Celestially inspired, environmentally grounded in Goa

Beautiful Homes: Can you tell us about the idea behind the Moon House?

Madhav Sattanathan: In late 2013, I embarked on a search for a residence that would serve as our family vacation home in Goa. Recognizing that a home transcends generations, I prioritised quality above all else. Eventually, we stumbled upon a piece of land in Siolim, a lush, tropical paradise, and we instantly knew it was the ideal location to construct our home. I firmly believe that the essence of a house stems from its construction, as homes not only reflect our lifestyle but also carry our legacy forward. 

BH: How did you narrow down the architect and the aesthetic style?

MS: I held meetings with several architects in search of someone who comprehended our aesthetic vision and the significance of our home. It was during this process that we crossed paths with Amita and Vikrant, both alumni of the AA School of Architecture in London and the founders of SAV Architecture & Design, based in Goa. After weeks of careful consideration, they presented us with a comprehensive 92-page concept. This document meticulously addressed every aspect, including factors like sun and wind patterns, as well as techniques to employ various steps and layers in order to maintain a balanced scale and prevent the creation of an imposing and overwhelming structure. We couldn't have chosen anyone with a more attuned sensibility for our project.

BH: How are the design elements unique to Moon House?

MS: The Moon House skillfully combines a blend of well-studied design styles, drawing inspiration from architectural luminaries like Frank Lloyd Wright's organic architecture, Geoffrey Bawa's tropical architecture, and the principles of Bauhaus. We made a conscious effort to minimise the use of straight lines, promoting a natural airflow throughout the structure. Curved walls, louvered panels, and suspended hallways are incorporated to ensure spaces are not only naturally ventilated but also maintain a strong connection with the outdoors. In a similar vein, indoor gardens and sunroofs are strategically positioned to harness sunlight, while water features are employed to naturally cool the surrounding areas. The entire house is designed with an inward-facing layout, allowing for easy visibility from one space to another, creating a fluid and open environment while simultaneously preserving privacy without isolation.

BH: What kind of materials did you choose to build this house?

MS: The aesthetic of Geoffrey Bawa plays a pivotal role in our design, exemplified by the overarching theme of Tropical Modernism evident throughout the house. We empowered a local workforce, enabling them to work with familiar materials in novel formats, resulting in sculptural walls, double-height ceiling installations, and precision flooring and lighting. Aluminum strips were used for all expansion joints, creating geometric symmetry and distinguishing between various levels, or "layers" as we prefer to call them. We incorporated the use of Ecotect software to meticulously track sun and wind patterns, allowing us to plan the play of natural light and its accompanying shadows. The Moon House boasts pioneering Schüco doors and windows, marking their debut in India. My admiration for Laurie Baker, celebrated for his endeavors in cost-effective, energy-efficient architecture that optimizes space, ventilation, and natural light, greatly influenced me.