search

This Restaurant Breathes Life into a 200 Year Old Portuguese Villa Design | Kiasma Studio

This vision framework seeks to breathe new life into a neglected plot by restoring a historic 200-year-old Portuguese villa design into a vibrant kitchen bar amidst a natural sanctuary. By preserving 50% of the plot for nature, fostering biodiversity, and promoting community engagement, the project stands as an oasis that creates a harmonious blend of heritage preservation, sustainable design, and community gathering spaces.

Editor’s Note: “Embracing the concept of heritage preservation, ‘Sanctuary’ captures the essence of a 200-year-old Portuguese villa. The enchanting landscape design, adorned with creepers that grace the villa’s ruins, evokes a sense of resilience and creates a serene atmosphere. By seamlessly weaving art and nature into every design element, the space tells the building’s history while inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its natural beauty.” ~Simran Khare

This Restaurant Breathes Life into a 200 Year Old Portuguese Villa Design | Kiasma Studio

portuguese villa design

“Sanctuary” is a transformative landscape project that breathes new life into the ancient ruins of a Portuguese villa design, turning it into an immersive and vibrant bar and kitchen experience unlike any other.

portuguese villa design

Nestled within rugged and challenging terrain, this landscape design embraces the raw beauty of the surroundings while showcasing the adaptive spirit of both nature and architecture.

portuguese villa design

Experience Rooted In Nature

The project masterfully weaves history and nature together, creating an experience that is deeply connected to its environment, yet uniquely designed to captivate visitors.

portuguese villa design

portuguese villa design

As guests approach the entrance to “Sanctuary,” they are immediately struck by the sight of old Portuguese ruins partially enveloped by the sprawling roots of a centuries-old tree.

portuguese villa design

This powerful image, where nature reclaims architecture, serves as a visual metaphor for resilience and adaptation, key themes that permeate the entire landscape design.

The ruins, carefully preserved to retain their historical essence, stand as a testament to the rich history of the site, while the encroaching roots symbolize nature’s strength and persistence, reflecting the harmonious coexistence between the natural and the built environment.

portuguese villa design

Interplay of Nature and Art

This intricate interplay sets the tone for the rest of the space, where every detail has been thoughtfully designed to amplify the connection between history, architecture, and nature.

The heart of “Sanctuary” lies in its landscape design, which embraces the rugged terrain rather than attempting to tame it. The natural landscape, once perceived as an obstacle, has been seamlessly integrated into the design, transforming the challenges of the site into unique opportunities for creativity. Stone pathways wind through the landscape, guiding guests on a journey of discovery.

portuguese villa design

These paths, flanked by indigenous plants and greenery, lead to hidden pockets and nooks where visitors can sit and reflect, experiencing the serenity of their surroundings.

portuguese villa design

The pathways in the portuguese villa design are not only functional but also act as narrative devices, encouraging guests to explore and interact with the landscape at their own pace.

portuguese villa design

Throughout the site, elevated viewpoints have been strategically positioned to offer sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape. These vantage points allow visitors to take in the breathtaking contrast between the ancient ruins and the wild, untamed nature that surrounds them.

portuguese villa design

Sustainable and In Harmony

The use of locally sourced materials, such as natural stone, reinforces the connection to the land and ensures that the design remains sustainable and in harmony with its environment.

The design team thoughtfully considers every element, from the materials used to the placement of features, ensuring that the landscape enhances the site’s natural beauty without overpowering it.

Moreover, the design weaves art and nature together throughout the “Sanctuary” landscape. Sculptures crafted from local materials sit among the greenery, providing moments of discovery as guests explore the space.

These sculptures, along with murals adorning the walls of the restored villa, tell stories of the building’s history. Thus, adding layers of depth and meaning to the landscape.

Artistic Elements

The art serves not just as decoration; it integrates seamlessly into the landscape, feeling like a natural extension of the environment. These artistic elements enhance the guest experience by creating opportunities for reflection and connection with the space.

Designers embraced the rugged terrain, initially perceived as a challenge, and elevated it to create a landscape that is both immersive and engaging. Furthermore, natural stone steps lead guests to higher points, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding area and the historical ruins.

Moreover, the integration of greenery, natural light, and historical architecture blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating a seamless flow that encourages visitors to move fluidly through the space.

In “Sanctuary,” architecture and landscape work hand in hand, crafting a space that is not only visually striking but also deeply rooted in its natural and historical context.

Vibrant Destination

It is a powerful example of adaptive reuse, where design has transformed a once-challenging space into a vibrant and life-filled destination.

Whether visitors come for the art, the nature, or simply to enjoy a moment of tranquility, “Sanctuary” offers a one-of-a-kind experience that lingers long after they have left.

This project stands as a testament to the potential of landscape design to not only transform spaces but to connect people to the stories embedded in the land itself.

Fact File

Designed by: Kiasma Studio

Project Type: Restaurant Architecture Design

Project Name: Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen

Location: Goa

Year Built: 2024

Built-Up Area: 7500 Sq.ft

Founder of Kiasma Studio: Ar. Sowmya Lakhamraju 

Interior Design: Ar. Gokul Krishna ( W Design Studio )

Photograph Courtesy: Vivek Eadara

Planting consultants: GLL landscape

Firm’s Website Link: Kiasma Studio

The Firm’s Instagram Link: Kiasma Studio

Firm’s Facebook Link: Kiasma Studio

For Similar Projects>>> The Farmhouse Architecture in the Kotagiri Tea Estate has Rocks as the Focal Point

This House Incorporates Persian Design with Minimal Luxury | Rajkumar Architects

The house incorporates elements of Persian design while adhering to a minimalist luxury motif.  The concept is a deep journey with luxury as its language, seclusion as its promise, and functionality as its cornerstone. Known as the princess of Jaipur, it pirouettes in response to outside visual cues such as curves and smooth edges. A modern […]

Read More

This Urban Residence Pairs Clean Lines with a Minimalist House Design Interior | Studio Rudrang

The house showcases a modern three-story residence exemplifying contemporary architectural design through its clean lines, geometric volumes, and a balanced interplay of materials. The facade skillfully combines textured tile cladding, smooth plaster, and contrasting color blocks in neutral shades of gray, black, and earthy rust, adding visual depth and dynamism. Expansive glass panels framed in […]

Read More

House of Silhouettes Reflects Contemporary Modern Architecture | Shaunak Singh and Associates

House of Silhouettes is located in Navratan, Udaipur. The plot is a corner one facing north and west 60’x40′ with a built-up area of 6500 sq.ft., designed in contemporary modern architecture as an independent house at three levels, including terrace. House of Silhouettes Reflects Contemporary Modern Architecture | Shaunak Singh and Associates This contemporary residence […]

Read More

Visamo is An Expression of Luxury Modern Bungalow Design | Prashant Parmar Architect | Shayona Consultants

Nestled in the upscale neighborhood of Naranpura, Ahmedabad, Visamo is a south-facing NRI bungalow that redefines luxury modern bungalow design through a seamless blend of contemporary architecture and biophilic design. Spanning a 7,330 sq. ft. plot with 10,000 sq. ft. of built-up area, this residence is a heartfelt homecoming for a young couple returning to […]

Read More

This Contemporary Home Style Blends Timelessness with Adaptability | Studio A+D

The client envisioned a quiet contemporary residence within the dense urban fabric—a contemporary home style that balances modern aesthetics with a lived-in warmth. Functionality, spatial fluidity, and a strong connection with nature were prioritized. The home was to accommodate a multigenerational family, enabling both communal and private moments without compromising on light, ventilation, or spatial […]

Read More

Farmhouse Designs in India: 15 Inspiring Styles To Know

The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]

Read More

This Tropical Home Design Features A Striking Sloped Terracotta Roof In Kerala | Vriksha Architects

Aangan is a modern residence that seamlessly integrates with the lush environment of Kerala, showcasing a tropical home design. Designed to embrace the region’s warm climate, the house features a striking sloped terracotta roof at varying levels, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. The structure is enveloped in a vibrant tropical landscape, adorned […]

Read More

50 Indian Door Design For Main Door To Enhance the Curb Appeal

The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]

Read More

50 Best Pillar Design Ideas And Inspirations For Indian Spaces

Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]

Read More

This Simple Farmhouse Design Responds To The Climate And Site | Dipen Gada & Associates

This simple farmhouse design is a humble residence that responds to the climate and site. It is a fun fact that the house is both an inward and outward looking house at the same time. One of the USPs of the simple farmhouse design project would be that it connects well with the most playful […]

Read More
  • This House in Amritsar Whispers the Grandeur of Indo-British Architecture | Studios PMB

    Renovating Historic Homes in Indianapolis: Plumbing Challenges and Solutions