As a former colony of Portugal, the legacy of the architecture has been impactful. While some claim it is uniquely Goan – such as by Paulo Varela Gomes, an architectural historian, who said that the churches and houses are unique in the world history of architecture. Whatever the verdict, there is an amalgamation of styles and the Portuguese influence is hard to miss. Some of these projects boast of immense value, by looks and by location, surrounded with the tranquillity of a thick green patch of tall trees that forms a therapeutic view for each home.

The façade of most such houses is symmetrical with tripartite divisions. Wooden rafters are a feature very prominent as an origin-based architectural element. The dining and drawing rooms are usually decorated with the element of blue china ceramic azulejos hand-painted tiles. There is much thought that goes into the exterior aesthetic with cornices, balcão arched in shape, corbelling, ornamental arched windows with detailed stucco mouldings, textured stone cladded walls, steep sloping roofs. There are more structured, manicured and curated gardens with pergolas as an outdoor aesthetic feature for shaded seating spaces.

Origin specific elements incorporated in some projects include clever floor plans to optimise space and provide comfort and conviviality; generous glazing allows abundance of sunlight; well-manicured gardens with verdant palms; large wrap around verandas; four sided roofs; glorious front façade, high vaulted ceilings; hand-crafted wrought iron work; sloping wooden rafters; warm lights and glass; natural wood finishes; green, forest and turquoise tones as the colour palette; more vibrant and exuberant tropical elements on the indoors, use of indigenous materials like antique basalt stone, ceramic mosaic tiles, teak wood and cane furniture and braided rope chairs, etc.

Mauritian architecture is typical in its ‘tropical’ style, which enlivens the senses – being primitive and responsive to the local climate, with buildings designed to circulate air. There is a ‘green’ consideration – water-based landscaping and natural, locally-sourced materials taking precedence. It is rejuvenating as it has that vibe of a relaxation: an overall use of light and glass, indoor plants, shading from the sun, protecting from midday intense heat, natural wood finishes and neutral colours. The trademark elements consist of large shaded wrap-around veranda that goes around the house, vaulted ceilings, large windows and four-sided roofs, wooden sculptures and creole art, stone claddings which harmoniously blend with the surrounding and manicured gardens, wrought iron balustrades, decorative cornices. One cannot miss the ornate and intricate handcrafted wrought iron work too.