When Dr. Lakshmi Venkatesh inherited her parents' 1965 Mylapore bungalow, she faced a common dilemma: the home held irreplaceable memories and architectural character, but it desperately needed modernization. Here's how we approached this award-winning renovation.
The Challenge
The 3,200 sq ft bungalow had stunning original features—12-foot ceilings, Burma teak windows and doors, and beautiful Athangudi tiles throughout. However, the electrical system was outdated, the plumbing leaked, and the kitchen and bathrooms hadn't been updated since the 1980s.
The brief was clear: preserve everything that made the house special while making it functional for contemporary family life.
Our Approach: Restoration First
Before any renovation work began, we spent three weeks documenting every original detail. Each Athangudi tile was photographed and mapped. The teak woodwork was assessed for condition. Original hardware was catalogued.
This documentation became our guide. Any original element that could be saved, would be saved.
The Athangudi Tile Challenge
The hand-made cement tiles covering the floors were the home's signature feature. Many were cracked or loose due to foundation settling over 60 years.
We carefully removed each tile, numbered them, and stored them safely. After leveling the floors and installing modern waterproofing, we reinstalled the original tiles in their exact positions. For damaged areas, we sourced period-appropriate replacements from artisans in Chettinad who still practice the traditional craft.
Modernizing Invisibly
The real art of heritage renovation is adding modern systems without compromising character. Here's how we did it:
Air Conditioning: Instead of wall-mounted split units, we installed concealed ducted AC with registers hidden in ceiling details that matched the original moulding profiles.
Electrical: All new wiring was run through existing wall cavities and ceiling spaces. Original bakelite switchplates were sourced from salvage dealers.
Plumbing: Complete replumbing was done through the walls with minimal disruption to original tile work.
The New Kitchen
The original kitchen was cramped and dark. We opened it to the adjacent pantry space, doubling the area while maintaining the home's gracious proportions. Modern appliances were integrated behind panels that matched the original teak joinery.
The Result
After 20 weeks of careful work, the home looks much as it did in the 1960s—but with completely new systems, a modern kitchen, renovated bathrooms, and comfortable climate control.
The project won the IIID Award for Heritage Renovation in 2024, recognizing the careful balance between preservation and modernization.
Key Takeaways
Document before you demolish: Thorough documentation saves money and heartache.
Original features are irreplaceable: It's almost always cheaper to restore than to replicate.
Modern systems can be hidden: With creativity, you can have modern comfort without sacrificing character.
Find the right craftsmen: Heritage work requires specialists who understand traditional techniques.
