The client brief was to create a space that serves as a getaway retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, designed to reflect their personal style and offer a sense of luxury and comfort. They wanted a place to relax, unwind, and spend quality time with family and friends, a place to make lasting memories and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Project Name: Marna House
Studio Name: ADND
Shobhan and Anand envisaged a style that was a contemporary interpretation of the Goan colonial architectural heritage for the three connected villas that were to be built. Paddy fields adjacent to the site became the main driving factor for all the rooms to have the panoramic view of endless greens to connect with nature. The double-height entrance and the living room spaces give an undivided view of the fields across from the moment one enters the villa.
The compact plots presented a major challenge for the design team in arranging the spaces. To address this, they strategically juxtaposed the villas’ corridors and rooms, ensuring privacy while maximizing the balconies’ views toward the fields. The Goan terracotta laterite cladding serves as the focal point of the architecture. Rough-textured plaster finished in white paint complements and enhances the presence of the laterite, while black shingles for roofing, topped with a metal edge finished in black epoxy paint, crown the villas with a contemporary touch. Laterite, as the core architectural material, also features prominently in the interiors. The terrazzo flooring throughout the villa ties together the various finishes and elements, creating a cohesive and harmonious environment.
Considering the tropical and natural theme that connects the villa to its surroundings, double-height arch windows were introduced to create an inseparable interior and exterior. These windows not only flood the space with natural light but also establish a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors, making the home brighter, more spacious, and inviting. They reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day while offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape, fostering a sense of openness and tranquility. By framing natural features such as trees and the sky through these large windows, the design establishes a strong connection to nature, promoting relaxation and well-being in the living space.
All the other elements also have been thoughtfully selected to reflect the theme. Organic material bring a sense of tranquillity to the space, while the earthy colour palette mimics the colours found in nature and recreates a calming atmosphere inside. Indoor plants add freshness and a pop of greenery to the space — not enhancing just the aesthetics but also improving the air quality. Plenty of natural light finds its way inside, creating a bright and airy feel that connects to the outside environment. Nature-inspired artwork that complements the villa’s theme and stylish furniture come together seamlessly in creating a comfortable yet sophisticated ambiance.
To enhance the charm and allure of the space, the team of ADND incorporated special touches and unique features that makes it truly an experience. Stepping into the villa lobby, a wooden see-through screen hints at the open living and dining layout that has wooden rafters in double height supporting a chandelier that makes a statement. Since all the bedrooms overlook the lush green natural landscape, the interiors too continue the connect with canopy beds and tropical wallpaper. Terracotta lights underscore the natural material and add an organic charm.
A feature wall unit in the library, along with a cane floor lamp, faces the greenscape outside, creating a serene reading environment. Passages adorned with hand-crafted art pieces made from natural organic materials complement the long walkways, which are fitted with wooden blinds. One of the villa’s most striking features is its stunning pool area. Set against the backdrop of an endless sky, the pool offers a serene oasis where time seems to stand still.
Maintaining consistency throughout the design to align with the chosen theme requires meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful solutions, ensuring that every element, from décor to furniture, fits cohesively within the overall theme. This involves a delicate balance of adhering to a budget without compromising on luxury. Maximizing the functionality of the space by blending aesthetics with practicality is essential to ensure that the theme elements do not sacrifice comfort and usability. The design team got into extensive research to find unique pieces that align to the theme — especially those not readily available, with custom ordering, working with artisans crafting the design to life.
The material palette also played a crucial role complementing the overall design aesthetics. Key consideration for selecting material that harmonise with the design were identified well in advance to ease the design process. Incorporating natural materials like stone, laterite, terrazzo, wood, and cane added warm and authenticity to the design. These materials are used for flooring, furniture, accent wall pieces to evoke the desired atmosphere. Choosing materials with varied textures such as rough stone, distressed wood, and woven textiles enhanced the tactile experience within the space. Textured finishes added depth and visual interest to the design while reinforcing the theme. Metal accents were introduced through light fixtures, hardware, decorative objects to add a touch of elegance. Selecting a colour palette inspired by nature, such as earth tones, muted greens, warm browns, and soft neutral, was a conscious choice to create a cohesive look that complements the theme.
This stunning villa redefines tropical slow-paced living with a seamless blend of traditional Goan design and contemporary elegance. It captures the essence of Goa’s rich heritage while embracing modern lines and bespoke interiors. Each element is meticulously crafted to create a serene and luxurious retreat with fluctuating scales, transforming spectrums of light and a colour palette that dictates vitality and warmth, echoing the villa’s commitment to sophisticated design.
