Architecture Discipline, a studio based in New Delhi, has unveiled India’s first mass-timber house, located in the coastal state of Goa. This pioneering home, featuring charred-wood cladding, marks a significant step forward in sustainable construction in the country. The residence, constructed using 11 glued laminated timber (glulam) portal frames, is described by the architects as a first in India.
The glulam, a high-strength timber known for its low carbon footprint, was selected for the project in a bid to push the boundaries of sustainable architecture. The home sits at the highest point of a steep site in Vagator, near the Chapora River, and is perched on stilts with concrete retaining walls to minimise its impact on the land. This foundation choice also helps protect the structure from moisture and capillary action.
The glulam frames, prefabricated in Delhi and assembled on-site in Goa, were integral to the home’s swift construction. According to principal architect Akshat Bhatt, the use of prefabrication allowed for precise assembly, reducing the overall construction time compared to traditional methods. The result is a structure that blends modernity with a sense of rootedness, combining aesthetic appeal and environmental responsibility.
The home’s open-plan living space is designed to maximise natural light, with glazing on three sides of the structure providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The interior features a minimalist design with simple leather-upholstered furniture, including an Eames chair, and a white-and-black colour palette that highlights the raw beauty of the timber frames.
A mezzanine level overlooks the living area and leads to the master bedroom, while the ground level is home to a private wood workshop for the client. The exterior of the house is finished with Yakisugi, a Japanese technique that involves charring wood to enhance its durability and moisture resistance, ideal for Goa’s tropical climate.
Bhatt believes that mass timber could become a game-changer in Indian residential design. He emphasises the material’s environmental benefits, such as its carbon-sequestering properties and renewable nature, making it an ideal alternative to traditional building materials. With growing awareness of the environmental impact of construction, this innovative home could be the catalyst for widespread change in the industry.
