Designing a house in Goa: Series Part 8 : Contemporising the Goan ‘balcao’

In-built seats are one of my favorite features to design across projects. In-built seats truly capture the ‘sussegad’ spirit of Goa, where afternoons are meant for relaxing in shaded verandahs, napping in the afternoon breeze and enjoying the company of friends and music in the evenings!

In-built seats offer transition spaces for indoor and outdoor living. These are all interpretations of the traditional ‘balcao’ that is so integral to Goan architecture and is seen present in the old Portuguese houses in Goa. The ‘balcao’ emphasizes the importance of enjoying nature and the good life. The images are examples of in-built seats across our projects.

Photography: Sanjeet Wahi

Balcao from front entrance at House of Three Pavilions

Outdoor seating at the House of Three Pavilions

References of traditional balcao

Outdoor seating at the House of Three Pavilions

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