Historic Portuguese villa in India gets revitalized prioritizing landscape integration by Kiasma Studio

Dating over 200 years old, the dilapidated villa was surrounded by lush biodiversity, most of which has been preserved by the design team.

Project: Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen

Location: Goa,
India

Design team:
Kiasma Studio, W Design Studio

Typology:
Adaptive Reuse, Bars

Gross built area: 7500f²

Year: 2024

A 200-years old Portuguese villa nestled in the rugged terrain of Goa, gets revitalized into a vibrant kitchen bar. Kiasma studio has preserved 50% of the plot for nature, fostering biodiversity, and promoting community engagement.

This adaptive reuse project celebrates the raw beauty of its surroundings, enhancing the design’s aesthetics while honoring its historic significance. Parts of the old Portuguese villa’s ruins greet the visitors as they enter. The ruins portray the idea of nature reclaiming architecture, and as a visual metaphor for resilience and adaptation, two 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 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 themselves are not only functional but also act as narrative devices, encouraging guests to explore and interact with the landscape at their own pace.

Strategically positioned elevated viewpoints offer sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape, allowing the visitors to take in the contrast between the ancient ruins and the untamed nature that surrounds them. Locally sourced materials such as natural stone helps reinforce the connection to the land and ensures that the design remains sustainable and in harmony with its environment. Every element, from the materials used to the placement of features, has been thoughtfully considered to ensure that the andscape enhances the natural beauty of the site without overpowering it.

Kiasma Studio has woven together art and nature, throughout the “Sanctuary” landscape. Sculptures, crafted from local materials, are placed within the greenery, offering 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, adding layers of depth and meaning to the landscape. The art is not merely decorative; it is integrated into the landscape in such a way that it feels like a natural extension of the environment. These artistic elements enhance the guest experience by creating opportunities for reflection and connection with the space.

The rugged terrain, initially perceived as a challenge, has been embraced and elevated through design, creating a landscape that is both immersive and engaging. Natural stone steps lead guests to higher points, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding area and the historical ruins. 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.

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.