My Big Plunge

Architecture, they say, begins where engineering ends. It is among the most important arts that is constantly in the public eye, making it the perfect platform to introduce great elements of style and substance. With edifices remaining timeless reminders of culture and heritage, much thought and planning must go into the design elements; after all, they define the structure for what it is. Some of Isprava’s core elements may resonate well with architectural marvels from around the world, finds this article that appeared in My Big Plunge.

PORTUGUESE ARCHITECTURE

Goa’s Portuguese heritage brings to the fore a cultural melange, frozen in time with the architecture around. It is a combination of Indian, Islamic and Portuguese styles. Incorporating Italian and Portuguese classical facades, Hindu verandahs and courtyards, and an identity that is distinctly regional.

The iconic Portuguese-style bungalow mansion, with its wrought-iron balconies, shady front balcãos (pillared porches), oyster-shell windows and central saquãos (inner courtyards) give the homes a sense of spatial and cultural luxury

MOSAIC TILING

While designing homes, architects look to make each unique; with lines of precision, hints of extravagance, a burst of character and aesthetics that aren’t repeated. One element that elevates the bespoke nature of these homes is the floor of luxury one sets foot upon — namely, the handmade tiles.

Concepts and personalities define the thought process behind selecting mosaic tiles. While selecting tiles, bear in mind that they get together to form a canvas on the floor blending colours and patterns, thus brightening a room. Keep in mind climate, context and changing lifestyles, to embody a colour palette that resonates with the identity of the residents.

TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

Homes made from concrete while in abundance, tend to lack the depth of character that traditional construction techniques exude. If one were to look back at why heritage homes seem so charming, the answer—while partially lying with stylistic elements—lies with the logistics and the clever and efficient use of them. Using natural, indigenous building materials such as brick, laterite, wood, and laterite-clay tile, along with traditional load-bearing construction techniques, homes radiate an authentic feel, that stand the test of time. This lets even a highly contemporary architectural work seem like a stunning, heritage property.

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS

Increasingly today, architects are briefed by clients to do their bit to be eco-friendly. The importance of sustainability and the need to be sensitive to one’s surroundings are cornerstones of eco-conscious design. A luxurious house can do its bit for the environment too almost nonchalantly. Isprava homes, for instance, incorporate a series of measures to reduce carbon footprints wherever possible. From solar panelling, and rain water harvesting solutions, to using aesthetics in aged wood and antique furniture to give a green and classic finish, we use a lot of options to make sure that luxury isn’t enjoyed at the cost of natural resources. We also attempt, wherever possible, to use natural alternatives to commonly-used chemicals.

HIGH CEILINGS

Luxury comes in various shapes and sizes, and when spoken of in the same vein as architecture, the opportunities are immense. The sky may be the limit but with architecture, one has to often add a ceiling to the boundless luxury at our disposal. Yet a ceiling can hardly be looked at as a hurdle in the design process. Increasingly city homes are losing ceiling height, making the homes far more congested than they ought to be. Luxurious homes as well, tend to fall to the builder’s limitations of height and width. A good architect would ensure there is at least the illusion of height, if not for height itself. High ceilings improve the lighting of a home and give it more air to breathe. They make homes look bigger than they are, making it a great luxury that will stand the test of time.

MINIMAL AND ELEGANT

Luxury need not always lead to opulence. A tastefully done home can look elegant even without metaphorically screaming out a price tag. Understated sophistication with minimal interiors, exude matchless class while preserving the warmth and intimacy that come from a well-settled home. Choose elegance over extravagance, always. Let the architecture and the interiors seem like they have a story to tell and not a bill to broadcast.