KIT Studio
YEAR
2025
STATUS
In progress
TYPE
Architecture & Interiors
AREA
~ 1, 000 Sqft
LOCATION
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
TEAM
Solo
ROLE
Architectural Designer
3D Illustrator
ABOUT
Sai Varnaalaya is an art studio space situated in the terrace of a 10 year old home and currently operated by 2 artists in their mid 50's as an art studio.
The area serves a dual purpose: A personal workspace for and a classroom to conduct art classes for children 6 - 18 years of age.
To the far north is a common terrace area that currently serves no function.
CHALLENGE
The site is a located on the terrace floor of a 10-year-old building. Structural age to be considered during renovation.
Roof damage was accelerated due to lack of maintenance and deterioration due to weather conditions. This also allowed pests to enter the space when closed for the day.
The roof was made using steel bars clad with cement board and had a gutter running across the center ridge to facilitate rain water drainage.
Storage was analog - cupboards were mostly reused and were not specifically built to store stationary.
Initially planned as a lumbar room, the ceiling heights are lower than standard (coming close to 6 feet at the lowest point). Windows were small and didn't allow much natural light into the space.
Kids were made to sit in cramped spaces without much circulation space which made the flow messy.
Toilet facilities were not optimal and lacked privacy.
The studio setup makes use of inbuilt retractable tables to keep models and palettes.
Keeping the space clean and minimal allows the art to speak for itself and provide the color and texture to the space.
A small private workspace is provided at the rear for the teacher's end of day tasks and to prepare for future sessions.
The site is a located on the terrace floor of a 10-year-old building. Structural age to be considered during renovation.
Roof damage was accelerated due to lack of maintenance and deterioration due to weather conditions. This also allowed pests to enter the space when closed for the day.
The roof was made using steel bars clad with cement board and had a gutter running across the center ridge to facilitate rain water drainage.
Storage was analog - cupboards were mostly reused and were not specifically built to store stationary.
Initially planned as a lumbar room, the ceiling heights are lower than standard (coming close to 6 feet at the lowest point). Windows were small and didn't allow much natural light into the space.
Kids were made to sit in cramped spaces without much circulation space which made the flow messy.
Toilet facilities were not optimal and lacked privacy.
The site is a located on the terrace floor of a 10-year-old building. Structural age to be considered during renovation.
Roof damage was accelerated due to lack of maintenance and deterioration due to weather conditions. This also allowed pests to enter the space when closed for the day.
The roof was made using steel bars clad with cement board and had a gutter running across the center ridge to facilitate rain water drainage.
Storage was analog - cupboards were mostly reused and were not specifically built to store stationary.
Initially planned as a lumbar room, the ceiling heights are lower than standard (coming close to 6 feet at the lowest point). Windows were small and didn't allow much natural light into the space.
Kids were made to sit in cramped spaces without much circulation space which made the flow messy.
Toilet facilities were not optimal and lacked privacy.
PROPOSAL
Infill slabs to be constructed - using concrete and as a base medium with broken terracotta pots to reduce weight and add thermal insulation.
Concrete roof is preferred due to its capability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Roof has been reimagined as a single slope towards the balcony side to allow easier maintenance and prevent water ingress inside the studio. Rainwater will now be collected into the existing water tank for emergency use.
Stationary storage tucked away inside built in carpentry units and isolated to one wall. Entrance to the studio has been proposed from the terrace side which also now serves as waiting area for the parents.
Double height glazing system provided at the entry to serve a dual purpose - to let in larger amounts of northern light, add visual height to the space by providing one large opening instead of multiple smaller windows.
Stackable tables and chairs inspired by Japanese minimalism to allow multifunctionality of the space and enable higher circulatory functions.
Basin and toilet isolated to the existing corner behind a hidden door - to allow privacy and seamlessly blend into the space.
Infill slabs to be constructed - using concrete and as a base medium with broken terracotta pots to reduce weight and add thermal insulation.
Concrete roof is preferred due to its capability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Roof has been reimagined as a single slope towards the balcony side to allow easier maintenance and prevent water ingress inside the studio. Rainwater will now be collected into the existing water tank for emergency use.
Stationary storage tucked away inside built in carpentry units and isolated to one wall. Entrance to the studio has been proposed from the terrace side which also now serves as waiting area for the parents.
Double height glazing system provided at the entry to serve a dual purpose - to let in larger amounts of northern light, add visual height to the space by providing one large opening instead of multiple smaller windows.
Stackable tables and chairs inspired by Japanese minimalism to allow multifunctionality of the space and enable higher circulatory functions.
Basin and toilet isolated to the existing corner behind a hidden door - to allow privacy and seamlessly blend into the space.
Chairs and tables are designed to be stackable after sessions.
The terrace area is kept open for ventilation.
Students have an opportunity for to participate in outdoor sessions without being too far from the tutors.
Chairs and tables are designed to be stackable after sessions.
The terrace area is kept open for ventilation.
Students have an opportunity for to participate in outdoor sessions without being too far from the tutors.
The studio setup makes use of inbuilt retractable tables to keep models and palettes.
Keeping the space clean and minimal allows the art to speak for itself and provide the color and texture to the space.
A small private workspace is provided at the rear for the teacher's end of day tasks and to prepare for future sessions.
