House at Stop 8 by Ankit Prabhudessai

The House at Stop 8 helps us capture the essence and soul of the rich heritage of the tropical state of India – Goa. An old load bearing house adjoining the bus stop no. 8 on a busy street in Margao – Goa made way to this two-floor villa to accommodate the expanding family. We designed this three-generational house to embody the ethos of the past and yet possess the spirit of modernity, perfectly representing the contemporary life of the users.

 

A two-decade old frangipani tree and Mangalore roof tiles borrowed from the old, demolished structure form an integral part of the front façade. The concept of traditional open to sky courtyards exhibited in old Goan houses came in handy to fit the large brief in roughly a 3000 sq.ft plot area. The requirement for having a doctor’s clinic at home urged us to have separate private and public entrances. 

The replanted sculptural frangipani tree in the entrance court as against the stark contrast of the exposed laterite masonry and sky lit water court sets a stage for what awaits inside. A tropical open to sky courtyard showcased by a floor to ceiling clear glass, banked by bare concrete (I.P.S.) walls welcomes the visitor into the living room. A custom-made concrete screen (jali) adorns one side of the Living room giving glimpse of the sky lit courtyard and an extended view of the green backyard. A century old heirloom wooden console connects the sentimental aspect of the generations that have lived in the place. The open plan on the ground floor connects the entire house and romances with the tropics through its courtyards. 

Hourly shadows and the yellow fragrant frangipani tree render the sky lit courtyard a dynamic nature making it a focal point of the entire house. The interplay of the elements of the sky lit courtyard are reflected on the glass entrance of the Puja room. A custom designed brass accent set against a yellow ochre I.P.S. backdrop mimics the aura of the deities it encompasses and bestows the room with an air of supreme divinity. The dining area along with the informal kitchen is a fluid extension of the living area and opens out into the green backyard. The framing of views with full height windows creates an illusion of being with nature thus blurring the line between indoors and outdoors.