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GAIA: A Minimalist Tropical Sanctuary in Chennai

byFadd StudioStudio in Richmond Town; Projects across IndiaStarts from4,100 ₹ per sq. ft. of Carpet AreaView full gallery

A 10,000 sqft residence in Chennai where minimal architecture meets lush tropical landscapes. This home integrates raw materials, traditional Indian artistry, and a central courtyard to frame the shifting play of light and shadow.

The pool and garden at our GAIA project in Chennai. We designed the landscape to be a lush, tropical paradise that feels both wild and intentional, using local plants like frangipani and monstera to create a true escape.

A view of the pool with the gazebo in the background. The design focuses on clean lines and natural materials, allowing the dense greenery to be the main feature of this tranquil outdoor space.

The poolside at GAIA, where we used large, dark urns as sculptural elements against the backdrop of a tropical garden. The design creates a serene, resort-like atmosphere.

The clean, modern lines of the home's architecture contrast with the lush, organic forms of the surrounding landscape. The pool deck is designed for lounging and enjoying the connection to nature.

The pool area at GAIA, showcasing the minimalist architecture and its relationship with the dense, tropical foliage. The design is all about creating a private, serene outdoor sanctuary.

This gazebo, set beside a koi pond, is a perfect spot for quiet reflection. The design uses simple forms and natural materials, allowing the focus to remain on the calming presence of water and greenery.

A passage in the GAIA house, where wooden screens and open corridors create a beautiful play of light and shadow. This view looks towards the puja room, which is designed as a calm, meditative space.

The interplay of light and shadow is a key theme in this home. Here, sunlight filters through a bamboo ceiling, casting linear patterns across the corridor and highlighting the home's minimalist architecture.

A view through a slatted wooden door into the serene puja room. The design emphasizes natural materials and a sense of tranquility, creating a spiritual corner within the home.

The corridors are designed to be experiences in themselves, with changing patterns of light and views of the central courtyard. The use of wooden screens provides privacy while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.

About GAIA, Chennai: A Minimalist Tropical Sanctuary

The landscaping for this home follows a strict local-sourcing mandate. Every plant, from the grand frangipanis to the wispy spider lilies, was sourced within a four-kilometer radius of the site. By working exclusively with species native to this specific micro-climate, we created a self-sustaining tropical sanctuary that feels naturally rooted in Chennai.

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