Located on a serene residential street in Chennai, "The Gully Home" overlooks the Bay of Bengal, blending openness with privacy in its design. Created as a father’s gift to his daughter, this beachfront home balances a simple yet challenging brief: to offer expansive ocean views while ensuring privacy. Elevated by 1.5 meters, the house is accessed through a lush entry garden leading to a great room—a triple-height space inspired by the vibrant streets (gullies) of old Chennai, fostering connection and joy. This open living-dining-kitchen area extends into a linear garden, immersing occupants in the tranquility of the sea. Staggered floor plates, interconnected by a metal staircase, enhance vertical connectivity and provide views of the great room and the ocean from every bedroom. Bay windows create cozy nooks, while the master suite boasts a private terrace with panoramic views and direct connections to the swimming pool and garden.

To address the challenges of an east-facing façade and heat gain, the house incorporates innovative cooling strategies. A double-skin façade, crafted from porotherm blocks and natural clay bricks, cools interiors and prevents heat transmission. Expansive windows are equipped with a dual-shutter system offering six adjustable configurations, balancing ventilation, visibility, and temperature control. The rooftop features a terrace sit-out enclosed by brick jaalis, framing ocean views while mitigating heat. With its thoughtful design, "The Gully Home" offers a perfect blend of comfort, sustainability, and scenic beauty, making it a timeless retreat for its residents.