- Project: Boat Club House
- Architect: House of Lines
- Location: India, Chennai
- Year: 2024
- Area: 325 m2
- Photography: Yash R Jain
Nestled in the heart of Chennai’s Boat Club Road, Boat Club House by House of Lines is a contemporary residence that pays homage to the city’s cultural identity while embracing the timeless elegance of mid-century modern design. Envisioned as a sanctuary for a family spread across continents, this 3,500 sq ft home is at once modern, rooted, and deeply personal.
A Home Built on Memories and Modernity
The brief given to architects Anshuk Punmia and Prachi D Jain, founders of House of Lines, was simple yet profound: create a home that reflects Chennai’s spirit, celebrates mid-century modern aesthetics, and prioritizes comfort and belonging. The clients, residing across India and overseas, wanted a warm, welcoming space to return to—a place that merges everyday functionality with meaningful design.
One detail stood out in the client’s request: no furniture legs jutting out. This small yet thoughtful requirement symbolized their desire for clean, calm, and considered spaces. Another was the integration of heirloom rosewood furniture, honoring family memories while harmonizing with modern interiors.
Design Philosophy: Madras Character Meets Mid-Century Modern
Achieving a balance between global design language and local identity was the project’s central challenge. The architects immersed themselves in studying mid-century modern design—its clean lines, organic forms, and restrained palettes—while grounding the home in Chennai’s material and cultural traditions.
The result is a residence where timeless aesthetics meet regional authenticity. Open, breezy living spaces flow into tranquil bedrooms, each with its own study nook and lush garden views. The spatial layout allows for seamless transitions between communal and private zones, perfect for hosting gatherings or quiet moments of solitude.
Remote Collaboration Across Time Zones
Designing a home for clients abroad brought logistical challenges. From material selections to layout approvals, much of the process unfolded over Zoom. The family’s trust in the design team enabled decisive progress, ensuring the final home was not only functional but emotionally resonant.
As Design Head Shreya Goal and Anchal Lodha emphasized, the project became a narrative of belonging—a residence that bridges continents while staying rooted in Chennai.
Materiality: A Dialogue Between Past and Present
Natural materials form the foundation of this home’s tactile experience. The palette celebrates rosewood, teak, cane, and jute—materials steeped in nostalgia yet reinterpreted with modern detailing.
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Pooja Room: Handle-less doors preserve clean lines while allowing ventilation.
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Dining Table: A custom-designed centerpiece that balances structural strength with elegance.
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Furniture: A blend of custom pieces by House of Lines and collaborations with leading brands—Rare Lily (décor), D Tale Modern (sofa, beds, side tables), East Coast Modern (chairs, center table), and Jaipur Rugs (carpets).
Every choice reflects restraint and respect for authenticity, reinforcing the home’s grounded aesthetic.
Key Design Highlights
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Bookshelf and Study Nook in the Master Bedroom: A quiet corner for reading and reflection, embodying the home’s spirit of thoughtfulness.
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Seamless Flow: Open-plan living paired with private retreats ensures flexibility for multigenerational living.
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Timeless Palette: Earthy finishes create warmth while maintaining harmony across spaces.
The USP of Boat Club House lies in its rootedness—its ability to merge modernity with tradition, without falling into nostalgia. It is a home that feels honest, tactile, and deeply human.
