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The project began with a 160-year-old home in a quaint Goan village. Modest in form, surrounded by fruiting trees and a chicken coop, it had solid bones and charm. The architect reimagined it as her family’s second home - open, light-filled, and rooted in slow living. A new layout encourages connection, while historic elements were preserved. Materials were reused to reduce waste, and the design embraced the existing trees. The home, named Toybox, reflects its playful, family-first spirit and the joy of simple, intentional living.
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A key design principle was to keep the restored house rooted in its local context. No trees were cut, and the original volume and structure were preserved. A new extension was added at the back, keeping the front elevation true to its old form and blending with the village setting. The terracotta tiled roof was retained, along with traditional plaster detailing on the façade. These choices ensured the home stayed visually connected to its surroundings and respected the quiet charm of the village streetscape.
To reduce waste and the eco-footprint, materials were salvaged and reused. Timber and terracotta tiles from the old roof were repurposed; Recovered timber that couldn’t support the structure was reused as flooring. The kitchen table was made from reclaimed trees. Original doors, windows, and metal grills were reused. Added roof insulation improved thermal comfort. New windows brought in light and air, while an internal courtyard ensured airflow to central spaces. All trees were preserved. Laterite was used for its thermal qualities. Toybox was featured in AD India’s Best of Restoration list and won an AD100 India award in 2025.
The project aimed to restore an 160-year old house, where the existing trees and the original form of the existing structure was left mostly unchanged. The historic features of the house were documented and carefully preserved. The old roof was raised and a mezzanine was added to allow for an open-plan living space in a traditionally compartmentalized structure. The spatial layout of the house was changed such that the lofty central space became an open eat-in kitchen with an overlooking mezzanine. The heart of the house that can adapt to the needs of the individual or family as needed. The existing small windows were made larger and new ones were punctured to enhance daylighting and cross ventilation. A large door was added to connect the living room to the verandah, and another to connect the eat-in kitchen with the outside, all with the goal to integrate indoor-outdoor living to the house. We attempted to devise a contemporary interpretation of the notable vernacular elements in Indo-portuguese architecture prevalent in the region. We expanded the ‘balcao’, a typical Goan porch, to create a larger verandah, where the original stone ‘balcao’ seat was carefully dismantled, preserved, and reassembled. We exploded the traditional plaster bands found around the doors and windows in local Goan homes in three-dimension and created a fractal response as architraves around our openings. The interior materials chosen for the restored spaces were rustic that blend with the old and new.
“The vision was to escape city life and give my kids a childhood rooted in nature,” says the architect. “Barefoot in mud, chasing fireflies, under mango trees - like mine once was.” The restored home is open, light-filled, and airy, yet stays true to its historic character—something time cannot replicate
Grounded is an architectural practice pursuing excellence in architectural design and sustainability.
Our design aesthetic ties the rustic-vernacular and contemporary style in perfect balance. We build buildings rooted in sound architectural principles to reconnect with nature and celebrate the simple joys of life. Fresh air, natural light, fertile soil, love and laughter: the essentials of well-being that are too often lost in the chaos of modern living.
As a team of internationally trained architects and project managers, we are able to bring global insights and best practices to our buildings. Using the very best local materials, modern engineering, and expert craftsmanship; we endeavor to remain progressive in our thinking, authentic in our offerings, responsible in our practices, and retain the quiet luxury and joy found in the goodness of nature.
Grounded has been on the AD100 India list for the past four years, has won multiple awards and has been widely published.
https://www.buildgrounded.com/...
