Perched majestically atop a cliff, overlooking the vast expanse of the ocean, lies this marvel of contemporary architecture?a 12,000 square feet Goan abode that defies convention and embraces the allure of its natural surroundings. Designed by the visionary team at FADD Studio, led by co-founders Farah Ahmed and Dhaval Shellugar, this residence stands as a clear example to understated sophistication and meticulous craftsmanship.

Upon entering the double-height foyer, bathed in the warm glow of natural sunlight filtering through the skylight, one is immediately struck by the grandeur of the space. Stretching out before you is a sweeping wrap-around staircase, reminiscent of ancient Indian stepwells, adorned with solid teak rafters lining the ceilings. Yet, amidst this vastness, a sense of serenity pervades, with pale walls and shafts of sunlight casting ethereal shadows throughout thanks to the expansive windows.

As one traverses the corridors and living spaces, subtle design details begin to reveal themselves, weaving a narrative of understated elegance. The pale, cement-finish walls, infused with hues of light beige and limestone nude, provide a canvas for the interplay of light and shadow. The terrazzo treads of the staircase seamlessly blend with the light-taupe flooring, echoing the angular architecture that maximizes ocean views.

Soon after the visitors absorbs the tranquil atmosphere, subtle design elements begin to captivate. The soft hues of the pale, cement-finish walls reveal a delicate blend of light beige and limestone nude tones. The wooden wrap-around staircase, crafted from gentle ash wood, forms an understated synergy with the terrazzo treads, mirroring the light-taupe terrazzo flooring throughout the space. These details may go unnoticed until one ascends the staircase. The ceiling rafters and bays, echoing the angular architecture of the home, dynamically adjust to optimize breathtaking ocean views.

In the living and dining areas, strategic lighting choices illuminate the space, infusing warmth and vibrancy into the monochromatic palette. A necklace-inspired chandelier, adorned with hand-blown glass orbs, adds a pop of color to the living area, contrasting with the teal Arflex sofa below. While in the family room, sleek pendant lights disperse warmth, creating a cozy ambiance amidst shades of light grey and white.

In contrast to the nearby areas, the dining room stands out with its dark hued furniture choices. The designers pair a grey ceramic-top dining table with black chairs, accentuating them against the vibrant green quartzite of the buffet unit nearby, thus providing a valuable design tip to us- to balance dark furniture and maintain a minimalist feel, choose sleek surfaces that bounce light. Glossy ceramic vases and metallic pendant lights further enhance this effect in the space.

Moving onto the private spaces, in the main bedroom on the first floor, a striking custom headboard steals the show, crafted from three distinct rectangles of grey Sadarali stone, black granite, and wood. Complementing this centrepiece, the facing wall is adorned with rough stone, adding to the room’s rustic charm. Outside, the main balcony features a captivating concrete spiral staircase set against a vibrant black stone mosaic floor.

And as for the other bedrooms the terrazzo flooring extends into the center, cohesively transitioning into a rectangular wooden floor. This unique flooring design, comprising two shades of terrazzo and wood separated by a gilded border, not only blends materials creatively but also serves as a practical means of defining different areas within the space.

Perched on the edge of ancient hills, amidst the soothing sound of waves and the hustle of a nearby airport, the ‘house on a cliff’ embodies a blend of tranquil nostalgia and contemporary design. With expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, the spacious interiors and muted tones seamlessly merges with lush gardens, offering cozy living spaces that overlook the scenic hills and azure waters of Dabolim, Goa.