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
“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.
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.
The project masterfully weaves history and nature together, creating an experience that is deeply connected to its environment, yet uniquely designed to captivate visitors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Nestled within Prakriti Farms, this residence epitomizes rustic farmhouse interior design charm and a deep connection with the natural world. Its elegance lies in its emphasis on elemental materials and its seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. With three bedrooms and a spacious living area, the home was strategically designed in an L shape to […]
House of Heights: How design shapes relationships and well-being? “A house can transform its people. The living room, the tallest space in my home, is where we socialize, express our feelings, and spend the most time—an open arena for life’s conversations. The impact of front elevation design on home and harmony further emphasizes how thoughtful design […]
Spacious, inviting, and intimate, courtyards have an integral place in the vernacular architecture across India. Beyond their climatic purposes, courtyards assume the role of a social space, a space for contemplation, and a space where something happens. Their presence in various forms, proportions, and sizes has been a ubiquitous feature in Indian vernacular architecture. The […]
Located in Bangalore, opposite a large neighborhood park, a set of 4 houses was to be built—one of which was to be the personal house for the client, and the others were to be let out. The intent of these Bangalore homes was to create a quiet presence on the street and evoke a sense of […]
The modern residence integrates contemporary architecture with biophilic design principles, offering a luxurious and nature-connected living experience. The exterior features clean lines, landscaped lawns, and vertical green walls that soften the structure while promoting sustainability. The minimalist contemporary interior designs of this are designed with an open-plan layout, double-height ceilings, and large glass openings, ensuring […]
Some homes are big on square footage but don’t maximize space—and then some compact ones make the most of precious space at a premium. Located in Bangalore, this 3,000 sq. ft. villa interior design exemplifies this residential project, exploring staggered volumes that led to creating spaces at multiple levels, including a mezzanine floor. As per […]
In the heart of Gurugram, where the city’s energy pulses with both hard work and hard play, a 2600 sq. ft. rooftop terrace design has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot. Designed for the young and the young at heart, this terrace captures the spirit of a city that knows how to balance the […]
In the vibrant town of Kannur, Kerala, the contemporary house design of this residence is more than a home—it’s a sanctuary designed to nurture both body and soul. Built for a family of five, it blends minimalist elegance with everyday comfort, creating a space that feels alive, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Editor’s Note: […]
The one-acre site of Saukhya Farm is nestled in the lush valley of Beze Village, on the outskirts of Nashik. Surrounded by small farms, it offers sweeping views of Beze Dam and the surrounding hills. The clients’ brief was to transform the site into a farmhouse and to cultivate part of it into an orchard. Work […]
Nestled on the bustling Karnavati Road in Ahmedabad, this modern residence spans over a 10,881 sq. ft. corner plot, seamlessly integrating form, function, and tranquility. The house is thoughtfully planned in an L-shaped configuration of this house design, with its entry oriented to the east and a lush garden strategically placed in the southwest corner […]