Homes and gardens

It is often said that a house which has a library in it has a soul. Having a dedicated reading room at home or even a personal nook is the dream of every avid reader. From majestic teakwood bookshelves and wall-to-wall cabinets to cosy corner spaces and window nooks, creating a literary haven is a much-cherished project for every bibliophile.“In today’s fast-paced world where people are bombarded with content, reels, news and information, some relevant and mostly otherwise, the book world provides a refuge where you can slow down and unwind,” says Anupriya Subbian, Cofounder, Triple O Studio. “It is…

Social shifts are empowering single women, co-living groups, young designers, artists, musicians, students, and other members celebrating a migratory life. Yet, for all the vibrancy and diversity of youthful urban living, conventional housing continues to lag in both design and affordability. Architects today face the challenge of envisioning well-designed, affordable housing in the face of rising land values. With the Third Master Plan currently on the anvil, Chennai — along with several other Indian cities — has the opportunity to redefine the apartment typology for a changing demographic aspirations.As a young architect in France, several years ago, I realised that…

Justin Sebastian, 31, an architectural and interior design photographer from Kochi in Kerala has been fielding innumerable calls from architects, interior specialists, design students and homeowners thanks to #100DaysofSpaces. This is an Instagram series that he began in February, a disciplined photographic study of India’s diverse architecture through 100 projects.Sebastian is on project no.64 now, his initial plan to complete the series in 100 days having been updated to include work commitments. The commerce graduate started his journey in photography at the Light and Life Academy in Lovedale, Ooty, in 2016. With a keen eye for light, form, and texture,…

Fulfilment centres are redefining the very fabric of logistics infrastructure, transforming warehouses into intelligent, self-sustaining ecosystems. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Over the past decade, sustainability has moved from the periphery to the core of business strategy. As the world confronts a mounting climate crisis, the demand for environmentally responsible infrastructure has become critical, therefore pushing logistics, warehousing, and supply chain to the frontlines of change. Fulfilment centres, once optimised primarily for scarcity, are now reimagined as critical enablers of environmental stewardship. From energy-efficient designs and waste reduction initiatives to smarter resource management, these spaces are evolving to support a more conscious and…

Chennai’s architectural landscape breathes like a living entity. The cityscape is dotted with Indo-Saracenic, colonial, and Art Deco landmarks, their presence a strong representation of Madras, and now Chennai’s layered culture, history, and design language. But the past few years have seen a revived interest in restoring older structures, especially as the awareness in conservation has grown. There are scores of examples, from the 73-year-old Art Deco building in Rutland Gate that now houses the multi-designer boutique, Collage, and The Woodhouse Coffee & Cocoa Co, to The Entrance Cafe in Kilpauk, which is housed in an old colonial house. The cafe’s…

A model of the Ashiana Vatsalya project. In a country where life expectancy is rising and family structures are evolving, questions about how and where we age are becoming increasingly urgent.The Hindu Group, in collaboration with Ashiana Vatsalya, is set to host the Senior Living Conclave 2025 on July 27 at Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam. It aims to address the golden years of life by exploring the evolving landscape of senior living in India.Titled ‘Rediscover joy at 50 and beyond,’ the conclave is designed for senior citizens, caregivers, and industry stakeholders to engage in meaningful conversations around retirement living, wellness, tech solutions,…