Billy O’ Tea: A Ship-Inspired Coastal Home in Tuticorin

An indie-coastal 5000 sq ft home in Tuticorin that channels the charm of a docked vessel and the rhythm of the sea—Billy O’ Tea by STO.M.P is a finalist in the Interior Design – Residential Villa & Bungalow category at the VOX Architecture Ideas 2024 competition.

Project Name: Billy O’ Tea
Location: Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
Year: 2023
Area: 5000 sq. ft.

2025 Finalist

Category – Interior Design - Residential Villa & Bungalow

Vignesh Sekar

STO.M.P

STO.M.P (Studio for Modernism & Practical Aesthetics) is a Madurai-based architecture and design studio founded by Vignesh Sekar, known for its inclusive ethos, artisanal detail, and context-driven creativity. Operating glocally—with a deep respect for local crafts and a modernist global outlook—STO.M.P bridges the often wide gap between academic theory and real-world building practice.

At its core, the studio functions as a collaborative, non-hierarchical space where student-like curiosity meets craftsman-level precision. Vignesh leads the studio with a strong focus on interdisciplinary thinking, drawing inspiration from diverse sources including visual storytelling, cinematic color grading, and CAD-based problem-solving to bring bold concepts to life.

Each project at STO.M.P is a bespoke narrative—crafted not just for utility, but for emotional resonance. From coastal villas to intimate interiors, the studio’s work is defined by its refined materiality, spatial clarity, and a strong sense of experiential storytelling. Their designs balance modernist restraint with timeless charm, leaving lasting visual and emotional impressions.

Through a commitment to collaborative making, personalized detail, and innovative thinking, STO.M.P continues to shape spaces that feel both rooted and revelatory—each one a dialogue between functionality, artistry, and human experience.

About the Project

Where Architecture Meets the Coastline

Tucked away on the outskirts of Tuticorin, Billy O’ Tea is more than a home—it’s a living narrative of coastal culture and design. Inspired by ships, sea shanties, and East Indian traditions, the house features wave-like flooring, seashell inlays, and a stunning amphitheater modeled after a rowing vessel.

The brick-clad façade and creeping greens evoke the image of a ship forgotten by time, while inside, tall ceilings, east-facing courtyards, and natural ventilation keep the space breezy and bright.

Crafted for Gathering, Designed for Pause

Built for social warmth, the home flows through open lawns, courtyards, and relaxed indoor spaces—perfect for coastal get-togethers. Materials like Indian marble, Udaipur pink, and Jaisalmer yellow bring a refined, earthy tone to the design.

And the rainwater channels flowing through the amphitheater? A poetic nod to the sea.

Billy O’ Tea is a beautifully anchored home that balances movement and stillness, culture and creativity.

Inspired by coastal culture or rooted design? Submit your project to the VOX Architecture Ideas 2024 competition and join India’s most exciting design showcase.

Enter the competition now!