Vacation Homes: Tropical & Serene
I design holiday homes that transform a getaway into a sanctuary. From tropical Goan villas to Lonavala retreats, I focus on seamless indoor-outdoor flow using honest, local materials.
An exterior view of the 'Sand Tales' villa in Goa, designed as a home away from home. The classic architecture with its arched verandah and poolside setting creates a perfect environment to unwind and find solace.
In this Goan dining space, we used natural materials like reclaimed wood, rattan, and earthy Shahbad stone flooring. The interiors are designed to blend in with the context, creating a calm and authentic atmosphere that feels connected to its location.
A cast in-situ bar table in grey concrete sets the mood for this verandah sit-out. Paired with cane chairs and matching hanging lights, it becomes a relaxed and stylish spot for enjoying the tropical evenings by the pool.
The 'Red Haus' is a four-bedroom villa in Lonavala defined by its exaggerated cantilevered forms and textured terracotta red walls. These architectural choices give the home a distinct identity that is both modern and deeply connected to the earth.
Another view of the 'Red Haus', showcasing its bold red forms against the lush green landscape and private pool. The design emphasizes a strong connection to the outdoors, with large openings and natural materials.
Inside the 'Red Haus', a double-height living room and open-plan layout create a seamless, transparent space. The master bedroom overlooks the living area, enhancing the sense of connection and openness throughout the villa.
The entryway to the 'Red Haus' features a striking pitched roof and large openings that frame the lush surroundings. The combination of brick, terracotta, and welcoming trees makes this villa feel like a warm and inviting home.
The terrace of the 'Red Haus' is a space designed for connection, perfect for enjoying evening sunsets with coffee. Surrounded by bougainvilleas, it’s a simple yet beautiful extension of the living area, blurring the lines between inside and out.
This video of the 'Red Haus' shows how the house is designed to look from the inside out. Multiple styles of openings frame the lush landscape, turning views into picturesque moments and making nature a constant companion.
About Vacation Homes: Tropical & Serene
My approach to vacation homes centers on blurring the lines between inside and out. In my Lonavala projects, for instance, I use large openings and terracotta walls to make the surrounding landscape a constant companion, rather than just a view you look at through a pane of glass.
A vacation home should be a relief from the city, not a continuation of its pace. When I work on holiday retreats, I start by asking how the house breathes. In my 'Red Haus' project in Lonavala, the design relied on exaggerated cantilevered forms and textured terracotta walls to establish a grounded identity. I used double-height living spaces to maintain a transparent, seamless layout that lets the residents move effortlessly from the sofa to the pool terrace.
For my Goan projects like 'Sand Tales', the brief is usually about solace. I prioritize local materials—reclaimed wood for warmth, rattan for texture, and cool-to-touch Shahbad stone flooring. These choices are intentional; they coexist with the humid, coastal context rather than fighting against it.
I do not use false ceilings or heavy, air-conditioned boxes. Instead, I favor architectural track lighting, exposed structural elements, and masonry work that feels permanent and authentic. Whether it is a bar sit-out on a verandah or a quiet bedroom nook overlooking the trees, my goal is to create a structure that settles into its environment, inviting you to slow down and stay a while.
Studio Nishita Kamdar
I am an architect who views every home as a narrative. I work with local artisans to build spaces that feel like a quiet escape, whether it is a villa in Goa or a retreat in Lonavala.
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