A holiday house snug in the thick of Indian vegetation, far from urban clamour and society: just a few words are needed to describe Villa H, the new Isprava project by Quirk Studio in Goa (India). A home far from home, exuding a zen air and the wish to make some time for oneself: its spaces reveal neutral tones matched with natural materials, such as wood, stone and rattan, and local craftwork. The designers have drawn on skill and awareness to shape a dynamic dwelling, one actively responding to the subtle poetry of the sun and oriental light, opening up to the day as well as the night. The result is a unique and peaceful context, where both the body and mind can relax.
The designers have steeped the interiors in the sober charm of the surrounding nature, endowing the home with a feel of being detached from the rest of the world. The ground floor accommodates the day zone and the kitchen, a small bathroom and a bedroom, while the next storey carries the master bedroom suite, a guest bedroom and a plant-filled terrace: nature ‒ the star of these interiors ‒ brings balance to the entire abode. This philosophy is the root to the desire to open many spaces onto the adjacent greenery through broad windows, panel doors and a furnished veranda stretching out towards the swimming pool.
The living room and its unusual atmosphere ‒ already evident upon entering ‒ expand to incorporate the lounge area and the dining zone, with a long table, opening up onto the landscape on three sides. The hues selected for the interiors are neutral, the walls white. These contrast with the river-finish natural Kota stone flooring, which stays cool in summer, conveying a sense of tropical vacation to users. Wooden furniture counterbalances the delicate palette, adding warmth to the room.
>>> Renovating existing contexts with a minimalist touch: the Padre Jofre penthouse, in Valencia
One of the eye-catching features of Villa H is the skylight in the pitched roof above the lounge area, where further accent is added by a pendant lamp marking a certain luxury. The resulting effect shows a context that varies constantly throughout the day to the rhythm of the light as it grows and fades. Beneath this lamp are two paired settees, an armchair and an ottoman, grouped to create a welcoming seating area ideal for evenings with numerous guests. Instead, the dining table conveys vintage appeal, thanks also to its complementary cane-backed chairs. Chequerboard, striped and floral prints bring a playful touch to the setting, almost as if to challenge its soberness.
Another distinctive aspect is the wooden handrail on the stairs and the rhythm it sets leading to the first floor, where the designers have explored multiple variations in decorative elements. Jute rugs made locally are displayed as artworks on the landing wall, further celebrating the essence of Goa.
>>> Also explore Bayview House by EYRC Architects ‒ a home looking out over Hermosa Beach, LA
The main bedroom is a simple minimalist space designed to also serve as an office at home, when needed. The room décor shows neutral walls and cheerful tiling in the white and mint-green striped Bharat flooring. This setting leads directly to the master bathroom, featuring mint-green tiles on the lower section of the walls and a classic-style wooden washbasin.
Location: Goa, India
Architects: Quirk Studio (Disha Bhavsar and Shivani Ajmera)
Client: Isprava
Built-up Area: 220 m2
Completion: 2022
Consultants
Electrical and Landscape: Isprava
Photography by Yash R Jain, courtesy of Quirk Studio