Ar. Shashi Breathes a New Life Into ‘Navajeevanam’ in Chennai!

“Navajeevanam by Ar. Shashi isn’t just a house; it’s a pretty well-articulated partner who listens, pauses, calms and grounds us down further.”

You know what? Getting feedback like this from clients always hits different. It tells us we’re onto something good! Something fresh, thoughtful, and well-designed. And that’s exactly what our latest project, Navajeevanam, turned out to be! It’s basically a modern Indian bungalow design in Chennai that redefines family living.

So, what’s the story? Navajeevanam is a cozy yet spacious home for a family of three, built just above their parent’s residence in the heart of Chennai. When the clients came to us, their brief was pretty straightforward but also kind of tricky. Like, they wanted a private sanctuary for their nuclear family. But, they wanted it emotionally and spatially connected to the joint family vibe downstairs.

Sounds like they wanted to have their cake and eat it too, right? Honestly, we thought so too at first. But that’s where the philosophy of Vedic Homes shines.

The Vedic Home’s Philosophy: 

Here’s the thing—at Vedic Homes, we love these head-scratching briefs. They’re like puzzles that push us to listen deeper, observe closely, and design homes people didn’t even know they were dreaming of.

So when this challenge landed on our desk, we went back to basics. We tapped into the ancient wisdom of Vastu Shastra. You know, that whole beautiful balance of the Panchamahabhuta (five elements), the grounding calm of brick, and the way natural light can whisper through spaces.

The result? Navajeevanam—meaning “new life”—rose from the idea of togetherness without intrusion. We designed zones that weave connections and offer mental breaks. We carved voids that invite light, breeze, and conversation. And we placed every room, not just as per plan—but with intent. A deep, Vedic purpose.

And maybe that’s exactly why when our clients tell us, “It feels like the house breathes with us,” we can’t help but grin. Because honestly? It really does.

Top Insights

• Navajeevanam by Ar. Shashirekha (Vedic Homes) is an independent bungalow-style residence in Chennai, designed for a family of three living just above their parents’ home.
• The home follows a simple material palette of lime-washed walls, warm timber, and natural stone. This tactile combination not only keeps the interiors fresh and minimal but also connects the home back to traditional building practices that thrive in Chennai’s humid climate.
• Despite the tight urban footprint, Navajeevanam feels much larger than it is—thanks to its layered volumes, framed openings, and axial connections. The design eventually amplifies both physical and emotional spaciousness, making it an excellent reference point for anyone looking for the best Indian bungalow design in Chennai.

A Bit About the Firm

Their design philosophy is deeply grounded in Vedic sciences and the sacred principles of Vastu Shastra. Inspired by the architecture of nature, their projects are crafted as a partnership between people, elements, and spaces—creating homes that don’t just function well but also feel alive.

Trust me, they’ve got this deep appreciation for traditional wisdom mixed with a keen eye for timeless beauty. What they do is blend age-old knowledge with today’s living spaces, creating homes that just feel right – places where harmony flows naturally and life feels more balanced and meaningful.

Popular Projects: Aikya (Chennai), Selva Home (Karaikudi), Blossoms (Ramapuram, Chennai), Harmony’s Brindavan (Sholinganallur, Chennai), etc. 

Navajeevanam by Vedic Homes – Quick Details & Fact File:

As you might guess from its name, Navajeevanam (meaning “new life”)  is more than a home—it’s a fresh start! And that, too, just above their parent’s residence. So the design has this unique proposition. Like, it honors the warmth and connectivity of a joint family on one hand, and still preserves the intimacy and independence of a private home on the other. Pretty amazing, right? 

Now, the Navajeevanam site sits on a narrow urban lot in Adyar, Chennai. And while, most of the neighborhood is quiet, serene and residential, it still has a tight, urban touch. So, Ar. Shashi eventually had to respond with inward framed vistas. As in, she strategically placed windows and created double-height voids that frame the sky and greenery while still being private. The result? A house that feels connected to nature, even in a dense cityscape.

What’s in a Name? 

Remember how Sir William Shakespeare quoted “What’s in a Name?” in his romantic play Romeo & Juliet? Ah! Well, for Navajeevanam, everything lies in its name—the concept, zoning, and soul of the home.

You know, Navajeevanam literally translates to “new life.” And in this project, it truly symbolized a new spiritual and emotional chapter for both the younger family and their parents. How, you may ask? Well, you see, the client’s family is deeply rooted in devotion to Sri Sri Muralidharan Swamiji. So the home had to embody traditional values while seamlessly embracing a contemporary lifestyle.

And the design does just that. An expansive terrace garden basically creates a retreat with framed sky views, while carefully curated interiors optimize light and ventilation. And finally, the home’s axis aligns the home with both climatic comfort and philosophical clarity. Trust me, it’s a balance that defines not just this residence, but also makes it one of the best Indian bungalow design examples in Chennai.

What is the Architectural Language & Spatial Composition of Navajeevanam Like?

At its heart, Navajeevanam follows the timeless design principle of serial vision. Like, there are clear axes and zones, but with moments of pause along each zone. Here’s how it works:

• You basically enter the house from the level above the parent’s home. There, you have a central foyer that opens to the main living spaces at the front. Also, it eventually leads to the bedrooms and more private areas in the back.
• The public spaces—living, dining, and kitchen—follow an open-plan layout. Plus, there’s a high ceiling that extends to the terrace and beyond.
• To reflect the family’s devotional roots, the architects placed a serene family lounge and a compact temple (garbhagriha) towards the rear, grounding the home spiritually.

The Concept of Navajeevanam: 

So basically, sheer empathy, creativity, and clarity guides the architectural language of Navajeevanam. And why not! After all, it was conceptualized and sculpted by an all-women team of architects, who brought both sensitivity and strength to the design.

Here’s how they approached it:

• Spatial Sensitivity: The architects used clean lines, framed vistas, and axial flows to create a rhythm that feels calm yet engaging.
• Emotional Depth: Ar. Shashi layered & expanded light, memory, and material textures to animate spaces and soften volumes.
• Welcoming Vibe: A warm palette helped balance the rigidity of modern form with the intimacy of a family home

Despite its modest footprint, the home feels expansive thanks to vertical layering, voids, and natural light. Even thresholds and transitions create deliberate pauses. That is, they guide the occupant from the open, social areas, into pockets of quiet and introspection.

And then comes the contrast: while the exterior appears modern, clean, and boxy, the interiors weave in Indian traditional elements. The outcome? A bungalow design that is both grounded and futuristic.  Simply, the best of both worlds, right?

Zoning & Spatial Decisions at Navajeevanam

As we mentioned earlier, Navajeevanam perfectly balances Vastu Shastra principles with contemporary bungalow design. That’s exactly why it stands out as one of the best Indian bungalow design examples in Chennai today.

Here are a few key spatial choices that shaped the home:

✅ The kitchen is positioned in the southeast, aligning with Agni (fire) as per Vastu.

✅ The master bedroom sits in the southwest. This direction eventually promotes restful energy and long-term stability.

✅ There’s a central puja space. It basically anchors the home, both spiritually and emotionally.

But beyond Vastu alignment, the zoning also evolved as a climate-responsive design strategy. Every element—from the building orientation to the cross-ventilation and shaded fenestrations helped manage Chennai’s hot, humid climate.  Plus, the team also used layered thermal lime washed walls and stone floors to cool the home naturally.

What’s the Material Board & Craftsmanship of Navajeevanam Like? 

Despite it’s intricate interiors and brutal exteriors, Navajeevanam flaunts a clean, mixed material board consisting of: 

• A brutalist, tactile palette of natural stone, warm timber, and lime-washed surfaces to reduce humidity and go in sync with the home’s emotional vibe
• Wood to comfort and ground the key touchpoints – swing beams, window frames, bespoke furniture
• A mix of stone and concrete floors to increase the thermal mass and lower indoor temperature

So, you see how Navajeevanam’s material palette is deliberately restrained and tactile? Like, natural stone & polished concrete floors exude a cool, earthy base, while the lime-washed white walls look soft and matte. Similarly, bespoke timber furniture adds color and texture, while the teak window frames boost the interior warmth. These materials also align beautifully with Vastu Shastra principles

And the best part’s that these materials last longer, especially in Chennai’s crazy weather! Plus, they add variation, texture and comfort too! Like, the whole vibe strikes a really nice balance – you’ve got this gorgeous sculptural swing and some beautifully carved, traditional furniture in the lounge, but the rest is just calm and minimalist. 

How Did Ar. Shashi Design Navajeevanam’s Interior? 

As we’ve already mentioned, Ar. Shashi’s design for Navajeevanam was all about balancing the best of both traditional and modern worlds. The interiors reflect the soul of the home; warm, timeless, and deeply personal. And yet they embrace minimalism and comfort in a way that defines the best Indian bungalow design style.

The Family Lounge: A Dreamy, Timeless Core

The first priority was creating a family lounge that felt like the heart of the house. And for that, she used wood, stone & timber accents for warmth. One of the coolest features here is the traditional wooden swing. It’s not just a relaxing nook, but also a natural conversation starter. It’s one of those details that makes the lounge both playful and spiritual, a space where the family can chill, gather, and reflect.

Minimal, Yet Richly Layered Styling

The interior design philosophy at Navajeevanam is minimal, yet richly layered. Like, every room feels carefully put together with earthy fabrics, handmade touches, and natural textures. It’s not just pretty to look at, but also warm and cozy.

Take the custom living room furniture, for example. It has warm wood paired with handmade ceramic tiles. Thus, it’s not just about looks. It’s eventually about creating a fusion of craftsmanship and everyday life, which is very much in line with Vedic Home’s ethos of soulful living.

The Final Blend: 

What truly sets Navajeevanam apart is how seamlessly it blends classic Indian design elements with contemporary styling.

• The wooden swing, family temple (garbhagriha), and deep seating nooks keep it rooted in Indian tradition.
  
• The clean lines, minimal finishes, and open-plan living bring in modern comfort.

It’s not forced, it’s natural. Almost like a love letter to Indian heritage wrapped in contemporary style.

You can also feel the all-women-led design approach throughout the home. Every decision balances functionality with beauty, creating interiors that are both practical for daily life and aesthetically timeless.

Fun Fact: The window spaces at Navajeevanam double up as story corners and gathering nooks. In fact, in the daughter’s room, they even serve as an extra sleepover bed.

A Bit About the Lighting & Space Illumination at Navajeevanam

At Navajeevanam, natural light isn’t an accident. It’s basically an intentional design element. Every window and opening has eventually been planned to frame greenery, soften interiors, and create dynamic shadow play.

• Daytime: Natural light floods the interiors, connecting indoor spaces to terraces and balconies.
• Evening: Carefully designed ambient lighting reveals textures, highlights niches, and enhances the home’s calming vibe.

The terrace garden, requested by the client (a passionate gardener), extends this design intent. Located on the third floor, it works as:

• A cooling microclimate for the tropical weather of Chennai
• A privacy screen from the urban neighborhood
• A lived-in green retreat with native species and raised planters

Thus, it’s not just a terrace you look at; it’s a garden you live in.

Climate Response: Cross Ventilation at Its Best 

Cross ventilation is another key design strength in this best Indian Bungalow design. For instance, Ar. Shashi used:

• A linear floor plan with multiple openings for natural breeze flow.
• A roof garden and open terrace as thermal buffers.
• Layered greenery to shade and cool the interiors.
  

Overall, the environmental approach is low-key: it relies on the site orientation, open-plan planning, and climate-responsive detailing typical of tropical architecture, rather than high-tech systems.

What Were the Challenges Faced During the Construction of Navajeevanam?

You know, one of the trickiest parts of the whole project was that the client’s elderly parents were still living downstairs. So, it was no joke. Like, you’ve got noise, dust flying everywhere, things shaking, and just general chaos. Thus, our team really had to think outside the box to make sure the parents stayed comfortable 24/7. Thus, we:

• Timed heavy-duty work when the parents were away on vacation
• Scheduled quieter work during resting hours.
• Maintained clear communication with the family throughout.

So, finally, this experience made Navajeevanam more than just a house. Like, it eventually became a story of empathy and respect, where every design decision carried an extra layer of thoughtfulness.

The Successful Architect – Client Collaboration

Navajeevanam is all about that special connection between the clients and Ar. Shashirekha’s team. The architects didn’t just dive into the project – they really took their time to understand what mattered most, treating the whole design process like they were crafting a living, breathing space filled with light, memories, and real emotions.

What’s really cool is how they put the clients’ personal story front and center – like how they used to live above their parents and their spiritual side. Shashi’s crew (which happens to be an all-women team) is pretty well-known for putting clients first and weaving in Vastu principles. The founder is always talking about how every home is basically this “sacred collaboration” between the family and the architects.

And honestly, you can see it worked! Because, in the end, a family got a home that just feels like it’s made for them!  

FAQs

Conclusion

So as you saw, Navajeevanam is a deeply personal, emotionally resonant home, born out of devotion, family values and spatial intelligence. Like, It redefines what a modern Indian bungalow design can be: functional, climate-sensitive, rooted in tradition, yet seamlessly contemporary. Plus, since it’s designed by an all-women architecture team, the home does transcend gender labels! This is not just a house;it is a living, breathing narrative of new beginnings. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below! 

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