also highlights the aesthetics of the space by adding a surprise element to the ceiling.
(Source: Midas Luxury Interiors)
Glass and mirrors give a unique dimension to spaces by adding to the depth and brightness. While a wave pattern highlights the ceiling of the dining area, decorative pieces add charm to walls, niches, and corners. Glass tiles have been used to clad walls as decorative elements while rendering an impression of vastness.
With the Chennai weather being primarily hot and humid, all the rooms have solar-controlled windows, which cut down the transmission of heat, while bringing in abundant natural light and panoramic views of the ocean and the city.
Art has been approached in unconventional ways in this project. Laminated in glass, exciting graphical pieces double up as cabinet shutters in the bedrooms while tinted and etched glass inserts in a wall subtly divide two spaces and create interesting patterns when light from the other room passes through.
(Source: Midas Luxury Interiors)
A narrow passage connects one wing to another and to make this space look interesting, the designers have added an arc-shaped antique window with a mirror at the back to add a touch of tradition. The walls are covered with glass tiles to make the passage look wider. No paintings or artefacts are added on top of the glass tiles to keep the subtle beauty of the reflective glass intact.
(Source: Midas Luxury Interiors)
The walk-in wardrobe has a play of mirror and glass to give it a delicate yet grand look. The spatial bifurcation is done with translucent and transparent glass partitions, while LED mirrors have been used above the washbasins.
Glass being a versatile material has been used in various areas and in multiple ways in this project. The prayer room is located at the northeast corner. There is a curved glazing right behind the idol which brings in abundant sunlight, forming an intricate shadow on the marble floor. To segregate the prayer room from other spaces, a unique fitted glass partition framed in golden metal has been designed. This helps bifurcate, yet connect, the prayer space to the rest of the spaces visually, giving a sense of continuity.
Tinted glasses have been used in the kitchen cabinets. Brown-tinted mirrors smartly cover standalone columns, blending them with the rest of the spaces.
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What was the design goal for the penthouse in Chennai?
The design goal for the penthouse in Chennai was to create a luxurious and contemporary living space that seamlessly integrates modern materials like glass with traditional elements. The design focused on maximizing natural light and providing panoramic views of the city while ensuring comfort and elegance.
How was glass used in the penthouse to enhance its design?
Glass was extensively used in the penthouse to create an open and airy atmosphere, allowing natural light intoto flood the interiors and offering unobstructed views of the surrounding cityscape. Features like large glass windows, partitions, and balustrades helped achieve a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
What are some of the key design elements in the penthouse?
Key design elements in the penthouse include a free flowing plan and the use of clear and tinted glass for windows and partitions, luxurious materials such as marble and wood, and bespoke furniture that complements the modern aesthetic. The integration of glass and mirrors throughout the space enhances the sense of openness and sophistication.
How did the design team ensure the penthouse maintained privacy despite its openness?
The design team used strategic placement of reflective glass and carefully designed partitions to ensure privacy while maintaining the open, light-filled atmosphere. This approach allowed the penthouse to offer both secluded areas and expansive views, striking a balance between openness and privacy.
What role did lighting play in the overall design of the penthouse?
Lighting played a crucial role in the overall design of the penthouse, with a focus on highlighting the natural beauty of the materials used and enhancing the ambiance. Both natural and artificial lighting were used to create a warm and inviting environment, with strategically placed fixtures complementing the glass elements.
Shivangi is a professional architect and urban design enthusiast based in Delhi. Read More
