Set on a verdant, sloping site overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Timber Residence in Vagator, Goa, pioneers the use of mass timber in India, setting a precedent for progressive, sustainable architecture in the region.

Designed for the co-founder of India’s largest e-commerce logistics company, the home follows a focused, linear form elevated on stilts to preserve the site’s natural contours and minimise environmental impact. The superstructure comprises eleven prefabricated glulam portal frames, enabling efficient assembly with minimal site disruption. A pitched roof with a continuous skylight enhances airflow, while expansive glazing fills the interiors with natural light. The open-plan layout allows flexibility, with a floating metal deck offering sweeping views of the Arabian Sea.

The interior design embraces material authenticity, featuring exposed timber frames, black granite flooring, and minimalist furnishing. Clad in yakisugi-treated charred timber panels, the façade is both resilient and striking – designed to age gracefully. A zinc-clad, projecting kitchen volume adds playful contrast to the linear built form. Thoughtfully integrated with its surroundings, the home includes kitchen gardens, a private wood workshop and an outdoor exercise pool.

The residence balances innovation with sustainability, setting a new benchmark for mass timber construction in India and demonstrating its potential as a viable, eco-conscious alternative to conventional building materials.

Photography: Studio Charuau, WIP Image Credits_Ranjan Sharma