Jungalow

The project aims in creating an economically modest built form for an agriculturist and his family. Abstraction of urban farming could be seen in both exterior and interior spaces. The design uses the natural light and the built form to its advantage. The site abuts access way on the south and other two sides by adjoining structures. Its location is peculiar as the site is located in the city fringes. The surrounding dwelling unit comprises of peculiar semi urban row houses. South facade has the main entry and is flanked by a series of balconies and stepped terrace on each floor. Activities are distributed on various levels- semi private spaces on ground floor while private spaces on upper floors. The heart of the structure is the double heighted courtyard which is embellished with creepers and climbers. The green curtain cuts the direct entry of west sunlight inside the house and creates a buffer. The view from the spaces offers a glance of voluminous courtyard. The shape of the temple is evolved from the form of Shikhara – a feature of Hindu temple architecture. Temple with triple height factor acts as a wind tunnel with mechanical exhaust fan. Circular windows in bedroom, out looking the landscape serves as a natural picture frame. The basic building materials are kept to its natural form and texture to comprehend the naturality of flora.

Connection of living room, dining area and courtyard
Living area
View of entry and courtyard from dining area

See more on Dwell.com: Jungalow – Surat, Gujarat, India

Homes near Surat, Gujarat, India

  • Pool House
  • NEST
  • Office 402

Similar Posts

  • Auburn Addition and Remodel

    Built in the late 1970s, the Auburn house is reminiscent of the California Modern homes built in the mid-century. Located in an established neighborhood of mixed residential typologies, the house greets the neighborhood on the north street side and opens to a southern back yard perched above the North Fork of the American River canyon. The owners, who both work from home, asked us to develop a master plan for the property that included additional space for private offices, a guest bedroom, a workshop, and a future pool. Also desired was an extensive remodel of the existing house that update the home and improve energy efficiency. The two-story addition to the home is tucked into a narrow buildable slice of the parcel on the eastern end of the home. It optimizes the existing infrastructure and only hints at a bold modern form, from the street side. However, on the private south side, the addition opens dramatically to the inspiring southern canyon view from the second-floor office spaces. A second entrance is provided into the “creative” wing of the building – to allow work to occur with some separation from the activity of family life. The remodel of the existing home evokes the California Modernist moments of the building by creating smoother transitions between the interior and exterior spaces and updating the kitchen to create better functionality all while using sustainable materials that are expressed in an honest manner. The energy upgrades on this home focus on improving the envelope through meticulous air sealing, replacing all the existing insulation, replacing all the windows, and upgrading all the mechanical equipment. An oversized and outdated furnace was replaced with a high performing unit installed within a conditioned attic. Heating and cooling in the new addition will be provided by a ductless mini split. A roof mounted 6 kW photovoltaic system is expected to offset all the electrical usage for this mixed fuel home.