Terra Firma
|Architecture|Permaculture|Interiors|Restoration & Renovation|Eco Techniques|
ABOUT THE FIRM
Ar Hyacinth Pinto
Principal Architect
Ecologically sensitive architectural design with specialisation in alternate building techniques. Artistic and functional detailing for enhancing the aesthetics of the already well-proportioned built form.
Specialties: Cost-effective construction materials and methodologies, mud construction, bamboo construction, knock-down construction, non-intrusive coastal design solutions, landscape design, artworks related to projects and interiors.
ABOUT ME
Practicing since 1987, in the field of architecture and construction, with a strong focus on ecological sensitivity, structural strength and properties of material in design as well as execution so as to utilise the same to the optimum thus achieving cost effectiveness as well as optimal resource consumption. I use material optimally to get desired results with minimal waste of material as well as finance.
PORTFOLIO
Private NRI family holiday home.
Material used was recycled from original house as well as other heritage homes that were torn down to give way to modern dwelling styles.
The house was resold after an RCC slab was cast over the dining area, with a large square hole left in it presumably for the staircase. For some unknown reason, the original buyers had forsaken the project and decided to sell it to a British couple. They required a large ensuite master bedroom with a gym attached, and two bedrooms for their offspring, a retiring room cum study near the kitchen, a large dining room and a fully outfitted kitchen.
"Lighting the way" was one of the 45 interactive installation put up for the Story of Light festival in Goa supported by UNESCO. The architect collaborated with the artist to put up a life size maze comprising of ply boards, glass and mirrors, on the beach. It was made to create awareness about turtle nesting and the hazards they face due to light pollution. http://thestoryoflight.org/ http://www.light2015.org/Home/About/Latest-News/August2014/Story_of_Light_Festival.html
Built for an NRI couple. They wanted the home to double up as guest house to their large Gujarati clan who would be visiting Goa frequently. Each floor has 2 ensuite bedrooms and the possibility of an additional room with sliding partition in the main living spill-out area. Each room has its own balcony affording views of the seashore on one side and the backdrop of hills on the rear.The living area at entry is split in 3 levels, with lounge, bar opening onto BBQ area & guest room.
The first eco-friendly tourist cottages in Goa.Built entirely of material sourced from the site and the local environs, these cottages blend with the surroundings. The site was barren and only had coconut trees on terraced slopes,however it now boasts a lush landscape primarily because of the eco-toilet system developed especially for the project. Bamboo, jungle poles, recycled doors, windows, banisters and columns, granite poles, mud, rubble stone, etc are the building material used.
Lifeguard Shelters for Goa : Pilot project Calangute
The premier micro distillery in Asia that produces Agave spirits that equal those in Mexico made famous as 'tequila'. Check out DesmondJi.com for details of this spirit and find out where you can taste them!