In the verdant expanse of Auroville, nestled within a one-acre plot, lies an architectural response to these questions—an experiment in living, building, and belonging.
Project Name: White Mongoose Residence
Studio Name: Bayhauz Design Studio
Location: Auroville, Tamil Nadu
Carpet Area: 1950 sq.ft each
Design team: Namitha, Radhika, Bala
Photography: Saurabh Madan- Penumbra Photo Lab
Designed by Bayhauz Design Studio for a family originally from Bihar who have embraced the ethos of Auroville, this project comprises two interconnected yet distinct homes. One serves as the family’s private dwelling, while the other functions as a homestay—welcoming travelers from across the world into a deeply contextual, grounded experience of space and community. Together, these homes are more than just physical structures; they are spatial narratives—expressions of material honesty, collaborative design, and a careful dance between openness and enclosure.
The project is rooted in the larger philosophy of Auroville, where architecture is seen not just as shelter but as a way of life—a tool to foster community, connection, and alignment with nature. The open, fluid spatial configuration reflects this philosophy, consciously resisting the rigidity of compartmentalized spaces. This approach encourages light and air to move freely, blurring the boundaries between the inside and outside, between private retreats and communal interactions. However, within this openness, the design is not monolithic. It subtly negotiates the nuances of privacy, personal expression, and cultural specificity through spatial sequencing and material language.
The design process was an ongoing dialogue between the clients and architects—a conversation informed by the family’s aspirations for rooted, earthy living and the designers’ sensitivity to context and sustainability. Locally sourced materials such as earthen plasters, rammed earth walls, oxide floors, brick jaalis, and cement blocks form the palette. These materials are left exposed in their raw forms, not to romanticize rusticity, but to embrace imperfection, tactility, and authenticity. The result is a built environment that is grounded—both literally and metaphorically—in the soil and spirit of Auroville.
The two homes share a cohesive architectural language, creating a sense of unity across the plot. Elements like sloping roofs, brick jack arches, and a consistent material palette offer visual continuity, while still allowing each structure to express its purpose. The family home leans toward a more intimate and inward-looking layout, structured around routines and familial rhythms. In contrast, the homestay embraces openness, with double-height spaces and flexible planning to accommodate a rotating mix of guests. This home acts as a microcosm of Auroville itself—fluid, inclusive, and adaptive.
One of the standout features in the homestay is a living area set into a sunken green oxide floor, giving it an inviting and informal character. Steps around the perimeter double as seats and ledges, encouraging spontaneous interaction and a sense of shared inhabitation. Black cudappa borders define this space with understated elegance, while grey oxide walls lend a quiet groundedness to the volume. A perforated jaali treatment along the mezzanine study introduces light, shadow, and airflow, simultaneously maintaining visual connection and offering spatial intimacy. The same jaali feature is echoed in the family residence, subtly tying the two houses together while serving different functional needs.
Furniture throughout the homes has been custom-designed by SO Design Lab, with an emphasis on user-specific comfort and aesthetics. In the private residence, furniture pieces reflect personal choices and lived experience—tailored for warmth and familiarity. Meanwhile, the homestay is furnished with robust, flexible pieces that can accommodate diverse and ever-changing guests, blending utility with visual appeal.
