At Grounded, we design villas in Goa that embrace the cultural roots of the state. Each of our projects reflects the essence of living in Goa, connecting with the rich heritage and slow, peaceful ‘Sussegad’ lifestyle. You’ll find home objects familiar to Goa in every corner of our designs, from rooster-shaped water jugs to coconut shell spoons and charming terracotta figurines. 

To find these unique artifacts we love to go treasure hunting at the special Friday market of Mapusa in North Goa. A labyrinth of streets, the market is filled with local flavor and vigor. Village ladies travel from all over Goa to sell their wares, local produce, and home-cooked goodies. 

mapusa market, north goa

In the bylanes, there is a section dedicated to the local terracotta pottery only on Fridays. Along with the famous Goan terracotta roof figurines, one can find other lovely pieces of pottery like terracotta wall hangings, Ghumotts (terracotta musical instruments), piggy banks, pots, and a lot more. It is the pinnacle of local arts and crafts. The collection keeps changing as new designs and new pieces are made. Every item is handmade, showcasing craftsmanship and offering a glimpse into the traditional Goan way of life.

Terracotta pottery and figurines

Whether you’re looking for unique Goan home décor or simply want to immerse yourself in retail therapy, this market is a must-visit for finding Goan treasures in North Goa. Everything from local pottery to everyday life is available here in one place. 

Read more about the Mapusa market here. 

Read about the significance of Terracotta Figurines. 

During a recent visit to HH Art Spaces in Aldona, Goa opened in 2014, I saw the ‘Déjà vu’ exhibition, which was a part of a few live performances. This exhibition, photographed by Shivani Gupta, with a focus on performances using masks as props beautifully captured the essence of live performances. The photographs preserved the emotions and energy of the performances, allowing viewers to engage with themes of identity and change even after the live acts ended. One photograph of the exhibit particularly stood out to me, it was Farah Naz Moon’s performance with a green paper sheet.

In this simple piece Called 'How to live together?’, the artist held a large sheet of green paper that moved with her breath and the wind, seemingly merging her with the background. The paper gently covered her face, blurring her identity while locating her presence in the space. Like she was becoming one with her surroundings, not by disappearing but by blending into the context around her.

How to live together?

This reminded me of our architectural practice- Grounded in Goa. When we design villas in Goa, especially with projects that engage with the natural beauty of the land like the House with Three Pavilions and Nivim, we strive for something similar. Architecture that doesn’t dominate but complements. We don’t hide the building behind metaphorical paper sheets, but we design in a way that responds to the environment. 

Spaces that belong

HH Art Spaces

If you're in Goa and love art, be sure to visit HH Art Spaces in Aldona. Located beside a beautiful St. Thomas’ Church with a stunning view, they showcase exhibitions that bring together contemporary art and performance. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts, young artists, and art collectors looking to explore something unique.

St. Thomas’ Church

The upcoming project of sister villas, The Terracotta House and the Indigo House are taking shape on-site. Set in the Pomburpa Village in Goa, the houses are designed to connect with the land with an ecological design, enjoyed barefoot with the calm interactions of nature. To experience the outcome's look and feel, here’s our material palette.

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The selection and finalization of materials is an important and lengthy design process. Colors and textures define the space. The feel and the vibe we experience are a product of it. Terracotta house is earthy and serene with warm tones, harmonizing the interiors and exterior. Indigo House is calm with quiet views of water, and tones of blue merging with the view.

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