Fairview estate, Goa

Studio pomegranate spent many years studying Goan homes. The architecture of these is directly related to the climate, and materials available at hand. Is in a tucked-away lane, and overlooks a beautiful clump of trees, with a field beyond. The house is built around a central space that is an internal social space, and an outside social space to greet, and chat with your neighbours. The architects studied Reis Magos fort, the houses and church at Salvador Du Mundo, Houses of Goa and Nisha's playschool, and all the beautiful houses in Assagao. The result is that the house feels so Goan, yet contemporary in its architectural vision. The end result is not to mimic Goan style, but to LIVE goan.

The site was quite steep, with a natural water channel running through it. The challenge was to maintain the natural site conditions.

No trees were killed, all natural water channels were maintained, and rainwater harvesting planned for. Rain water harvesting, and run-off water capture are built into the project

Most of the house is built with load bearing laterite walls, like old goan houses. The arches are made with reinforced concrete to make the lawn-side of the house slender, and almost lace-like.

In architecture, Pillars, Arches, walls, and roof come together in a symphony. Once singled out, they will remain out of tune. The studio worked with this idea, and hence something that may have given us joy in putting together is only valuable in another part of the house, or something that is mundane, may have an impressive story. This house has a set of three doors in the dining room that were the starting point really, but its difficult to read between the lines, now that those doors are such an integral part of the architecture.

The courtyard between the retaining wall and the house is a special place. The pond in it will gurgle, and the sound will be head beyond the wall at the entrance. This place is a cool space for outdoor seating at any time of the day.