Taj Yellow House is a heritage hotel designed by Morphogenesis in Goa

Susegad. You’ve probably heard that word peppered into every other conversation about Goa from its laidback beaches to its leisurely balcaos. But much like other aspects of heritage, this cherished notion is also an idea that needs our attention. “Restoration is crucial for cultural sustainability,” outlines Sonali Rastogi, Principal Designer of Morphogenesis who recently revived an old Portuguese villa into a bijou hotel for the Taj group called The Yellow House.

“One of the key steps was ensuring that our interventions were an extension of the existing design language and well-suited to the context,” says Sonali about their vision. Morphogenesis carefully studied the history and the construction techniques of the older built form to bring forth the vernacular essence, or keep the Susegad alive, as it were.

An old Portuguese bungalow was the starting point for the Yellow House; Photograph courtesy Morphogenesis

The heritage elements like the tiled roof and the pointed arch windows were carefully restored; Photograph by Avesh Gaur

The Yellow House, now a hotel by the Taj group, evokes nostalgia while still offering contemporary comforts; Photograph by Avesh Gaur

An environment for heritage

Instead of starting from a tabula rasa, Morphogenesis took an environmentally conscious approach. By integrating the 53,820 sq ft structure within the existing undulating terrain, they reduced excavation and maintained a low height form characteristic of the older envelope.

Instead of starting from a blank slate, the historic structure was given a new life; Photograph courtesy Morphogenesis

By preserving the character of the built form, Morphogenesis adds to Goa’s rich cultural heritage; Photograph by Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)

In its new avatar, the Yellow House is a bijou hotel owned by the Taj group; Photograph by Avesh Gaur

This sensitivity to the environment extends to other parts of the hotel as well. “The design encourages social interaction while preserving cultural heritage,” elaborates Sonali. A spa to the east of the existing property and a contemporary wing with suites to the west hosts gardens and courts. Three spacious bedrooms within the original structure were refurbished and converted into suites while the guestroom block is oriented to harbour the coveted north light, balancing luxury and energy efficiency.

Though run-down over the years, the villa offered an unparalleled nostalgic charm reminiscent of old Goa; Photograph courtesy Morphogenesis

The architects preserved the low-lying form thereby situating the new hotel within its context; Photograph by Avesh Gaur

The new and the old coexist within the terrain left relatively untouched during construction; Photograph by Avesh Gaur

Elements of nostalgia

“Our intent with the design was to capture the Goan spirit while evoking a sense of nostalgia for the past,” says the architect whose team consisted of Neelu Dhar, Nishtha Dewan, Dhamini Bansal and Stuti Jasoria. Preserving the villa’s character, the designers took to restoring and creating spaces that channel its intimate scale and architectural quality. They extended the courtyard into a communal lounge centred around a tree, blurring the line between public and private spaces. The restaurant offers indoor and al fresco dining areas, while the suites are enveloped in greenery with serene vistas into the bucolic landscape.

The trussed roof over the bar was brought back to life and ornamental mouldings, terracotta tiles and arched windows make the hotel appear right out of a sepia polaroid (albeit with a lot more modern luxuries). “Coexistence is key to this process. Over time, architecture inevitably ages, and not all of it will endure for a century. However, it is essential to define a contextually sustainable strategy for architectural renewal and replacement,” says Sonali.

Climatically conscious features like jaali walls help the Yellow House not only fit within the historic fabric but also within its environmental context; Photograph courtesy Morphogenesis

A play of light and shadow enlivens the central atrium; Photograph by Avesh Gaur

A central water feature connects all the floors while breaking the monotony of circulation; Photograph by Avesh Gaur

A vernacular touch

Rattan screens, bespoke furniture crafted by local artisans, and vibrant colour palettes create an inviting atmosphere within the Yellow House. The all-day dining area features mirrored walls that add depth to the space while the wall of the bar sports exquisite green Udaipur stone. Custom brass lamps and antique mirrors add a mystical touch. Explaining the vernacular touches in the design, Sonali adds, “In a poetic departure from conventional design, jaali patterns were added to the corridors in the guestroom block, creating a dramatic interplay of light and shadow.”

The old villa sported segmental and pointed arches with ornate stained glass tympana; Photograph courtesy Morphogenesis

The dining space in the new hotel harkens back to the intimate scale of the older bungalow. The mirrors on the wall add depth and mystery to the space; Photograph by Avesh Gaur

Cosy and nostalgic, the Yellow House not only captures the Susegad spirit but also nurtures it for the future; Photograph by Avesh Gaur

Often restoration and climate consciousness are seen as two separate schools of thought. But design rarely operates in silos. “Design should complement existing architecture, utilising materials and forms that respect the context,” says the architect. Over the course of the design process, an architect wears many hats. However, the role that is most crucial is the responsibility towards the built and natural environment.

The two are not on opposing sides of the spectrum of architectural design but are in fact, correlated. “Adaptive reuse of existing structures can reduce buildings’ environmental impact while fostering community interaction through meaningful spaces,” avers the Founding Partner of Morphogenesis, “While certain materials and design elements may appeal to a wider audience, it is imperative to respect the existing character of the building. Achieving a balance between innovation and preservation is essential for success.”

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