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NESAVU

Project

Residential

Location

Chennai, India

Area - Year

2500 sq.ft - 2021

Design Team

Gayatri Gunjal - Damodaran M S

Photographer

Yash R Jain

Styling

YellowSub Studio

The Weave of Serenity

"A weave of tradition and modernity, where every thread tells a story of timeless elegance and serene escapes."

In a quiet corner of Madras’ East Coast Road, overlooking the vast expanse of the Bay of Bengal, stands an apartment that speaks the language of both the past and the present. Aptly named Nesavu, which means "a weave" in Tamil, this home brings together the complex beauty of tradition with the simplicity of modern design, creating a space that feels both timeless and contemporary, welcoming and harmonious.

The Weave of Memories

This 3000 square-foot apartment is more than just a living space; it is a tapestry of memories, stories, and artefacts. For a couple originally from Mumbai, this second home was intended to be their retreat from the constant bustle of the city. Perched between the scenic routes of Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry, it serves as an oasis of calm—a place where they could reconnect with themselves, nature, and their love for travel and art.

The design challenge was to harmoniously blend the modern with the traditional, to respect the modern sensibilities of one partner and the cultural richness of the other. The result is a beautiful fusion where modern lines meet traditional craftsmanship, creating a home that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Materializing the Weave

Upon entering, the foyer warmly welcomes guests with its carefully curated materials—a dark vertical louvered back panel, paired with a large, backlit circular mirror that reflects the soft natural light. The handcrafted console table, repurposed from old wood, anchors the space, showcasing the owners' reverence for craftsmanship. The soft beige and grey tones of the walls contrast with the richness of dark wood, embodying the essence of South Indian aesthetics. This interplay of light and shadow, the balance of dark and light, forms the very fabric of the home.

The living room unfolds with elegance—an expansive sectional sofa serves as the heart of the space, surrounding a large black marble center table. The TV unit is minimalist, allowing the marble backdrop to take center stage. The space is punctuated by Moooi’s meshmatics chandeliers, which softly illuminate the Garuda sculpture placed on the side table. Stone and brass artefacts—collected from their travels—are seamlessly integrated into the space, ensuring that every corner tells a story. The antique Burma wood Chettinad door acts as a striking backdrop to the neutral tones of the living area, while the curved sofa, positioned as a reading nook, creates an intimate yet open feeling.

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The Seamless Flow

The living and dining areas, once separated by a wall, have now been united into a large, open-plan space that allows for effortless entertainment. This open space transitions effortlessly into a spacious terrace deck that gazes out over the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal, inviting in the warmth of natural light and sea breeze. A grand marble dining table, accompanied by neutral fabric chairs, is the perfect setting for gatherings, while the wooden wall unit elegantly displays the couple’s treasured antiques.

The kitchen, simple yet elegant, features a marble-finish counter and backsplash that echo the calm serenity of the home. A similar minimalistic design approach was taken for the powder room, with subtle detailing making it one of the most serene corners of the house. In each of the bedrooms, deep wood finishes in the flooring create an intimate atmosphere, allowing the walls to speak through their intricate detailing. One room takes on a warm wood and brown theme, while another embraces shades of grey, offering a contrast in mood yet a shared sense of tranquillity. An heirloom mirror in one bedroom defines a nostalgic reading corner, with a chair passed down through generations placed perfectly to create a moment of stillness.

The Spirit of the South

Every element in the home reflects the soul of South India—from the traditional Chettinad column that stands tall in the living room to the antiques and heirlooms collected from the couple's travels. These artifacts—ranging from miniature stone sculptures to brass deities—are not merely decor; they are threads in the fabric of a rich cultural heritage. The soft furnishings, carefully chosen, further elevate the space, bringing a sense of softness and warmth. Rugs, the artworks, and the subtle touches of green plants all contribute to the tapestry of textures that define Nesavu.

The furniture itself tells a story. Each piece has been custom-designed, ensuring that the interior reflects the couple’s unique vision. The studio’s attention to detail ensures that nothing is left to chance—every corner is thoughtfully crafted, every space considered. The design and build process was a labor of love, ensuring that every stitch in this woven space was perfectly placed.

The Weave of Peace

Nesavu is a home where time slows down, where every corner is a testament to a love for both heritage and the future. It is a peaceful escape from the noise of the world, a place where the tranquil views of the Bay of Bengal are only rivaled by the calm within. The space tells the story of a couple who have built a life together, weaving together their past, present, and future, creating a home where every element, every artifact, every design choice tells a story—of culture, of travel, and of serenity.

In this home, the weave of tradition and modernity is not just a design choice—it’s the soul of the space.

FEATURED:

Architectural Digest

ELLE Decor

Surfaces Reporter 

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