NEW DELHI: Crafted by the Maestro Jugal Mistry, Baia presents Happiness By Design – A blend between Colour and Happiness in traditional Spanish architecture with modern design touches to forge a tranquil sanctuary. The design features lyrical roofing, deep-set windows, a reinforced facade, and ornate walls with mosaic flooring, encapsulating a blend of rustic allure and refined elegance.
“In the words of Mario Botta: The first gesture of an architect is to draw a perimeter; in other words, to separate the microclimate from the macro space outside. This in itself is a sacred act. Architecture in itself conveys this idea of limiting space. It’s a limit between the finite and the infinite. From this point of view, all architecture is sacred.”
Peach- toned walls and arched openings define Baia Villas, a set of six holiday homes in Goa that Mumbai Studio Jugal Mistri Architects has designed to evoke a local vernacular.
Baia is a project that does not separate the outside from the inside.
Baia Villas started with an intimate understanding of the site and the small town of Mandrem in North Goa, which boasts remarkable beaches and heightened spirits.
In Mandrem, we witnessed traces of the pre-modern life that genuinely believed in the Susegad life and the idea of letting loose. The local community has mastered a kitsch aesthetic that celebrates and thrives in the moment, making everyday life less complex and abundantly easy. This relaxed, laid-back attitude towards life existed historically in the former Portuguese territory of the state. Hence, bringing such joyous sensibilities was critical for this project.
Tropical modern architecture uses modern tools to transform historical techniques into present-day design elements. This hybrid method weaves together fundamental elements from the past with emergent forms.
All homes in Baia are identical. The U-shaped courtyard plan captures momentous layers of history and its future. The symmetrical row line manifests the exciting prospects of living in a tightly knit beachside community cultivating its own culture while being part of the more significant macro identity of North Goa.
The project’s bold arched windows and the side streets filled with reverse fins curving out to offer shade and stimulate the imagination. Baia has a rich mix of local tradition and international appeal, boosting the senses with colourful textures, landscapes and water bodies.
We strongly felt that the traditional arched window needed a new dimension. This was achieved by reversing the flying buttress. As part of the architectural tool kit devised by JMA, we used sectional profiles to loft the 900 mm thick walls springing outward, forming deep recessed windows.
The checkered verandah is an incredibly versatile space within the house. Upon entering through that main door, it welcomes you, and then it connects the living room to the kitchen. It also acts as an entry point into the pool, and finally, it deconstructs the notion of open space vs. closed space as it seamlessly straddles multiple identities.
The mood changes as you look up, where the façade curves out in carefully calibrated recessed arches. From the front, there is a beautiful symmetry in how these are aligned, drawing light and shadows on the central doorway, staircase, and bathrooms.
The project’s bold archways and crisscrossing streets romantically resonate with the surrounding neighbourhood, reorganising the public’s image of modern-day developments as “socially progressive” and “seriously fun”.
Four sets of intentionally zigzag walls rise from the pool, holding the villa’s “semi-open” space.
On Colour:
The façade has been dressed with a playful peach colour in a two-tone Velatura texture and finished with striking blue windows. The two extremes work perfectly, like a painting that defines the polarities within Mandrem – edgy yet romantic, laid-back yet animated. Hence, the homes amplify a sense of joy by overlooking each other, with the residents navigating through tiny intersections and enjoying moments in this tropical environment.
Interior Design:
Given the bright peach walls and deep blue arched windows, the interiors have been designed with solid wooden furniture. The various wooden finishes enhanced the calmness and added warmth to the house.
Jugal Mistri Architects a renowned architecture and interior design firm synonymous with bold, innovative designs that challenge conventions and redefine the built environment. Led by founder and Architect Jugal Mistri, the firm seamlessly blends modern disciplines with traditional narratives, ensuring each project resonates with creativity while respecting the cultural and environmental context. With a strong commitment to quality, JMA delivers projects that are both aesthetically compelling and socially responsible.
Founded in 2012 with a clear vision of architectural excellence, the Dezeen-featured studio has been at the forefront of revolutionary and refined architecture. Their award-winning projects span various sectors, including residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, all reflecting the firm’s dedication to honest and transparent design practices. From luxurious private residences to thoughtful public spaces, JMA approaches each project with a focus on creating enduring value and beauty.
The firm’s international experience, gained through Jugal Mistri’s work with industry leaders like Oppenheim Architecture and Studio Gaia, adds a unique edge to their work. JMA is also celebrated for its focus on personalised client engagement, offering distinctive attention and collaborative brainstorming beyond traditional design services. Additionally, they are recognised for their social impact initiatives, such as the Airbox project – a self-ventilating prefabricated toilet system designed to rethink public design and support students by providing dignified facilities.
At the heart of JMA’s design philosophy is a commitment to crafting refined spaces with understated confidence. The firm excels in delivering architecture that leaves a lasting legacy through meticulous attention to detail, refined materials, and innovative design solutions. Known for its fresh ideas and unique vision, JMA steers clear of a common signature aesthetic in favour of distinctive, bespoke projects.
With a growing portfolio of innovative and impactful projects, JMA continues to influence the industry with their dedication to mindful design. Their work, featured in esteemed publications like Dezeen, Architecture and Interiors, and Design Pataki, not only enriches the lives of those who inhabit their spaces but also advances architectural practices attuned to the challenges of the modern world.
