Courtyard House at Neral

Large verandahs and semi-open spaces allow Chandan and his father — both central figures in the local agricultural economy — to address 50–100 people comfortably in an informal yet functional setting.The spatial hierarchy mirrors traditional living patterns: the ground floor houses the public and working zones, including a dining room, separate dry and wet kitchens, and two large offices, while the first floor accommodates three master bedrooms for the family. Materially, the house celebrates its earthen roots. Sixteen-inch-thick rammed earth walls form the primary structure, ensuring excellent thermal comfort by maintaining cool interiors through the region’s hot summers. Internal walls are built using compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB), while a basalt undressed course rubble (UCR) foundation grounds the structure in local geology. The result is an enduring, contextually sensitive residence — one that bridges domestic life, community, and the evolving landscape of rural enterprise