Renovation & Extension Project | Goa, India

Renovation and Extension of Old Goan-Portuguese Style House in Ucassaim, Goa Set amidst sprawling lawns on a 3,925 sqmt plot in the peaceful village of Ucassaim in Goa, this project was a renovation and extension to a 125 year old plus villa built during the Portuguese Rule in Goa. Purchased by my family in a dilapidated condition, the rear of the building needed to be pulled down and rebuilt with modern day materials, while still retaining the house's old charm and architectural style. The building was planned such that it would consist of two residences - one contained in the existing old house which would be rebuilt structurally (intended to be a weekend home) and the other to be in the extension. An intermediate services and housekeeping section was planned between the two as the extension was initially planned to be leased out as a home or a bed and breakfast set up. However, the property was leased out to a photography school, and is currently leased out to a yoga and meditation center. The drawings, planning and elevation design was worked on in collaboration with my father. Various finishing materials such as stone (marble, granite, jaisalmer and marble inlay work), artifacts and antique wooden carved pillars from run down havelis were sourced by making a trip to the state of Rajasthan in India. Portuguese themed moldings and furniture were sourced from Old Goan houses in Goa. Various cornices and moldings were made for the extension to resemble the Old Goan architectural aesthetics. A challenge in the project was incorporating modern electrification and ensuite bathrooms and sewage disposal since the old houses functioned with a common toilet outside the house. Services of a licensed architect were sought for the purpose of approvals and submission as this project was undertaken while I was still in Undergraduate School.