A HOME WITH A VERANDAH

Crafted for indoor-outdoor living, the house with three pavilions by Anjali Mangalgiri of Grounded focuses on earthy luxury through a tangible connection with nature

- PRAGNYA RAO

Built from ground up, this house with three B pavilions is a refreshing chapter in Tropical Modernism. Signature Geoffrey Bawa, this style pairs Asian minimalism with European aesthetics while working within the constraints of a tropical climate. It is located in the quaint Mandrem village on the edge of rice paddy fields with a dense cluster of local forest trees on one side and a coconut grove in the middle. Gently resting on an 8,000 sq ft area in the 1.5-acre expanse, "the home takes inspiration from the surrounding village houses and resides quietly among its neighbours. Mostly constructed as ground-floor structures, each pavilion is scaled to match the volumetrics of its village peers. Throughout, a simple sweeping roof form is used in a local red terracotta tile that is ubiquitous to the Goan village built-landscape with proportions borrowed from vernacular Goan structures," explains Anjali Mangalgiri of Grounded.

The main house has a deep luxurious verandah that stretches across the entire length of the house. Having moved from the bustling yet crowded capital to the laid-back beach town, the homeowners were clear about their intention to live outdoors as much as possible. "So the home is kissed by a 55 ft long verandah that runs the length of the home and connects directly to the lobby, kitchen, and living room," reveals Anjali.