Located in Vadodara, Gujarat, Neervana is conceived as a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Indian courtyard house. Designed for two brothers and their multi-generational families comprising nineteen members, the residence balances collective living with individual privacy through a carefully organized arrangement of six bedrooms, two living areas, and a series of interconnected indoor-outdoor spaces.
Rooted in the principles of minimalism, the architecture embraces clarity, simplicity, and purposeful living. Clean volumes, natural materials, and seamless spatial continuity create a calm and timeless environment where openness, light, and human interaction become the defining luxuries. Every space is designed to foster a strong connection with nature while responding sensitively to the region’s climate.
At the heart of the residence lies a naturally ventilated courtyard that serves as both a social and climatic anchor. Functioning as a thermal chimney, it facilitates passive cooling through stack ventilation, drawing warm air upward while promoting the circulation of cooler air throughout the house. Beyond its environmental role, the courtyard becomes a shared gathering space that strengthens relationships across generations.
The material palette is intentionally restrained and environmentally conscious. Rammed earth walls form the primary building envelope, providing excellent thermal performance while significantly reducing embodied energy. Their tactile texture and earthy character establish a strong connection to the local context. Kota stone is used extensively for flooring and wall surfaces, creating material continuity, durability, and timelessness. An inward-sloping pre-engineered roof with insulated PUF panels minimizes heat gain while directing rainwater into integrated harvesting systems.
Sustainability is embedded throughout the project. Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems, water-efficient fixtures, reclaimed concrete aggregates, and recyclable aluminium and glass components contribute to reducing the building’s environmental footprint. Clerestory windows with operable louvers introduce diffused daylight and natural ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling.
The landscape design further reinforces the project’s ecological approach through the use of native, drought-resistant vegetation suited to Gujarat’s semi-arid climate. By dissolving the boundaries between built and natural environments, Neervana creates a living experience defined by light, air, greenery, and community.
Neervana ultimately reimagines contemporary family living through a thoughtful balance of tradition, climate responsiveness, sustainability, and minimalist design—creating a resilient home deeply rooted in culture, nature, and collective living.
