Elaris 201, set in the heart of Chennai, is a nuanced exploration of how contemporary Indian homes are evolving—where craft, computation, and comfort converge. Designed by Anahita Rattha of A Design Theory, the 3,200 sq.ft. residence balances tactile, handcrafted elements with digitally driven forms to create a home that feels both rooted and forward-looking.
“The idea,” as explained by Anahita, “was to design a home that would hold the warmth of craft while responding to the pace of modern life. Every space was approached to balance intimacy and openness; the handmade and the parametric forms.” For instance, visitors entering the house are immediately enveloped by the warmth of rattan, panelled cabinets and custom furniture pieces that are light and breathable, ideal for Chennai’s tropical climate. Parametric walls, by contrast, introduce a modern sculptural touch into the space. Flowing, sinuous patterns create stunning focal points, subtly marking boundaries, while at the same time preserving openness.
The home’palette builds on this interplay of opposites. It is anchored in gentle, natural tones that complement polished concrete and limewashed walls, with carefully curated ceramics, pottery, and indoor plants introducing subtle texture and life into the space. Thoughtful layering of materials and finishes: woven textiles, wood, and handcrafted elements create an environment that is at once serene and visually rich, embodying a modern sensibility rooted in artisanal tradition.
In the living areas, this balance of material and form plays out with clarity. The open-plan layout is anchored by adaptable furniture: modular sofas that can be reconfigured, and flexible seating that encourages interaction. Large windows flood the space with daylight, softening the concrete and limewashed surfaces, while parametric walls bring rhythm and movement. The overall effect is both expansive and welcoming: suited to larger gatherings but equally comfortable for quieter moments.
The kitchen and dining spaces carry forward this sense of openness. The dining area is designed for flexibility, with an extendable table that shifts easily between intimate family meals and larger social occasions. Subtle detailing in wood and rattan continues here, ensuring a visual continuity with the living space. The kitchen, streamlined yet practical, integrates ample storage in canepanelled cabinetry, allowing functionality to align seamlessly with the tactile warmth of handcrafted finishes.
The bedrooms are more inward-looking, designed as sanctuaries of rest. Each one is defined by its curved wooden ceiling, which creates a cocoon-like atmosphere. The beds serve as focal points through their bespoke headboards: some sculptural, others upholstered in natural fabrics, and in certain cases, inset with cane panels that filter light and shadow. One bedroom departs from the rest with its hand-painted walls, where brushstrokes inspired by nature add a personal, artisanal touch.
“We wanted each bedroom to have its own personality while still speaking the same language,” explains Anahita.
Bathrooms, too, are given the same degree of design attention. Countertops in rose quartz and Italian marble bring a refined contrast, while mirrors, customised in form, finish, and detail, serve as functional centrepieces. Thoughtful lighting elevates the atmosphere, making daily routines feel quietly indulgent.
At the heart of the home is the pooja room, where craft and symbolism converge most strongly. A motherof-pearl arch glows with iridescence, framing a stepped sanctum inspired by temple architecture. Behind the idols, a marble panel engraved with traditional motifs creates depth and intricacy. The entrance itself, with brass-inlaid doors, fluted glass shutters, and finely crafted metal handles, underscores the room’s spiritual and aesthetic importance.
What ties these varied spaces together is the sense of balance that defines Elaris 201 as a whole. Rattan’s warmth and the precision of parametric design, the softness of curved ceilings and the solidity of stone, the openness of social spaces and the intimacy of private ones—all are reconciled in a home that feels calm, adaptable, and distinctly modern while staying rooted in Indian craft traditions.
Project Name: Elaris 201
Project Type: Residential
Project Location: Chennai, India
Designed & Executed by – A Design Theory
Principal Designer – Anahita Rattha
Area: 3,200 sqft
Photography: Yash Jain
