Jungalow 2 by Neogenesis+Studi0261: A Sustainable Family Habitat Rooted in Earth and Identity

Located on the outskirts of Surat, India, Jungalow 2 by Neogenesis+Studi0261 is a deeply contextual, climate-sensitive residence designed for an agriculturist family. Following the ethos of their earlier “Jungalow” project, this 535 m² home is built on principles of sustainability, material honesty, and a strong relationship with nature.

Set amidst open fields, the house not only respects its rural surroundings but also redefines multigenerational livingthrough architectural clarity and ecological sensitivity.

Three Homes, One Heart

The client’s brief was clear—three independent yet interconnected units for an extended family to cohabit comfortably while retaining individuality. Neogenesis+Studi0261 answered with a single built mass composed of three staggered volumes, unified through spatial planning yet distinct in their identity via uniquely designed otta (traditional plinths/thresholds). These ottas serve as spatial anchors and interactive zones, marking transitions between public and private realms.

The central mass sits toward the west, preserving the eastern portion of the plot for shared outdoor areas that encourage interaction and leisure.

Spatial Fluidity and Landscape Integration

The home emphasizes visual continuity, cross-ventilation, and minimal partitions to encourage natural light and family communication. A four-bedroom layout is articulated through green terraces, open-to-sky courtyards, and generous window openings. The upper-level bedroom offers panoramic views of the farmlands—framing the site as part of the domestic experience.

A distinctive design gesture is the suspended RCC pooja wall, an artistic divider at the entry that merges spirituality and structure. Hanging freely from the ceiling, it houses a concave niche for worship—creating a focal point that embodies architectural innovation and cultural relevance.

Materiality: Earthy, Honest, Efficient

The design employs a raw and tactile material palette: exposed earth bricks, Mandana stone flooring, RCC slabs, lime plaster, reclaimed wood, metal, and glass. Earth-bricks are sun-dried using soil mixed with Mandana stone dust, reinforcing low-carbon construction practices. Mandana limestone, chosen for its thermal properties, reduces glare and is ideal for Surat’s climate.

Each finish celebrates its natural texture and origin, allowing the home to feel both timeless and locally grounded. Custom-crafted furniture and lighting highlight craftsmanship and local artistry, ensuring that each space is both aesthetically rich and spatially light.

Passive Design and Living Comfort

Environmental responsiveness is at the core of Jungalow 2. Passive strategies such as pivot windows, louvers, shaded verandas, and skylights regulate temperature and light. These interventions dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Landscaping further echoes the home’s sustainable values. Xerophytic and indigenous plants—including rubram grass, rhoeo, and Terminalia—are planted to complement the material palette and ensure minimal water consumption.

A Traditional Soul with a Contemporary Skin

Jungalow 2 doesn’t seek to mimic modernity or tradition—it balances both. Its spatial arrangement supports joint family culture, its design promotes ecological consciousness, and its architecture speaks of belonging to both land and lineage.

In being three homes yet one structure, raw yet refined, the project becomes a manifestation of contextual Indian modernism—in tune with its users, its land, and its time.