Cover Natural light floods the timber residence’s spacious, double-height living area with large glazed openings
Natural light floods the timber residence’s spacious, double-height living area with large glazed openings
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Architecture Discipline’s groundbreaking timber residence demonstrates how sustainable design can be both minimal and environmentally responsible
Sahil Barua, a co-founder in India’s largest e-commerce logistics company, spent his childhood at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) campus in Ahmedabad.
Designed by Louis Kahn in the 1960s, the 66-acre campus is a landmark in modern Indian architecture, featuring Kahn’s signature use of circles and arches. Distinctive brick structures using locally sourced red bricks, open courtyards, and a layout that emphasises on natural light and ventilation divide the campus into academic and residential zones.
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Above The expansive residence amidst Goa’s tropical landscape, overlooking the Chapora River and the Arabian Sea
The expansive residence amidst Goa’s tropical landscape, overlooking the Chapora River and the Arabian Sea
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Having been exposed to Kahn’s vernacular architecture, Barua possessed an intrinsic appreciation for the authentic expression of materials, and engaged Akshat Bhatt of New Delhi-based multidisciplinary firm Architecture Discipline to construct his personal residence in the tranquil village of Vagator, Goa.
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The principal architect was given carte blanche in designing Barua's home, and he delivered not only a tranquil sanctuary where the client can retreat and recharge his creative energies, but also a significant milestone in the country's sustainable residential design.
Perched on the highest point of a steep, verdant slope, overlooking the Chapora River to the north and the Arabian Sea to the northwest, the expansive residence sprawls across 8,650 sq ft amidst Goa’s tropical landscape, blurring its boundaries with the surrounding nature.
The entire mass timber structural system was prefabricated in New Delhi and assembled on-site in Goa (Photo: Ranjan Sharma)
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Challenging over a century of concrete-dominated construction in India, it is India’s first mass timber residence with a superstructure that comprises 11 glued laminated timber (glulam) portal frames defining the central volume. Known for their structural integrity, these glulam frames are a sustainable alternative that helps reduce the carbon footprint of construction, with comparable strength to conventional steel frames.
Arranged in a single, linear block with a pitched roof tailored to handle Goa’s heavy monsoons, the entire mass timber structural system was prefabricated in New Delhi and assembled on-site in Goa, minimising waste and enabling swift assembly with minimal site damage.
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Minimally invasive foundation of stilts and concrete retaining walls protects the structure from moisture and capillary action
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The façade consists of charred wood-panelled cladding using the traditional Japanese yakisugi technique. Also known as shou sugi ban, the age-old wood preservation method of surface charring, which involves controlled burning, produces wood panels with enhanced durability and resistance to heat and moisture–ideal for Goa’s tropical climate.
The charred layer also provides a unique aesthetic–in this case, a striking charcoal grey feature–that sets the property apart from its surroundings while maintaining visual harmony with the landscape.
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Additionally, the home is elevated on a minimally invasive foundation of stilts and concrete retaining walls to not only preserve the site’s existing slope and vegetation, but also protect the structure from moisture and capillary action over time.
Above A 25-metre-long rectangular pool runs along the length of the house
A 25-metre-long rectangular pool runs along the length of the house
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Above The charcoal grey façade maintains visual harmony with the landscape
Above The residence appears to float above the landscape, projecting out towards nature
The charcoal grey façade maintains visual harmony with the landscape
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Meanwhile, the interior spaces are crafted to allow the mass timber structure to take centre stage, expressing its raw, authentic form–a clutter-free retreat that promotes clear thinking while allowing the natural materials and context to shine.
The heart of the avant-garde home is a spacious, double-height living area that abuts large glazed openings and retractable window shutters, alongside a skylight running along the ridge of the roof, flooding the space with natural light while allowing for the release of hot air buildup.
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Furthermore, the living space opens onto a metal deck that appears to float above the landscape, offering commanding views of the surrounding landscape and the Arabian Sea.
The spacious, double-height living area with large glazed openings flood the space with natural light
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Drawing from Barua’s minimalist lifestyle, the furniture selection balances simplicity with elegance across the open-plan layout with black granite flooring.
A 15-foot-long live-edge dining table crafted from a single timber panel anchors the space, whereas modern pieces upholstered in leather–including an Eames chair and a Mies-inspired daybed–create an elegant contrast with the rustic environment.
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While semi-private guest bedrooms occupy the rear end of the ground floor, a black metal-clad staircase leads to the master bedroom on the mezzanine floor, as well as a gallery passageway with white walls, showcasing the homeowner’s extensive curation of eclectic art.
Above The clutter-free interior allows the mass timber structure to take centre stage
Above A black metal-clad staircase leads to the master bedroom on the mezzanine floor
The clutter-free interior allows the mass timber structure to take centre stage
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Clad in zinc, the kitchen and dining areas break from the primary form–a striking counterpoint to the charred timber exterior that imbues the home with spatial delight and playfulness.
These spaces project outward as a deconstructed volume, overlooking the 25-metre-long rectangular pool that runs along the length of the house–an outdoor exercise facility amidst the bohemian greenery for Barua, who prefers outdoor training for triathlons.
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Above The partially shaded timber deck connects to the expansive outdoor
Above Raw, authentic materials shine amidst the natural backdrop through glass-lined volumes
The partially shaded timber deck connects to the expansive outdoor
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Also seen from this vantage point are the kitchen gardens that occupy a significant portion of the site, where the homeowner grows his own food, while most existing trees form a soft boundary from the public street and village.
On the lower level, the private wood workshop is a glass-lined volume naturally lit by clerestory windows that opens onto a partially shaded timber deck, demarcated by planters for an unhindered connection to the expansive outdoors.
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Credits
Photography: Studio Charuau
As senior writer at Tatler Homes, Celeste Goh covers architecture, interior design, luxury homes and emerging design trends. She also serves as digital content manager for Tatler Malaysia, overseeing the brand’s digital editorial strategy and social media presence across its platforms.
