ARC4008 – RESEARCH SKILLS

VELLORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, VELLORE

CHANGE IN SPACES:
ADAPTIVE REUSE FROM RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL

BY
KEERTHANA MOHAN 15BAR0039
FIFTH YEAR B.ARCH VSPARC

GUIDED BY
PROF.MADHUMATHI
PROF. SHARMILA
ABSTRACT
Adapting current structures to new tasks is not a fresh trend. The adaptive reuse strategy was
created and formulated as quickly as the beginning of the 19th century. As time changes, the
need for distinct types of structures reduces. The need for different kinds of spaces decreases
as time changes. An adaptive reuse as it reaffirms their existence in the neighbourhood is one
of the necessary lifelines for such buildings. This adds a lesser building to the urban fabric
and has less adverse environmental impact. Although the context is changing, it can still hold
on to a little bit of it past.
Adaptive reuse is based on the assumption that the purpose of spaces is restructured, mostly
in order to meet the current requirements of society. Throughout the globe, adaptive reuse
initiatives have provided fresh life to structures and the building's identity is being
transformed, it still maintains its integrity.
This paper will explore strategies to a conservative adaptive reuse practice of how traditional
mansions/villas are being converted to commercial retail space that not only complements but
challenges and reveals the history through the unique character and the original intent of the
design by preserving the spirit of the place. The significance of this research study lies in the
fact that these conservation practices and restoration techniques can be taken as a model for
other similar projects in the district where these mansions are in abundance and will therefore
enable a sustainable conservation practice. The adaptive reuse strategy will be formulated and
tested through case study examples.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This dissertation is one of the most notable works in my academic years at the VIT School of
planning and architecture (VSPARC). I would like to thank my faculties for helping me on
my research skills and suggesting proper guidelines for case study analysis and focus on my
research topic. I would also like to thank my family and friends for continuous support during
the course of this semester.

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Khusuru design studio
Figure 2: Gratitude guest house, Pondicherry
Figure3: Methodology Flowchart
Figure 4: street view
Figure 5: Before and after restoration
Figure 6: Exhibition room
Figure 7: Entrance door
Figure 8: Courtyard
Figure 9: Wooden doors
Figure 10: Existing ground floor plan
Figure 11: Proposed ground floor plan
Figure 12: Front elevation
Figure 13: Side Elevation
Figure 14: Existing and proposed cross section
Figure 15: Exterior view
Figure 16: Mansion before and after restoration
Figure 17: Chettinadu colour palate
Figure 18: Thinnai
Figure 19: Living room
Figure 20: Reception office
Figure 21: Bedroom
Figure 22: Restaurant
Figure 23: double storied dining hall
Figure 24: swimming pool in garden
Figure 25: Interior furniture
Figure 26: traditional details of switches
Figure 27: Ground floor plan – original mansion
Figure 28: First floor plan – original mansion
Figure 29: Ground floor plan – Chidambaram villas heritage hotel

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Figure 30: First floor plan – Chidambaram villas heritage hotel
Figure 31: Exterior view
Figure 32: During renovation process
Figure 33: Before and after of staircase
Figure 34: Antique furniture in entrance portico and living area
Figure 35: Ground floor corridor and doors
Figure 36: Living room in ground floor
Figure 37: First floor balcony
Figure 38: First floor veranda
Figure 39: Doors and windows
Figure 40: Yoga hall with red oxide flooring
Figure 41: Sketches of Luz house
Figure 42: Traditional materials, switch boards and furniture
Figure 43: Current ground floor plan
Figure 44: Current first floor plan

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Abstract of the topic
Table 2: reveals the original use and the present use of the original spaces.
Table 3: Case study abstract
Table 4: options for adaptive reuse

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER NO. TITLE PAGE NO
Abstract …………………………………………….. 1
Acknowledgement…………………………………... 2
List of Figures……………………………………….. 3

1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………… 7
1.1 Background Information…………………………………………………. 7
1.2 Aim of the study………………………………………………………….. 7
1.3 Research questions……………………………………………………….. 7
1.4 Relevance………………………………………………………………… 8
1.5 Problem statement……………………………………………………….. 8
2. LITERATURE REVIEW………………………………………………….. 8
2.1 An Understanding……………………………………………………….. 8
2.2 Principles of Adaptive Reuse…………………………………………... 9
2.3 Benefits of Adaptive Reuse……………………………………………. 9
2.4 Criteria for Adaptive Reuse…………………………………………… 10
2.5 Adaptive reuse as an approach for preservation……............................. 11
3. METHODOLOGY………………………………………………………… 11
3.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………… 11
3.2 Limitations…………………………………………………………….. 12
4. CASE STUDY……………………………………………………………… 13
4.1 Case Study 1: Mahakavi Bharathiyar Museum, Pondicherry…… 13
4.1.1 General Information………………………………………………….. 13
4.1.2 Significance…………………………………………………………... 13
4.1.3 Parameters covered…………………………………………………… 14
4.2 Case Study 2: Chidambara Vilas, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu……. 17
4.2.1 General Information…………………………………………………... 17
4.2.2 Significance…………………………………………............................ 17
4.2.3 Parameters covered…………………………………………………… 18
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4.3 Case study 3: Luz House, Chennai, Tamil Nadu………………….. 23
4.3.1 General Information…………………………………………………... 23
4.3.2 Significance…………………………………………………………… 23
4.3.3 Parameters covered…………………………………………………… 24
5. ANALYSIS THROUGH CASE STUDY EXAMPLES………………… 29
6. INFERENCES AND GUIDELINES………………………………………… 30
7. CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………….. 31
8. REFERENCES……………………………………………………………….. 32

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background Information

In today's economy, when compared to constructing new, retrofitting an elderly building makes
real sense. There's a lot of factors. For any project, the cultural difference, aesthetics, and
expenditures need to be weighed. It is essential to realize that restore or preserve adaptive reuse
is distinct. While a restore or preserve project includes restoring a building to its initial state,
adaptive reuse effectively shifts a structure's purpose to satisfy the requirements of the
contemporary user. Nevertheless, some adaptive-reuse projects do include restoring the façade
or sections of the interior of the building to look like it did in previous times.
The most effective adaptive reuse initiatives constructed heritage are those that best respect
and maintain the heritage meaning of the building and add a modern layer of value for the
future. Where a building can no longer work with its initial use, the only way to maintain its
heritage importance can be a fresh use through adaptation. At the most basic level, adapting a
building is viable and also helps to maintain the urban environment while adding wealth and
vitality. This space reuse gives rise to distinctive and innovative responses. Adaptive reuse is
a solution that retains the building's character while ensuring its functionality and integrity are
not compromised.
1.2. Aim of the study
The aim of this dissertation is to understand why certain structures are disused and to look at
how to terminate this and reuse a building before it becomes abandoned. As modern
architecture is increasingly part of the continuum of architectural history, and as its buildings
experience threats varying from material to functional obsolescence, even demolition due to
abandonment and lack of appreciation, there has been growing concern for its preservation.
There are numerous cases that can be examined for reference in these ways and a better
understanding of adaptive reuse will be created by looking at various typologies. The following
are some of the aims for this dissertation.
a) To investigate the relationship between new and old in the adapted and reused
buildings as applied to the surrounding society.
b) To demonstrate the understanding of the original function, formal organization of site,
use of materials and sustainability of old buildings of various typologies.
c) To explore the aspects of the trending techniques in 21st century architecture.
d) Analyse the effectiveness of adaptive reuse to increase the life span of the building.
e) Case study on types of structures used for adaptive reuse.

1.3.Research Questions

a) What lessons can be learnt from the current practice of adaptive reuse by changing the
old functional space to new purpose ?
b) How can one reuse the structure by maintaining the spirit of the place and character?

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1.4. Relevance
The development of the particular personality of spaces for human use and pleasure is a
prevalent and meaningful trend. As societies continue to re-examine their inventory of existing
structures, re-architecture is becoming increasingly essential for people wishing to preserve,
conserve and adaptively re-use buildings.
Adaptive reuse is a strategy that has been used increasingly for protecting the old buildings and
sites; and while in most of the projects where adaptive reuse practice is being applied the
‘character, spirit and sense’ of place is often missed.
1.5.Problem Statement
As modern architecture increasingly becomes part of the continuum of architecture history and
its buildings experience, various threats that range from materials to functional obsolescence,
demolition due to abandonment and lack of appreciation, concern for heritage preservation is
needed.
The main problems regarding adaptive reuse of buildings are:
a) Recognizing the proper reuse building.
b) The correct reuse for a specific construction is recognized.
c) C) Addressing the building's historical importance.
d) Assessment of possible damage that may result from reuse
e) Analysis of the building's structural strength prior to adaptation
f) Overcoming spatial constraints and re-creating the function with minimal changes.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. An Understanding
Structures began to be abandoned due to de-industrialization and urban decline, and some
abandoned but not too long ago were seen as modern ruins. These buildings changed and
became a place for miscreants. People who saw the poorly maintained structures as
opportunities and began to transform them with a new feature into structures. During the initial
stage, this was called gentrification. It is referred to today as adaptive re-use, which differs
from retrofitting and façade, respectively, which changes the structure and façade of the
building. Adaptive reuse generally relates to the process of reusing the old site or building for
a purpose other than that for which it was initially constructed or intended. It can be seen as a
compromise between historic preservation and demolition that allows the cultural and historical
importance of the buildings to be preserved and reconstructed instead of being demolished. By
reusing an existing structures within a site, the energy required to create these space is reduced,
as in the materials waste that comes from destroying the old sites and rebuilding using new
materials with trending technologies.
Adaptive reuse deals with conservation and heritage policy issues. Old structures are becoming
unsuitable for their programmatic demands, as technological, political and economic
advancement moves quicker than the built environment. The potential for adaptive reuse as a
sustainable development option and as an alternative to demolition and replacement.

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2.2.Principles of Adaptive reuse
Adaptive reuse deals with issues of sustainability, conservation and preservation of built form
as well as strategies and policies. Once old structures become unsuitable for their functional
and programmatic requirements or has remained unused, adaptive reuse becomes a sustainable
option for reclamation of sites and therefore, the potential value of the property will be
maximized by adapting the space. Some of the principles followed for adaptive reuse:
a) To perform the functions well for which they are redesigned.
b) To be long lasting and adaptable to new uses.
c) To respond well to their surroundings and enhance their context.
d) To have a visual coherence and create ‘delight’ for users and passers-by.
e) To be sustainable – non-polluting, energy efficient, easily accessible and have a
minimal environmental impact.
f) To utilize the character of existing spaces and materials.
g) To repair the urban fabric of the community.

2.3.Benefits of Adaptive reuse

Sometimes, adaptive re-use is the only way that the fabric of the building is effectively cared
for, exposed or disrupted, while making better use of the building itself. If a building ceases
to function with its initial use, a new use through adaptation may be the only way to preserve
the importance of its heritage.

Figure 1: Khusuru design studio

Adaptive reuse of existing structures is associated with the following advantages:
• Energy Conservation: by reclaiming and repurposing exiting structures and their
materials and their embodied energy as well as making use of existing available
infrastructure such as access to transportation and utilities.
• Enhances Community Character: building reuse can provide link between the
community’s history and its present and future while accommodating up to date needs
and is often more harmonious with the community character than new construction.
• Promoting Innovation: the adaption of buildings presents a genuine challenge to
architects and designers to find innovative solutions. As development pressures
increase in our cities, more buildings are being reused, producing some excellent
examples of creative designs that retain its significance.

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 • Contributes sustainability: the materials that are used are of high quality and have
many years left in their cycle. Brick, copper, stone, slate, concrete and masonry units
• Encourages Investment: Reuse may encourage more investment growth and
revitalisation in areas and other buildings that may stay vacant or underutilized,
resulting in future employment possibilities.
• Cost Savings: reuse saves on demolition costs, champions on recycling and creates
unique design opportunities.
• Environmental benefits: one of the main environmental benefits of reusing buildings
is the retention of the original’s building embodied energy that makes the project much
more environmentally sustainable than entirely new construction.

Figure 3: Gratitude guest house, Pondicherry

2.4.Criteria for Adaptive Reuse

Built form is primarily the topic of three kinds of modernity: physical, functional and
economic. Although building derelict is due to a multitude of variables, it can be
generalized that all the natural results of shifting methods of manufacturing and
consumption are caused mainly by the effects of technological changes. There are often
criteria’s for deciding the building should be conserved, demolished or reused. Some of the
criteria include:

a) The societal value of a given site and building; that is, the importance to the community
of the use of a site by its members or visitors.
b) The potential for the reuse of a particular site and building; the physical damage
sustained to the site and its support of future use, the character of the existing form in
terms of the proposed reuse.
c) The historical importance of the site and building; in terms of both the physicality of
the street-scape and the area, as well as of the role of the site in the community’s
understanding of the past.
d) The natural ecological conditions of the site and building; whether it is suitable
climatically or can support the proposed environmental work.

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2.5. Adaptive reuse as an approach for preservation
Developers, architects and engineers had to discover the best way to preserve significant cult
ural buildings while updating the structures to comply with current codes and development st
andards and to incorporate modern techniques such as air conditioning.
Adaptive reuse, however, is much more than restoration and conservation. In its truest form,
this idea seeks to create a fresh life in order to satisfy the requirements of modern customers.
Depending on the construction and its planned new use, adaptations could include decomposi
ng the interior, adding structural changes, updating the building envelope, replacing mechanic
al systems and adding technology infrastructure. The three mains strategies for preservation:
a) Typology Approach: Cantacuzino's new use for ancient structures was the first
publication on adaptive re-use. It provides a range of examples from all over the globe;
these examples are provided by type of construction prior to adaptation.
b) Technical Approach: Several sources regarded the adaptation of buildings to be
primarily a technical matter, as well as how to decide on a fresh feature for adapted
structures. Rehabilitation and re-use of ancient structures' by Highfield (1987) is a
booklet in which the author explains the advantages of renovation, distinguishes
national and non-domestic structures and discusses the renovation of multiple facilities.
c) Strategic Approach: Strategic strategy focuses on procedures and strategies used to
adapt significant are enduring materials and should be able to withstand the test of time.
Structures – Building within; Building over; Building around; Building alongside;
Recycling of products; Adapting to a fresh function; Building in the style of building.

3. METHODOLOGY
3.1.Introduction

Figure3: Methodology Flowchart

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3.2.Limitations
a) Availability if limited number of possible case studies. By using only a limited quantity
of case studies it is possible that the characteristics established from the literature
review, may be have been relevant in each particular case.
b) This research focuses on the adaptive reuse of traditional residential house being
converted to commercial space that involved with retaining aesthetically appealing,
architectural or historic features may be fitting a new use into existing building
challenging and may require added creativity and flexibility.
c) Abstract

1) Aim - To discover various parameters of

adaptive reuse
- To provide guidelines and
recommendations and approach of
adaptive reuse as modern technique of
preserving the structure before it leads to
abandoned.
2) Research questions - What lessons can be learnt from the
current practice of adaptive reuse by
changing the old functional space to new
purpose?
- How can one reuse the structure by
maintaining the spirit of the place and
character?
3) Objective - To investigate the relationship between
new and old in the adapted and reused
buildings as applied to the surrounding
society.
- To understand of the original function,
formal organization of site, use of
materials and sustainability of old
buildings of various typologies.
- Analysis of case study examples
4) Limitations - Research focuses on the traditional
residential house being converted to
commercial space according to the
surrounding environment and
requirements.

Table 1: Abstract of the topic

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4. CASE STUDY

4.1. CASE STUDY 1 : MAHAKAVI BHARATHIYAR MUSEUM, PONDICHERRY

Figure 4: street view

4.1.1: General Information
- Location: Pondicherry, India
- Building Type: Tamil colonial villa (residential)
- Age of the building: 150 years
- Adaptive reuse: Memorial Museum
- Owned by: Government of Pondicherry

4.1.2: Significance
a) The Mahakavi Bharathiyar Memorial building is a typical 19th century Tamil colonial
villa built about 150 years ago is now a restored memorial museum owned by the
government of Pondicherry.
b) It was the residence of the most gifted Tamil poet-nationalist of the past century,
Subramanian Bharathi from 1908 to 1918.
c) The house which later got converted to museum lacked basic facilities. The idea was
to extend the space available and provide all modern facilities without losing the
essential charm of this small villa. The brief was to create an Exhibition space, AV
room, Library in the first floor, Administration space and a small boutique.
d) The restoration work started in February 2011 took nearly four years to complete. The
project was completed on February 2016 and the project cost was 86 lakhs.
e) The Museum plays a vital role in enhancing the streetscape along Rue Isparin
Dharmaradja Covil. The large frontage of the building pertains to the Tamil
architectural style contributing significantly to the streetscape character.
f) Museum building is a synthesis of French colonial and traditional Tamil style.
Features borrowed from both come together harmoniously in this single-storeyed
building.

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4.1.3: Parameters Covered
a) Adaptive reuse:
- The memorial museum was once a residence has been converted to into a museum as
Pondicherry heritage building.
- The thalvaram features lean-to Mangalore tile roof supported on slender wooden posts.
- The thinnai has octagonal columns with Ionic capitals and a series of semi-circular arches.
- The facade is further embellished with engaged twin half columns with capitals, twin
pilasters and semi-circular plaster decorations on top of windows.
- The room on the terrace features continuous pot balustrades and fire pot finials.
- The existing walls are load bearing masonry (more than 45cm in width and 330cm in
height) and rendered with lime mortar plaster with many layers of paint. 'Madras Terrace'
roofing system has been employed using wooden beams and rafters.

Figure 5: Before and after restoration

Figure 6: Exhibition room

- The new extension was done with load-bearing masonry. Both masonry and wall plaster
were with lime mortar using traditional recipes.
- The floor and roof slabs were in ‘Madras Terrace’ technique where the bricks are laid in a
diagonal pattern over the timber beam and rafter supports.
- Most of the rooms have traditional coloured cement floors – another disappearing
traditional technique.
- The existing doors and windows had many layers of paints which had to be removed to
reveal the real beauty of the solid wood work. Most of the doors were restored. Windows had
to be remodelled to meet certain requirement like window bars. Electrical and plumbing work

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was redone to meet the extra requirements. All rooms are furnished with antique furniture
and lamps.

Figure 7: Entrance door Figure 8: Courtyard Figure 9: Wooden doors

b) Drawings

Figure 10: Existing ground floor plan

Figure 11: Proposed ground floor plan

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 Figure 12: Front elevation

Figure 13: Side Elevation

Figure 14: Existing and proposed cross section

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4.2. CASE STUDY 2 : CHIDAMBARA VILAS, PUDUKKOTTAI, TAMIL NADU

Figure 15: Exterior view

4.2.1: General Information
- Location: Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Building Type: Palatial mansion (residence of a Nattukottai Chettiars)
- Age of the building: 110 years
- Adaptive reuse: Heritage hotel
- Owned by: Sangam groups

4.2.2: Significance

a) ‘Chidambara Vilas’ is a 110 year old palatial mansion once a residence of a Nattukottai
Chettiars, today turned in to a heritage hotel.
b) Settlement pattern in Chettinadu follows a perfect urban grid and cultural components
of caste, clan, kinship, joint family are manifested in the spatial organization of the
Chettinadu houses.
c) The luxury is truly in the details, made possible through a 3 year restoration effort by
the Sangam group which manages this heritage property. You can now experience one
of the best examples of authentic Chettinad architecture, furniture, glasswork, tile work
and paintings.
d) Dwellings were palatial and identical in principles of planning but with variations in
size, details and embellishment.
e) The spatial planning follows the cosmic plan and the dwelling are introverted, with a
minimal number of external accesses.
f) The principle of construction in these mansions is columnar and tribemate, and the use
of arches on the façade in later mansions comes as a result of the interface the Chettiars
had with the colonial powers.
g) A trademark feature involved doors lined up in a straight line from the entrance to the
back of the house. The house often extended over the entire breadth of the street.
h) Characteristic elements of the home included the multiple courtyards, the raised
platforms on the corners, the inner walls, and the rooms.

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4.2.3: Parameters Covered
a) Adaptive reuse
Many of Chettinadu's historic houses have already been lost, either damaged by moment or
destruction. Of the remaining, the owner-families still maintain very few. Because some of
these houses needed to be preserved, some were transformed to Heritage hotels through
adaptive reuse method. This palatial mansion was turned in to a heritage hotel by incorporating
the following conservation theories and practices without change in its content:
1. Adaptive reuse
2. Restoration
3. Addition of spaces and modern services following the ethics of conservation

• The study shows that adaptive reuse was carried out with minimal interference in
accordance with the concepts of this traditional dwelling. Two kinds of patterns of
spatial use were recognized.
• The first type assigns comparable use to the initial use of the room and the second type
assigns distinct use to the room but with minimal interference such as closing the doors,
adding the partition wall, supplying lighting fixtures, etc.
• The architectural style and personality of the house is typically Chettinadu as explain
ed previously, following an eclectic style combining Indian and colonial, spatial hiera
rchy expressed through variations in decoration shifting from extremely decorated and
embellished to simple and practical as one moves through the house.

Figure 16: Mansion before and after restoration

SNO ORIGINAL SPACE ORIGINAL USE PRESENT USE

1 Mathil suveru- compound security Exhibition
wall space/gallery
2 Munpuram – front open space Well and bathing/washing Well retained as
space for men cultural artefact
3 Thinnai- raised platform with Entertaining space in the Receiving guests
columns entrance of the house for
men
4 Kannakkupillai aria – Office room of the family’s Hotel’s office and
accountant’s room male accountant accounts room

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 5 Pattagasalai men’s greeting For business discussion Display area of
room chettinadu culture
6 Valavu – central courtyard To conduct religious Demonstration area
ceremonies and festivals for the traditional
activities to
experience
7 Arais - rooms To sleep , store valuables & Store room
groceries
8 Pendir arai – women’s room Exclusively for women’s to Dining hall for
sleep and rest guests
9 Kottagai - double storied hall Conducts life cycle Painting exhibition
ceremonies space and kitchen
experimental area
10 Bhojana hall – dining hall Dining for guests Restaurant
11 Samayal arai – kitchen Traditional kitchen Modern kitchen
12 Suttrupathi- corridor Sleeping and relaxing For circulation
13 Thottam – garden Cattle sheds and garden Swimming pool and
ancillary facilities

Table 2: reveals the original use and the present use of the original spaces.

Figure 17: Chettinadu colour palate Figure 18: Thinnai

b) Material restoration
• Some of the materials and techniques used in Chettinadu mansions are very unique
and available only in that region.
• The mansion is constructed with local materials like baked bricks, lime plaster,
Aathangudi tiles, terracotta tiles and raw granite.
• The interior is made with the imported materials like Italian marble, Burma teak, rose
wood, Belgium glass and stain glass.
• Madras terrace is used for flat roofs and the high ceilings covered with wooden sloped
roofs false ceilings are constructed with a framework of Burma teaks and panels of
decorative teak wood or Aathangudi tiles.

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 Figure 19: Living room Figure 20: Reception office room

Figure 21: Bedroom Figure 22: Restaurant

Figure 23: double storied dining hall Figure 24: swimming pool in garden

Figure 25: Interior furniture Figure 26: traditional details of switches

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c) Drawings

Figure 27: Ground floor plan – original mansion

Figure 28: First floor plan – original mansion

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 Figure 29: Ground floor plan – Chidambaram villas heritage hotel

Figure 30: First floor plan – Chidambaram villas heritage hotel

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4.3.CASE STUDY 3: LUZ HOUSE, CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU

Figure 31: Exterior view

4.3.1: General Information
- Location: Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Building Type: Colonial bungalow (residence of Venkata Mahipathi Naidu)
- Age of the building: 250 years old
- Adaptive reuse: Yoga centre and boutique hotel
- Owned by: Buchi Prakash

4.3.2: Significance
a) Luz house is a 250 years old house of Venkata Mahipathi Naidu famously known as Buchi
Babu (the father of South Indian Cricket) is now converted to destination place for holding
events and place for yoga centre and boutique hotel
b) Luz House was not so much of a house, but rather the barracks for the Portuguese armed
forces from whom Naidu had purchased the property.
c) Today, great care has gone into restoring this 250-year-old house. Though it has undergone
many changes, it remains unharmed, standing tall and proud of its heritage.
d) The renovation of Luz house started in 2014 and was done using ancient traditional methods
of construction i.e. lime mortar mix.to maintain the character and spirit of the place
e) The house blends with current modern requirement for the people and the function of the
space is adapted and maintained.

Figure 32: During renovation process

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4.3.3. Parameters Covered

a) Adaptive reuse
The Luz house acts as perfect venue for conducting family events, photography and film
shoots, corporate meeting and yoga centre. It has a become a destination hosting place in the
heart of the city (Mylapore, Chennai) and the original function of the place is changed
according to the modern trend and needs. This colonial bungalow is incorporating in the
following conservation theories and practices without change in its content and heritage
structure.
1. Adaptive reuse
2. Restoration
3. Addition of spaces and modern services following the ethics of conservation

Figure 33: Before and after of staircase

b) Materials and renovation
• Almost 95% of the materials used are recycled and primary material usage lime
mortar mix.
• Halls were turned into rooms, tiled roofs into concrete and entrance the portico was an
addition at that time.
• The entrance portico was an expanded larger in mid-1940 and the archways are all
open to the interior courtyard.
• External and internal walls are lime plastered and the flooring is made of traditional
red oxide for staircase, rooms and green oxide flooring for the corridors
• Doors and windows are designed and framed according to the original style of the
house. Teak wood and glass are the materials for the doors and windows
• The floor and roof slabs were in ‘Madras Terrace’ technique where the bricks are laid
in a diagonal pattern over the timber beam and rafter supports.
• Electrical and plumbing work was redone to meet the extra requirements. All rooms
are furnished with antique furniture and lamps.

Figure 34: Antique furniture in entrance portico and living area

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 Figure 35: Ground floor corridor and doors

Figure 36: Living room in ground floor

• Ground floor area is an ideal place to host outdoor parties and functions. The raised
platform in front of the house serves for performances where approximately 120
people can be seated on the lawn area comfortably.
• The First Floor is the most private part of Luz House and is perhaps also the most
elegant.
• It is also totally about 3000 square feet but has more indoor space. It still has
remnants of the colonial era with large columns, interconnected halls and a beautiful
balcony surrounded by the most resplendent green.
• Apart from the ground floor and first floor, the yoga centre is the extension space and
part of Luz house. Here materials and details are retained to the space for the users to
feel the experience of the heritage structure

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 Figure 37: First floor balcony Figure 38: First floor veranda

Figure 39: Doors and windows

Figure 40: Yoga hall with red oxide flooring

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 b) Drawings and sketches

Figure 41: Sketches of Luz house

Figure 42: Traditional materials, switch boards and furniture

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 Figure 43: Current ground floor plan

Figure 44: Current first floor plan

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5. ANALYSIS THROUGH CASE STUDY EXAMPLES
There are certain criteria to be considered in every of adaptive reuse strategies. The basic
criteria are:
• Function and purpose: meet the purpose and satisfy the needs according to the
surrounding environment.
• Form and Style: respect the heritage structure and retain the building elements
• Utility, economy and sustainability of materials selection for adaptive construction
• Character of the new building should utilise the space proportionally and not to decrease
the cultural heritage value of the existing structure and its architectural elements.
SNO CASE AGE OF LOCATION ORIGINAL ADAPTIVE
STUDY THE USE REUSE
BUILDING
1 Mahakavi 150 years Pondicherry, India Residential Memorial
Bharathiyar Museum(commercial
Museum
2 Chidambaram 110 years Pudukottai,Chettinadu Residential Heritage hotel
Villas Region, Tamil Nadu (commercial)
3 Luz House 250 years Mylapore, Chennai, Residential Yoga centre and
Tamil Nadu boutique hotel
(commercial)
Table 3: Case study abstract
a) Mahakavi Bharathiyar Museum
- Traditional construction methodology has been used to retain the original
structure. (Madras terrace roofing system)
- The idea was to extend the space available and provide all modern facilities
without losing the essential charm of this small villa.
- Most of the rooms have traditional coloured oxide flooring
- All rooms are furnished with antique furniture and lamps.
- The main part of the building is the courtyard – a feature in most traditional
constructions which is missing in most modern buildings.
b) Chidambaram Villas
- The architectural style and character of the mansion is typically Chettinadu
architecture.
- Restoration process of materials and change in spaces are considered.
- Some of the materials and techniques used in Chettinadu mansions are very
unique and they are available only in that region which enhances
traditionalism.
- The newly built spaces and contemporary facilities are highly sensitive to both
the ancient structure and the historic fabric.
c) Luz House
- Challenges are faced during the renovation process to retain the heritage value
- The new extension was done with load-bearing masonry for the yoga
- 90% of the material are lime mortar mix.
- Most of the doors are restored and the windows are remodelled.

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 All the three case studies were once a residence that has been now converted to a
commercial space. These projects of adaptive reuse is a great example of using the existing
structure and floor plans and the changing the functional space accordingly.
6. INFERENCES AND GUIDELINES
a) Inference
• Redevelopment of the building by restoration and adaptation of modern construction
techniques.
• The preservation of buildings enables the streetscape to retain its significance,
character, history and scale whilst allowing the buildings to have a new life within the
contemporary economic and social context.
• The new uses adapted to the structures shown in the case studies were believed out in
terms of structural modifications, interior design, social and environmental suitability.
• Changing the use of building depends on the specific use requirements, people,
economy, and level of modification and interior design alterations
b) Guidelines
1) Reuse Strategy
• To understand the typology of the building of the existing and new use.
• To study and examine the structural system of the existing structure.
• The building along with its surroundings should be taken into context thus
reusing the building while keeping in mind the ‘character, sense and spirit’ of the
place.
2) Use and Function
• The choice of use and function relies on the place, typology of the building,
environmental, social and economic factors.
• Environmental factors include the characteristics of the existing infrastructure,
climatic conditions and embodied power.
• Social factors include society's requirements and desires and the conservation of
the place's identity, sense and spirit.
• Economic factors include reuse, viable development and durability
considerations.
3) Quality of Design
It should mix into the environment and society, carry out creative designs, preserv
ing historical and heritage aspects. In order to be durable, it should also be structur
ally sound and powerful.
4) Materials and technology
It is possible to combine the use of old and new with creative methods. Ideally it is
necessary to maintain and use the materials of the initial structure unless it is a
deteriorated structure. A combination of old and new techniques and materials in
the construction can be the new additions and preservation to be done.
5) Flexibility and reversibility
The structure should be prepared to undergo future changes and adapt to other reu
sability alternatives in the event that modifications in use are necessary due to cult
ural or economic requirements.

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7. CONCLUSION
• This research focuses on all possible strategies of adaptive reuse that can be
implemented to the building before it leads to abandonment.
• It is not only important to retain the structure but also restore them by analysing
and studying the structural stability of the building and adapt a new use that are
similar to their original intents.
• The research mainly focuses on the case study analysis on how traditional heritage
residences are being converted to commercial building by changing the existing
forms, spatial organisation and interior elements that are necessary for the modern
needs.
• The possible options for adaptive reuse based on building typology:

TYPOLOGY ADAPTIVE REUSE OPTION

1)Residential - Private/rental residential purpose
- Heritage hotel
- Retail and commercial units
- Mixed use buildings
2) Religious - Library
- Monumental preservation
- Museums
- Orphanages and old age homes
3) Industrial - Sports centre
- Art galleries and exhibition centre
- Office and hotels
- Museums
4) Offices - Retail shops
- Residential
- Office use
- Hospitals
Table 4: options for adaptive reuse
• The aim for adaptive reuse is an alternative to demolition and replacement of
buildings since it requires less energy and waste and also gives remarkable
identity to the surrounding environment.

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8. REFERENCES
1) C. o. Australia, in Adaptive Reuse: Preserving our past, building our future, Australia,
2004.
2) Frank Peter Jagger : Old New- Design manual for revitalization of existing building,
2012
3) Re-architecture: Adaptive Reuse of buildings with focus on interiors
https://issuu.com/ramolalewis/docs/final_report/8
4) Arun Menon: IIT Madras, Structural Engineering Laboratory, Dept. of Civil
Engineering Heritage Conservation In India: Challenges And New Paradigms.
5) https://www.theluzhouse.com
6) https://www.archi-ninja.com/excellent-examples-of-adaptive-reuse/
7) https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/bharatis-home-to-be-opened-
tomorrow/article8190803.ece
8) http://intachpondicherry.org/index.php
9) https://www.theluzhouse.com/renovation
10) http://www.chidambaravilas.com
11) https://www.buildings.com/article-details/articleid/5837/title/adapting-an-older-
building-for-a-new-use
12) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237433515_Building_Materials_Reuse_and
_Recycle
13) https://www.scribd.com/document/231850462/Adaptive-Reuse
14) https://www.csemag.com/articles/adaptive-reuse-much-more-than-historic-
preservation/

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