Architecture Discipline, a New Delhi-based architectural studio, has introduced India’s first mass-timber home in Goa, blending sustainability with cutting-edge design. The sea-facing structure, located on the slopes overlooking the Chapora River in Vagator, features charred wood cladding and incorporates advanced glued laminated timber (glulam) construction techniques.
This innovative project, constructed using 11 glulam portal frames prefabricated in Delhi, represents a significant step towards sustainable architecture in India. Principal architect Akshat Bhatt explained the motivation behind using this material: “The decision to use mass-timber stemmed from a desire to push the boundaries of sustainable construction in India.”
A Unique Sustainable Design
The linear residence is perched on stilts to minimize environmental disruption, with a concrete base and retaining walls providing structural support. This design approach offers protection from moisture while harmonizing with the surrounding lush landscape. Glulam, known for its high strength and low carbon footprint, was chosen for its ability to deliver precision and aesthetic appeal.
Bhatt highlighted the environmental significance of this approach: “Mass-timber has the potential to revolutionize residential design in India by offering a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. Its carbon-sequestering properties and renewable nature make it an ideal solution.”
Functional and Aesthetic Features
The home includes open-plan living areas on the ground level, flanked by large glazing on three sides, ensuring natural light fills the space. The living room extends into an open deck, providing panoramic views of the tropical environment. Upstairs, a mezzanine gallery overlooks the living space, leading to the master bedroom.
The interiors reflect a minimalist approach, featuring white-painted walls, black granite floors, and simple furniture, including leather-upholstered pieces such as an iconic Eames chair. A glass-lined workshop occupies the stilted ground floor, catering to the client’s hobby of woodworking.
The charred timber cladding, created using the traditional Japanese Yakisugi technique, enhances the home’s durability and moisture resistance, making it ideal for Goa’s humid climate.
A Vision for the Future
Bhatt sees this project as a precursor to a broader movement towards sustainable construction in India. “It is time for a revolution. Bold design must be realized with sustainable technology, and small-scale experiments like this can be a catalyst for change,” he remarked.
Architecture Discipline’s accomplishment aligns with global trends of leveraging mass-timber for sustainable development. Recent examples include a timber sports hall at the University of Zurich by Itten+Brechbühl and a visitor center in the Czech Republic by Henkai Architekti.