Crafting a Simple Goa House Design: A Step-by-Step Guide to Our Recent Triplex Project

Creating a Dream Home in Vasco, Goa: An Inside Look at Our Recent Triplex Residential Project

Introduction

Welcome to a detailed exploration of our latest residential project, a stunning triplex nestled in the picturesque town of Vasco in Goa. Goa is known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and distinctive architecture, a combination that brings a unique charm to any residence. At ongrid.design, we aim to capture this local charm while incorporating modern conveniences and sustainable design.

Our Pune-based architecture and interior design firm is recognized for its ability to provide complete design and blueprint services online across India. Accredited by the Council of Architecture, India, we have won an International design award in 2019 for the best design on the future of the workplace. This project in Vasco is a testament to our commitment to excellence and creativity.

Understanding Goan Architecture

What is the style of housing in Goa?

The architectural style of housing in Goa is a delightful blend of Portuguese and Indian elements. The traditional Goan house design often includes large balconies, open verandas, high plinth levels, and external corridors, seamlessly blending with nature. Owing to the warm and humid climate of Goa, the houses often have thick walls, high ceilings, and large windows, facilitating air circulation and cooling.

The features of a Goan House include a distinctive oyster shell window called the oyster shell rosary window, ornamentation around windows and doors, and the quintessential courtyard in the center of the house, contributing to a unique aesthetic. A notable aspect of the architecture of Goan houses is the use of local construction materials such as laterite stone and coconut wood.

What are the colours of Goan houses? Why are Goan houses so colorful?

Goan houses are a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, adding to the charm of the state's landscapes. Yellows, blues, and pinks are commonly seen, usually contrasted with pristine white borders. The tradition of painting houses with bright hues is believed to have been influenced by the Portuguese, representing a reflection of the joyous and lively spirit of the Goan people.

What were the major design influences of a Goan house?

The major design influences of Goan houses trace back to the Portuguese era. After more than 450 years of Portuguese rule, Goa emerged with a rich architectural legacy. The blend of the Portuguese style with the traditional Konkan architecture has resulted in the unique Goan style, which is evident in the bungalow house design in Goa.

To read more about Goan architecture, check out our previous blog.

The Concept Behind Our Design

Building on this architectural heritage, our Goa home design for the triplex in Vasco was thoughtfully planned to reflect the essence of Goan architecture while ensuring a contemporary and luxurious living experience.

As an answer to "How can I design a small house?", we focused on maximizing space utilization while maintaining a sense of spaciousness. We have designed compact yet functional spaces, with emphasis on natural light and ventilation. We incorporated locally sourced materials in our design, including laterite, a type of red soil abundant in Goa, to retain a local flavor while ensuring sustainability.

The exterior of the house mirrors the vibrancy of Goan houses, adorned in a rich, warm tone that blends well with the surrounding nature. In tune with the simple Goa house design, we incorporated traditional elements like the oyster shell windows, ornate grills, and large balconies, providing the residents with a serene space to enjoy the natural beauty of Goa.

Building the House

The first question that comes to mind is, "How to build a house in Goa?" Well, let's take you through our process.

Our construction approach was grounded in the principles of sustainability and efficient use of resources. We prioritized locally sourced materials to support the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials from distant places.

So, what material is typically used by the people of Goa to construct a house? Laterite stone and coconut wood are prominent in traditional Goan architecture. We chose to integrate these materials into our design, allowing the house to resonate with the local architectural ethos while providing durability and natural cooling benefits.

Building in Goa can present unique challenges due to the state's coastal climate, with high humidity and salt in the air. This influenced our choice of materials and construction techniques, opting for ones that would withstand these conditions while ensuring the longevity and low maintenance of the house.

To understand our approach better, we invite you to watch our YouTube video explaining the floor plan development. It provides a detailed explanation of how we planned and executed the construction of this dream house.

A Tour of the House

Now, let's take you on a virtual tour of the house. Our design embraces the spacious and open feel that characterizes a bungalow house design in Goa, while ensuring efficient use of space, suitable for a modern lifestyle.

The triplex is painted in a rich earthy tone, reflecting the vibrant colours of Goan houses. It stands elegantly against the backdrop of lush greenery, its large windows inviting abundant sunlight into the house.

As you enter, you'll be greeted by a spacious living room that opens up to a veranda, offering a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape. The high ceilings and wide windows ensure excellent ventilation and natural light.

The heart of the house is a central courtyard, a distinctive feature of Goan houses, which not only brings nature closer to home but also enhances the ventilation and lighting in the surrounding rooms. This, combined with strategically placed indoor plants, brings a sense of tranquility and connection with nature.

In the kitchen, we have incorporated modern amenities and plenty of storage space without compromising on the aesthetics. Each bedroom offers a serene and personal space, with attached balconies that provide splendid views of the outdoors.

We hope that this walkthrough gives you an idea of why Goan houses are so colorful and filled with life. They reflect the joyous spirit of Goan culture while providing a comfortable and serene living space.

Comparing With Other Houses in Goa

While we don't want to compare directly, it's worth noting how our project stands up against other homes in Goa. Although it's not the biggest house in Goa, its efficient design makes it one of the most spacious and comfortable houses, providing a unique living experience that perfectly blends tradition with modernity.

Conclusion

Creating this dream home in Vasco was a journey filled with challenges and rewards. It was a fantastic opportunity to delve deeper into the rich architectural legacy of Goa and create a house that not only meets the needs of a modern family but also resonates with the local culture and environment.

At ongrid.design, we take immense pride in transforming our client's vision into reality, exceeding their expectations, and contributing to the architectural landscape of Goa. If you want to explore our other projects and insights, feel free to check our blogs.

Let's Talk

To gain a more detailed understanding of our floor plan development, we encourage you to watch our YouTube video. And if you dream of creating a house that reflects your personality and lifestyle, contact us at ongrid.design.

Our accredited professionals are ready to assist you in crafting a unique and beautiful space that you can call home.