Amidst a quaint neighbourhood in Kasaragod, Kerala, the Nooh Residence is conceived as a ‘one-of-kind’ Indo-Portuguese weekend house for a Goan family. It emerges as a sanctuary of tropical serenity, combining contemporary aesthetics with traditional local influences. This abode is an intended fusion of modern design principles and local sensibilities, coupled with a few Portuguese architectural elements. This creates a living space that radiates warmth, tranquillity, and a quiet sense of luxury. While the house design takes cues from the clients’ Goan roots and their appreciation for Portuguese architecture, the design prioritises a contextually suited response. The nod to traditional elements with a modern, temporal take is the studio’s philosophy, which comes through in the Nooh Residence.
Editor’s Note: “Amidst Kasaragod’s quaint charm, the Nooh Residence by Beyond Senses Architects stands as a tranquil weekend retreat for a Goan family. Blending contemporary design with local and Portuguese elements, this thoughtfully zoned home offers seamless privacy and elegant communal spaces, embodying warmth, heritage, and a serene luxury rooted in context.” ~Simran Khare
This Goan Portuguese House is a Sanctuary of Tropical Serenity | Beyond Senses Architects
The essence of the Goan Portuguese house lies in its thoughtful division between private and public spaces, ensuring a fine balance between communal areas and intimate retreats.
Two distinct building blocks, connected by two spacious courtyards and a passage, separate the formal living and dining spaces from the bedrooms and family living areas, creating a sense of privacy and seclusion. The two courtyards double up into one grand space, catering to large family gatherings and events.
Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a long open verandah, locally known as the ‘Poomukham’, leading into a foyer space that serves as the heart of the residence. This central area connects to the formal living and dining zones, creating a natural flow of movement and interaction.
The formal living room emanates a warm and inviting ambience, with beige-coloured sofas arranged in a cosy U-shape, opposite a sleek TV console.
Adjacent to this cosy gathering space lies the dining area, where a 45-degree sloped ceiling and a bespoke hanging light fixture add a touch of architectural drama.
Large window openings flood these spaces with natural light, offering unobstructed views of the serene courtyard and enhancing the overall sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.
Descending into the private quarters, the ground floor hosts the primary bedroom, parents’ bedroom, and kids’ bedroom, each thoughtfully designed to provide a serene and comfortable retreat.
‘The primary bedroom emanates a warm and soothing ambience with its wooden accents and neutral tones. In contrast, the daughter’s room embraces a vintage white aesthetic, exuding a touch of timeless elegance and sophistication.’
The parents’ room presents a refreshing Indian aesthetic, incorporating soothing colours and intricate patterns.
The private quarters in the Goan Portuguese House celebrate individuality while maintaining a cohesive and inviting atmosphere throughout the residence.
Tucked away in a cosy nook of the residence lies the family living space, where vibrant yellow-coloured sofas infuse the area with a cheerful ambience, contrasting beautifully with the overall colour scheme.
A folded-plate, fluid staircase acts as a captivating focal point. Meanwhile, an open study area beneath it provides a functional space for work or relaxation.
Upstairs, three additional guest bedrooms await, catering to the needs of a large family. Thus, making this weekend home ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
One room showcases an exposed concrete wall complemented by warm wooden cabinets and furnishings, weaving interesting textures together. Vibrant pops of colour from cushions and decor pieces enliven the space.
The second upstairs bedroom exudes tranquillity with its white walls. Moreover, it is offset by a rich blue upholstered headboard and patterned textiles that nod to the region’s heritage. In the third room, a calming grey palette is enriched by bright accents of red and yellow. It draws inspiration from Indian aesthetics.
The Nooh Residence is not merely a physical structure but a carefully curated experience. The interior design embraces a minimalist tropical modern aesthetic characterised by abundant wood elements and natural colour palettes. Teak and ash wood grace the floors, ceilings, and custom-designed furniture pieces. Thus, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of nature.
Surrounding the residence, carefully landscaped areas on all four sides create a rejuvenating pause point. It is dominated by the vibrant Calathea lutea plant and elegant spider lilies. This lush natural environment not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to a sense of tranquillity and harmony. Thus, allowing residents to escape the stresses of daily life and immerse themselves in a tropical paradise.
The Nooh Residence carefully blends sustainability, modern design, and traditional influences into a serene tropical haven. Its innovative thermal insulation and heat barriers promote energy efficiency. Meanwhile, intelligent material use, like the sandwich roof construction, ensures comfort and significant relief from the scorching heat of the region.
The layout separates public and private spaces, imbuing a sense of tranquillity in bedrooms and communal living in formal areas. Warm wood tones, complemented by white, blue and yellow accents, create an inviting atmosphere.
Thoughtfully landscaped surroundings offer a refreshing oasis, connecting residents to nature. The design strikes a beautiful balance between contemporary comforts and local charm providing a sanctuary for residents to unwind amidst harmony.
Fact File
Designed by: Beyond Senses Architects
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Nooh
Location: Kasaragod, Kerala
Year Built: 2023
Duration of the project: 2019 -2023
Project Size: 15000 Sq.ft
Project Cost: 3 Crore
Principal Architects: Ar. Nabeel V Basheer & Yahya Mahmood
Team Design Credits: Ar. Yahya & Ar. Zalfa
Photograph Courtesy: Justin Sebastian
Interior Styling: Fymin NaifProducts / Materials / Vendors: Wall covering/cladding – Fniche / Construction Materials – Laterite stones, Tata steel / Lighting – Hybec / Doors & partitions – solid wood / Sanitaryware – Vitra / Facade Systems – Performance glass by Saint Goblain / Windows – Wooden / Furniture – Soul furnitures / Flooring – Italian marbles by HMG stones / Kitchen – Appliances by Hafele / Paint – MRF Vapocure Artefacts – Beautifull homes
Consultants for the Project: Civil – Structure engineers – Sysplan associates / Interior Designers – Ar. Zalfa Zubair / MEP & HVAC Consultants – Elmek / Project Managers – Mr Praveen
Firm’s Website Link: Beyond Senses Architects
The Firm’s Instagram Link: Beyond Senses Architects
Firm’s Facebook Link: Beyond Senses Architects
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