Located in the lively neighborhood of Tirunelveli, the “Terrace Studio” was born from a casual conversation at a tea shop. Designed to meet the basic needs of a photographer, the studio serves both as a professional photo shoot space and a cozy leisure area. Studio Onebulb’s design evolved into more than just a workspace—it became a gathering place for meaningful experiences and fun.
Project Name: Terrace studio
Studio Name: One bulb Architecture
Project Location: Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
Completion Year: 2020
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2) : 120 sq.ft
Lead Architects: Ar.P.Balavenkatesh , Ar.R.Hemkuma
Photo Credits: Little Attic Architecture Photography
The project embraced sustainability by reusing scrap materials and sourcing locally available resources like reclaimed Mangalore tiles and mild steel. This approach made the construction economical and efficient. The simplicity of materials and minimal interventions highlight the handcrafted quality of the space.
Standing on an empty rooftop, the vision for the studio was a pavilion set against a textured concrete wall. Its open floor plan creates a flexible space, easily integrated or separated when needed. The use of concrete walls and terracotta flooring set the tone for the studio’s aesthetic.
The reused mild steel posts and beams were assembled with simple bolted connections, creating an asymmetrical structure. A refined façade of bamboo screens and Mangalore tiles is woven into the framework, enclosing the studio while showcasing the structure. Photographic studios need abundant ambient light and adjustable apertures for sunlight, so vertical louvers of Mangalore tiles were added to the southern façade to reduce solar radiation and allow airflow at night. The open west entrance and bamboo screens on the east side enhance cross-ventilation.
The unique façade creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, blending the cozy studio with the surrounding environment. Adjustable Mangalore tile louvers wrap around the western side, allowing air circulation while keeping rain out. Leftover materials were repurposed into on-site storage for the studio, while suspended lighting enclosed in Clothcrete, created by “Rented Cycle,” adds a delicate touch to the interiors. The final artistic element was wall art inspired by Karna, the tragic hero from Tamil literature, completing the space.
Avoiding traditional joinery, the transition from exterior to interior relies on semi-transparent partitions, inviting rather than excluding. The Terrace Studio has evolved into a communal space, hosting activities like online classes, music sessions, leisure gatherings, parties, moonlit dinners, and even shelter from rain.
Amidst the dense urban landscape of Tirunelveli, the “Terrace Studio” stands out with its bold, inviting façade. It creates a world of its own—a space for engagement, reflection, and enjoyment. Its design is a testament to simplicity and honesty, reflected in the light-filled environment it nurtures.
