This farmhouse was intended as a get-away for Mrs Vishalakshi Ramaswamy. The 3.5 ground site at Kovalam village is south of the city of Chennai, on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Its plan is based on Vaastu Shastra, which involves the role of environment in architecture. These principles have dictated the position of the bedrooms, the living room, the outhouse, as well as the use of large courtyards and verandahs on the outer periphery, to give the house an openness, which is much desired in a tropical climate.

Vaastu has also indicated the position of the traditional pond, which has steps leading down to the water. The special characteristic of the house is the use of natural materials and traditional elements. The Chettinad stone columns and brackets is one such feature.

The residence has a smooth and gradual massing towards the south-west, bringing in the feature of the extensive sloping roofs. The house reflects the planned flow of spaces to intentionally connect the many otherwise separate areas.

The extensive use of timber for column brackets, the rafters, eaveboards and rooflight details, brings a richness to the house, enhanced by the traditional Athangudi tiles, for the floors - adding a rhythm to the spaces, with their warm glowing colours. There is an extensive use of timber in the interior, for the all the openings and the traditional furniture. The masonry of the staircase and the rest of the interior has a smooth finish, lending a special aesthetic texture. Again, the use of colour on the walls - bright yellow with bright white, black and brick red gives the design of the house a character of its own.

The west side of the site has a mud house, created as a multi-purpose space, in the tradition of the "out house". It consists of two small rooms and a common area and has a timber roof with thatched covering. The mud walls coloured red give this out-house a contemporary characteristic.

The whole design, the house with its other elements, in the surrounding open area of the site, and the pathways and greenery contribute to a leisurely atmosphere, to draw family and friends away from the bustle of the city, to the calmness of this house by the sea.