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 in Mylapore is a thoughtful intersection of heritage preservation and sustainable design. Built in 1935, its proto-Art Deco facade was meticulously retained while the interiors were revitalized to serve modern needs. SKDO's approach prioritized low-carbon development and critical regionalism, blending minimalist design with vernacular techniques to create spaces rooted in cultural and historical context.

Sustainable techniques were key to the restoration. Traditional lime plaster, a zero VOC material, was used to improve aesthetics and indoor air quality. Original materials like Burma teak, cast iron beams, and cement oxide flooring were repurposed, and reinforced concrete use was minimized. New walls were made of aerated autoclaved concrete blocks, featuring recycled fly-ash, while handcrafted terrazzo tiles upheld the spirit of traditional craftsmanship.