Goa through the lens of architecture: Jugal Mistri Architects crafts retreat-like villas in Siolim

“The design journey was about honouring Goa’s rich heritage while embracing a contemporary approach that resonates with today’s lifestyles, offering homes that truly belong to their time and place,” shares Jugal Mistri, founder and principal architect of his eponymous design firm, JMA Mumbai, as he takes us through the sprawling 25,800 sq ft multi-storeyed villa in Goa. 

A quick tour of this home in the quaint Siolim neighbourhood makes one thing certain: the design elements rooted in Goan-Portugese tradition — a parabolic roof with red mission tiles catches immediate fancy, while a diagrid walnut canopy comes a close second. Another eye-catching architectural element that feels emblematic of Goa’s traditional architecture happens to be the copious amounts of marble mosaic in the outdoor flooring areas in the patios and terraces.  

Savouring a slice of Siolim 

A textural experience of timber, several wooden elements, ceramic, Italian stones, terrazzo, and golden accents against a classic black-and-white patterned theme elevates the solitude-esque vibe of this villa. “We faced several challenges, including Goa’s heavy monsoons and the steep contour drop on the site,” Jugal reflects.

The untainted views of Siolim serve a worthwhile escape from the big city bustle, as the quaint village, often plenty to travellers with a discerning eye. Interestingly, a structural impediment served as a blessing in disguise — paving way for enhanced vistas of the verdure Siolim fields. “After multiple iterations of the building block, we realised that the cascading floors responded perfectly to the contoured terrain of the site,” explains Jugal, who reveals having two large floor plates as a G+1 House, meant eventually having to distribute the various functions of the house over three floors. “This pushback planning strategy naturally led to large terraces in the north that allowed us to locate a hanging infinity pool, which also ends up being my favourite corner in this home.” 

Look around 

“My second favourite space is “entrance loggia”,” he states, rather excitedly, adding how it indeed feels surreal to walk under 16 leaning columns that stretch upwards forming a beautiful curvy sway. 

In a world where we could be anything, some of us would choose to leave the chaos of city living and find solitude and inner balance in the company of loved ones at a haven we call home. The Tellado villas stand as architectural testaments of a similar yearning.

Read more: Vianaar and Amoeba Design give Indo-Portuguese architecture a nouveau spin through this villa in Goa