Transposed Courtyard House: Redefining Cultural Ethos in Goa Architecture. Architectural design has long been influenced by the notion of the traditional residential layout. Courtyard situated at the center of the house, serving as a harmonious and symmetrical focal point. Shifting the courtyard away from the house’s center addresses the evolving dynamics of domestic and urban life, reflecting these changes. This adjustment reflects the increasingly blurred boundaries between the private and public realms. Observe this re-arrangement in various regional contexts; moreover, it creates diverse spatial compositions with courtyards positioned off-centre.
Editor’s Note: “Reimagining the spirit of a Goan home, this residence gracefully unfolds around a tranquil courtyard, creating an intimate sanctuary. The thoughtful integration of Sopo seating into the contemporary design pays homage to the cultural heritage of the region.. The warm embrace of concrete and brick, intertwined with a deep sensitivity to the climate, unfolds a living experience that is both timeless and profoundly connected to its surroundings.” ~Simran Khare
Transposed Courtyard House in Goa Architecture: Responses To Urban Adaptation | Studio MSA
This architectural project re-imagines goa architecture style houses. Further, it integrates a central courtyard concept arranged outside the house to foster social dynamics.
Shifting the courtyard’s position within the residential plan has enhanced functionality. This change also better responds to the evolving needs of occupants.
At the heart of the design is the transposed courtyard, which serves as a multifunctional gathering space. Moreover, it promotes social interaction among residents and visitors.
The design emphasizes communal interaction through a dedicated “Sopo” seating. It reflects the rich cultural heritage of Goa while adapting to contemporary living needs and fostering social interaction.
The house is strategically oriented along the East-West axis, optimizing natural light and ventilation, while minimizing direct sun exposure. The house takes advantage of existing tree cover in the southwest, creating a shaded environment that enhances comfort and sustainability.
The external courtyard is enveloped by a Mangalore tiled screen, which conceals it from the roadway. This transforms the area into a cocooned, private domain near the main entrance ideal for both social interaction and peace.
The centerpiece of this tranquil oasis features flourishing Frangipani tree, whose aromatic blooms enhance the space. The dynamic interplay of daylight cast upon the plain white walls and terracotta screen imbue the space with a distinct sensory richness. This richness evolves throughout the day as the light changes.
The Mangalore tiled screen is strategically positioned not merely as a functional barrier but also as an alluring architectural element that captivates the viewer’s gaze and orchestrates a seamless transition between the public realm of the street and the private sanctuary of the courtyard.
A modern interpretation of the low height verandah leads to the double-height living room with a sloping roof, thus it seamlessly bridging the contemporary design of the house with its contextual surroundings.
The full-height windows and louvered shutters adorn the living room, bathing it in soft, diffused northern light. Additionally, the design allows the room to enjoy the benefits of natural ventilation. Additionally, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for the occupants. The wooden fenestration, complemented by the lime-washed walls, lends a rustic charm to the space, thus it harmonizes with the traditional architectural vocabulary of the region.
The reading niche with terracotta filler slab creates a seamless transition between the living and dining areas. Moreover, fostering a cohesive and interconnected living experience.
Drawing on the rich heritage of Indian architecture, the Brick Jali, strategically positioned to filter the ample southern light, effectively mitigates the potential for the double-height stairs to become uncomfortably warm, preserving the desire for a passively cooled and temperate interior that is attuned to the local climate.
This centralized cross-ventilation design, leveraging the Venturi effect, ensures the efficient expulsion of warm air from the interior, consequently, it further enhancing the overall thermal comfort and energy efficiency of the house.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio MSA
Project Type: Residential Architecture Design
Project Name: Transposed Courtyard House
Location: Goa
Year: 2024
Built Up Area: 856 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Manali Vartikar & Ar. Sagar Kamat
Photography Credits: Hemant Patil
Manufacturers: Bharat Floorings, Hafele, Mlime, Philips
Structural Engineer: Vidhyadhar Kakodkar
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: Studio MSA
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio MSA
For Similar Projects >> This Open Air Amphitheatre on a Kerala Roof Design is an Ideal Music Venue
“Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]
In Tiruppur’s industrial heartland, where the rhythm of textile mills sets the tone, the layered architecture in this Villa offers a quiet counterpoint. Shaped by stillness, proportion, and cultural memory, the home reflects the clients’ vision for a contemplative retreat. Set on a square plot within a gridded residential layout, the residence embraces architectural restraint […]
Nestled in what was once a coconut orchard, Sanctum serves as a sanctuary for a retired couple. Their daughter & a feline companion join them to offer a tranquil environment for everyday goings-on. The site is a 60’ x 90’ portion of land with six coconut trees. Two teak wood & silver oak trees, each […]
Tucked into the calm, tree-lined lanes of Nagarbhavi in Bangalore, Avani Residence rises as a poetic response to the chaos of the city, a vertical sanctuary where light dances, materials breathe, and space unfolds in gentle rhythms. Designed by Archemist Architects for a family of four, the residence is a nuanced interplay between constraint and […]
The designers envision Asterix Café as a flagship destination that challenges café design conventions. While coffee culture often associates with warm, pastel tones, Asterix dares to be different by embracing darkness as its defining aesthetic. Designed by UrbanNest Design Studio, the bespoke cafe is a bold experiment in creating a multi-functional, community centric space where […]
Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]
Situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Anandvan residence beautifully embodies biophilic design, fostering a deep connection with nature through its thoughtful integration of outdoor and indoor spaces through open courtyards. Open Courtyards And A Biophilic Design Connect The Outdoors With The Indoors | R+R Architects Location The location and surroundings played a significant role in determining the […]
What if the simplest object in your home could turn into a design icon? Tectona Grandis Furniture and The Architects’ Diary come together to introduce the Chair Affair. This is India’s first-of-its-kind furniture design competition that dares architects and designers across India to rethink the most essential piece of furniture – the Chair. Beyond function, […]
In a calm and serene residential area of Mysore, a 10,000 sq. ft. site with mature mango and coconut trees set the stage for Eden Kindergarten school. One half of the land was already occupied by an existing block, while the other half was shaded by the canopy of old trees. Instead of altering this […]
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 […]