PAST PERFECT

A colonial bungalow reborn as a creative sanctuary for Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan

- By Hetal Oswal

In the peaceful lanes of Venus Colony, Chennai, Project WN emerges as a seamless blend of the past and the present. This 7,000-square-foot colonial-era bungalow has been thoughtfully reimagined as a home-studio for actress Nayanthara and filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. Designed by Nikhita Reddy of The Storey Collective, it balances old-world charm with contemporary ease; an intimate retreat where stories unfold, ideas take shape, and creativity comes alive.

“I’d call it a remodelling project, with the addition of a few newly constructed spaces, like the terraces,” says Reddy. “I wanted to retain the essence of the bungalow while enhancing it to make it brighter by bringing in lots of natural light,” adds Nayanthara.

Reddy found it effortless to collaborate, thanks to the warm and easy rapport she shares with Nayanthara and Vignesh.

Inside, the space is filled with handcrafted pottery, wooden sculptures, and traditional artefacts; each piece reflecting Nayanthara and Vignesh’s distinctive tastes and artistic vision. The bungalow’s rich history is preserved, yet the openness and light now flow freely, creating an atmosphere that feels both warm and inspiring. It’s a sanctuary where two creative minds, deeply embedded in the world of cinema, can connect, create, and dream.

Honouring the soul of the bungalow