Zeenath Manzil

Location: Nungambakkam, Chennai

Built-up area: 9000 sq.ft

Status: Built (2024)

Set on a compact 1.92-ground (approx. 10-cent) plot in the heart of Nungambakkam, this 9,000 sq.ft contemporary residence embodies biophilic design within a dense urban fabric. The client’s requirement for a 5 BHK home prompted a vertical layout across three levels, balancing functionality with openness and light. The result is a refined expression of tropical modernism—relaxed, sophisticated, and designed for seamless indoor–outdoor living.

The architecture is defined by staggered floors and cantilevered balconies that create adynamic, stepped façade interspersed with water bodies and lush planting. At the heart of thehome is a dramatic, glass staircase that allows the light from the skylight to filter down acrossall floors. Warm-toned wooden slats line the stairwell, introducing texture, rhythm, and a playof light and shadow throughout the day.

Extensive glazing establishes visual connections between interior spaces and landscapedpockets, reinforcing the home’s biophilic character. Custom-designed furniture combineswoven rattan and solid teak wood, complementing a material palette of earthy terracottablocks and smooth polished concrete.

An array of solar panels is integrated into the terrace that doubles up as a gathering space. Theclient’s deep appreciation for landscape—and their thoughtful selection of plantspecies—infuses the home with a pervasive sense of calm and connection to nature.