CHETTINAD CASE STUDY –

Lakshmi Aachi House

• This 2 storey chettinad mansion houses a hierarchy of spaces starting from the thinnai in the entrance leading to the open courtyard where family gathers for occasions.

• This courtyard is surrounded by rooms for everyone in the family. This plan is identical to the one on the 1st floor.

• The courtyard leads to the dining area which then leads to the kitchen space which opens up to the next street.

• The nadai (corridors) is about 1m in width.

• The height of each floor is upto 7-8 ft in height.

• Wooden carved pillars, aathangudi tiles, tiles from spain, Belgian glasswork, egg wash flooring, Japanese wall tiles, stain glass windows, intricately engraved architraves and ornamented balustrades add to the richness of this timeless architecture style.

• Waffle ceiling woodwork was one of the most famous in the detailed interior works.

Stairs leading to 1st level and terrace