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True to its name, Retreat Home by Neogenesis+Studi0261 is an idyllic getaway, purposefully designed to provide solace from the relentless hustle and bustle of urban life. Conceived as a holiday abode for a diamond merchant in Surat, this elemental yet contemporary house harmonizes the essence of family warmth and open interaction, seamlessly weaving together indoor and outdoor spaces. It is a retreat not just in function but in spirit, a sanctuary where memories are nurtured amidst the comforting embrace of nature. The vision for Retreat Home was to craft a space where rustic extravagance converges with modern sensibilities, where every detail has been thoughtfully curated to evoke lasting impressions. The house reveals itself as a two-tiered, linear structure, partially nestled within the verdant landscape. With a picturesque pitched roof extending over lush greenery, the structure appears both grounded and poetic, standing as a narrative waiting to unfold. From the very first glance, the home exudes a sense of calm and balance, merging seamlessly into its surroundings.
Entry into the Retreat Home is through a linear passage that gradually builds anticipation, opening into a grand foyer that immediately connects one to the heart of the house—a central courtyard. The courtyard, a quintessential feature of traditional Indian architecture, serves as the fulcrum of activity, tying together the various elements of the home. This design ensures not just visual connectivity but also encourages natural ventilation and an intimate interaction with the surrounding environment.
The elevation of the ground floor is adorned with rubble masonry made from Rajula stone, chosen for its earthy tones and textured finish. This lends the house a strong visual base firmly rooting it in its natural surroundings. The raw and tactile quality of the stone creates a sensory connection to nature while offering a timeless aesthetic that ages gracefully over time. Above this, the first floor transitions into exposed brickwork for the exterior walls. This material palette not only adds depth and character to the façade but also reflects a thoughtful approach to thermal insulation. The cavity walls, with their deep-seated windows, double as a shading device, minimizing the ingress of harsh sunlight and ensuring the interiors remain cool and comfortable.
Between the two floors lies a horizontal band of exposed concrete, a deliberate design choice that introduces a distinct visual rhythm to the composition. This subtle yet striking feature influences the perceived scale of the structure, anchoring its linear design while providing a moment of contrast. The roof, framed in steel and clad with traditional Mangalore tiles, completes the architectural composition. Beneath the tiles, the underside of the roof is lined with plywood panels, imparting a sense of warmth and texture to the interiors. These panels contrast beautifully with the pale lime-plastered walls, creating an interplay of materials that is both soothing and dynamic.
The interiors of the Retreat Home are a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication. The flooring, predominantly crafted from kota stone, varies in pattern and layout across different spaces, subtly defining the character of each area. In the living room, a terrazzo pattern formed by strips of kota stone mimics the appearance of a carpet, adding an element of design intrigue. The muted palette of materials, including teak and white oak wood, lime- plastered walls, and brass accents, ensures a cohesive and understated elegance. Together, these elements create an inviting and tranquil ambiance, where modern comforts coexist with rustic charm.
The spatial layout is carefully planned to foster a sense of openness and connection. Large, airy rooms with minimal furniture provide a poetic sense of simplicity, allowing the residents to embrace a humble yet refined lifestyle. The ground floor houses shared spaces such as the living room, dining area, and kitchen, all of which are designed to flow seamlessly into one another. Meanwhile, the first floor is reserved for private quarters, accommodating bedrooms and informal lounges dedicated to personal relaxation. This separation of public and private spaces enhances the functionality of the home while ensuring comfort for both family and guests.
Every threshold within the Retreat Home is meticulously designed to enhance the living experience. The veranda, or otta, adjacent to the living room and sports room, is adorned with a wooden-finished trellis that filters the southwest sun. This shaded outdoor space evolves throughout the day, witnessing a changing sociography as it becomes a hub for relaxation and interaction. At its center is a quintessential Indian swing, a nostalgic nod to traditional homes that adds an element of playfulness and cultural continuity.
The landscape design further enhances the connection to nature, thoughtfully integrating indigenous species such as gulmohar, neem, banyan, coconut, and tabebuia rosea. These trees, chosen for their significance in the tropical context, not only provide shade and beauty but also evoke a profound sense of belonging and rootedness. The open areas are dotted with pathways made from irregularly cut red Agra stones, which are laid casually over grass, creating a natural and inviting outdoor terrain. This approach to landscaping complements the architectural ethos, blurring the boundaries between the built and the unbuilt.
The timeless material palette and design choices ensure that Retreat Home transcends fleeting architectural trends. The use of natural materials like stone, brick, wood, and lime plaster contributes to an enduring aesthetic that improves with age, gaining character and charm as it weathers over time. The combination of craftsmanship and thoughtful detailing imbues the home with a sense of permanence and tranquility, making it a true retreat in every sense of the word.
Ultimately, Retreat Home is more than just a house, it is a narrative, an experience, and a celebration of life. It embraces the principles of slow living, offering a refuge where one can pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature and loved ones. Whether it is the play of light and shadow on the textured walls, the gentle rustle of leaves in the courtyard, or the warmth of the interiors on a quiet evening, every element of this home contributes to an enduring sense of peace and harmony.
