Chennai

Adaptive re-use of a heritage rowhouse into a design office and community center

1350 sq ft

Shreya Krishnan, Lavanya Murugaiyan, Aishwarya Venkatesh, Thilaga Kathir

The Pelathope Project- Rowhouse

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The Rowhouse restoration along Pelathope Street, along the historic precinct of Mylapore, is a delicate balance of heritage conservation and sustainable design. Built in 1935, its proto-Art Deco facade remains intact, while the interiors have been thoughtfully reimagined for contemporary use. SKDO’s approach embraces low-carbon development and critical regionalism, blending minimalist design with vernacular techniques to create spaces deeply rooted in cultural context.

Sustainability is at the core of the restoration. Traditional lime plaster enhances aesthetics and indoor air quality, while repurposed Burma teak, cast iron beams, and cement oxide flooring minimize waste. Aerated autoclaved concrete blocks with recycled fly-ash reduce the carbon footprint, and handcrafted terrazzo tiles preserve the craftsmanship of the past. The result is a home that respects history while embracing a responsible, forward-thinking design ethos.