Retreat Home: A Contemporary Family Sanctuary in Surat by Neogenesis+Studi0261

Nestled amidst lush greenery in Surat, India, the Retreat Home by Neogenesis+Studi0261 embodies the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Designed in 2024 for a prominent diamond merchant, this 4,386 m² holiday residence offers a harmonious blend of rustic elegance, contemporary design, and family-oriented living spaces. Through careful planning, the architects have crafted a home that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor environments, creating a space for relaxation, interaction, and lasting memories.

Architectural Concept and Design Approach

True to its name, Retreat Home is conceived as a haven where nature, comfort, and elegance coexist. The house presents itself as a two-tiered linear structure partially hidden within the surrounding greenery, with a picturesque pitched roof that offers captivating views of the landscape. The design vision was to intertwine rustic extravagance with modern comfort, providing spaces that nurture extended family living while retaining privacy and intimacy.

The entryway features a linear passage that opens into a spacious foyer, revealing a serene courtyard. The ground floor elevation is constructed using rubble masonry of Rajula stone, giving the base a visually robust character. Its earthy tones not only create a tactile connection to nature but also add sensory depth to the architecture.

Interior Layout and Material Palette

The first floor primarily houses bedrooms and informal family areas. Here, exposed brickwork enhances the building’s depth and character, while cavity walls allow for deep-seated windows that provide natural shading and ambient light. Between the two floors, a band of exposed concrete introduces visual contrast and scale variation, complemented by a steel-framed roof topped with Mangalore tiles.

Interior finishes focus on warmth, texture, and understated luxury. The underside of the roof is cladded with plywood panels, juxtaposing the pale lime-plastered walls. Kota stone flooring is employed in diverse patterns, including terrazzo-style designs in the living areas, creating a carpet-like visual effect. A muted palette of teak and white oak, subtle brass accents, and natural stone unifies the interior spaces with an aesthetic of timeless sophistication.

Large, airy rooms are furnished minimally, offering residents the freedom to experience rustic simplicity without compromising modern comforts. Thoughtfully designed thresholds and wooden trellises not only modulate sunlight but also create dynamic, ever-changing visual narratives throughout the day. A classic Indian swing becomes a focal point, reinforcing the home’s cultural and familial context.

Landscape Integration

The landscape design is a key component of the Retreat Home, featuring native and tropical species such as gulmohar, neem, banyan, coconut, and tabebuia rosea, reinforcing the home’s connection to its regional roots. Open spaces are accentuated with red Agra stone pathways, irregularly arranged over lush grass, enhancing the property’s organic charm. The overall material palette and design ethos imbue the home with timeless elegance, ensuring it evolves gracefully over time while maintaining its distinct character.

All photographs are works of Ishita Sitwala | The Fishy Project