The new build, called Still House, is designed for a young couple who wanted a calm, personal residence. The homeowners had a simple brief — a home that felt elegant but not overly designed. This became the guiding principle that Amrita Thomas, architect and founder of Alara Studio, an interior design studio based in Chennai, followed as she brought the vision to life.

Located in Alwarpet, the 4,000 sq. ft. apartment took approximately eight months to complete. “It’s a space that embraces stillness — calm, quiet and intentional. Every design decision, from the restrained material palette to the way natural light moves through the home, was made to create a sense of pause,” says Thomas.