On the urban fringes of Surat City (India), the 1600 square foot TEG House by Neogenesis + Studi0261 achieves a contemporary expression with clever use of conventional, locally available materials.
The building comprises three distinct blocks that vary in dimension but are connected and architecturally unified by a common plinth and parabolic roof. The result is a monolithic elevation expression that nevertheless still affords functional separation of uses. One block contains a home theatre and family area, the second and central block the living spaces, and finally utilitarian spaces in the third block.
By minimizing openings to the west and maximizing eastern openings, the home is flooded with morning sunlight.
Local materials play a vital role in the architectural expression of the home with the minimal material palette featuring concrete, fly ash bricks and metal. A mixture of black cotton soil and fly ash was used for the bricks, which were produced at a site nearby.
The impressive parabolic roof is supported by a metal frame while the interior floor is finished with IPS. The result is a low maintenance house that feels grounded in the site.
