Amarelo Sol
Year: 2015
Location: Benaulim Beach, Goa
“We should attempt to bring nature, houses and human beings together in a higher unity”
— Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
About Project
A project in Goa sparks a different kind of enthusiasm. A breath-taking beach facing plot was to be transformed into a residential property having high end but modest villas. Around 10 villa units had to be accommodated without compromising on optimum space planning, privacy and aesthetics. The challenge was to create a design which not only blended in beautifully with the surroundings but also enhanced the exclusivity of the project.
The masterplan was designed to maximize the number of villas facing the serene beach. Accordingly, a zoning plan demarcating primary and secondary access and segregating public, semi-private and private spaces was developed. The idea was to have a grand entrance promenade flanked by villas on three sides. Each villa getting an easy access to the beach, the main road was pushed to the rear side of the site.
These villas extend backwards and upwards into its site, enhancing a sense of connection and unity internally as well as between the built and the natural, openly embracing the surrounding context. The design is a result of a studied and strategic use of space where the ground floor is planned in such a way that the living room and dining room both have direct access to the outdoors leading to the beach. The dining room is juxtaposed with a swimming pool and a deck, with a beach view ahead of it. The play of levels creates an interesting massing and provides a sense of solitude. The first floor holds 3 bedrooms planned in such a way that each one gets a panoramic view of the surrounding.
Taking inspiration from the houses of Goa, the interior and exterior with Greek aesthetics are adorned with shades of white and blue, showing that the site heritage overlays and sensitively engages with the surroundings. Punctuated by a series of openings in the parapet, it boasts the rusticity of the facade. A white facade enduring purity with Teal blue windows add grandeur to the structure. With a contemporary and rustic charm, the interiors follow the same theme- large openings bring in abundant natural light and the white walls and furniture make the space look visually bigger.
The rear garden and landscaping play a key role in sculpting a living addition to the home. The pool area is flanked by a wooden deck on one side and lawn on the other side. Huge shrubs, vertical green patches and free-standing boulders create a varied spatial experience and bring in warmth and coziness.
