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Nestled in the heart of Giri Sangolda, Goa, Villa Selene stands as an architectural masterpiece designed by Kapil Razdan and Seema Pandey, co-founders of Arquite. This magnificent villa, spanning 16,000 square feet, is a testament to the concept of architecture as a living organism, harmoniously blending with its natural surroundings.
Villa Selene's unique layout is characterised by open axial corridors and central courtyards, which allow for a continuous visual connection with the outdoors. This design philosophy, inspired by the idea of perceiving architecture as a living organism that responds to the land, seasons, and elements of nature, ensures that the boundaries between the exteriors and interiors seem to dissolve.
The villa's built form is designed to "breathe" or adapt to its surroundings, with the modular pavilion structure fragmenting the villa to preserve the natural environment. This approach emphasises harmony with nature, a theme further reinforced by the incorporation of landscaped water elements that provide visual and sensory integration with the surroundings.
The material palette of Villa Selene combines modern industrial aesthetics with organic warmth. Brick-clad walls and exposed concrete are balanced by warm wooden elements, creating a harmonious blend of raw and natural textures that resonate with the environment. This balance enhances the sense of connection with nature, reflecting both durability and natural warmth.
Two central courtyards in Villa Selene are designed to preserve existing trees and form the home's core. These courtyards, along with the open axial corridors, facilitate a fluid connection to the landscape, allowing the surrounding environment to guide the villa's layout and seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces.
In summary, Villa Selene's key features include a 16,000 sq ft footprint with open corridors and courtyards facilitating a fluid connection to the landscape, the use of natural materials such as brick, exposed concrete, and wood, balancing industrial design with organic warmth, and the integration of landscaped water features that enhance natural harmony and environmental responsiveness.
Together, these elements embody architecture that lives in synergy with its setting, reflecting an approach where the built environment is an extension of nature rather than a disruption. Villa Selene stands as an architectural ode to grandeur, a testament to the power of thoughtful design and its ability to create a harmonious balance between human habitation and the natural world.
Villa Selene's unique lifestyle integrates its indoor spaces with the garden landscapes, with open axial corridors and central courtyards designed to seamlessly blend the exteriors and interiors. The home-and-garden design philosophy is further highlighted by the incorporation of water elements and the choice of natural materials, such as brick, exposed concrete, and wood, that reflect a harmonious balance with nature.
