Red Earth Architects

In a world steadily shifting toward steel and concrete, Red Earth Architects offers a refreshing return to nature. Founded by Ar. Shayari Navelkar and Ar. Saachi Tari—both graduates of Goa College of Architecture, class of 2018—the Goa-based firm champions sustainability, local materials, and a deep connection to the land. After gaining three years of field experience, the duo established their practice with a shared belief: architecture should be grounded, context-sensitive, and harmonious with its surroundings.

The Philosophy: Design That Breathes

At Red Earth Architects, design is more than form and function—it’s philosophy in practice. Shayari and Saachi design with the land, not against it. Their projects are rooted in a commitment to use local resources, integrate natural elements like trees, and minimise the built footprint. The firm’s approach favours homes and spaces that blend into the landscape rather than dominate it, often incorporating renovation work to restore and preserve old Goan houses.

This philosophy leads to homes that feel alive— structures that breathe, adapt, and contribute positively to their environment.

Notable Projects: Architecture in Harmony with Nature

One of their standout projects, Swim Up in Vagator, showcases their ethos in action. The cottages are carefully nestled among existing trees, using fabrication techniques to reduce construction waste and environmental impact. The result is a retreat that treads lightly on the land while offering immersive, tranquil experiences.

Another landmark project is The Courtyard House in Saipem. Built from locally sourced stone and finished with lime plaster inside, this single-level home reveals its raw beauty through unplastered exterior walls. The home’s breathable materials promote better air quality, blending aesthetics with wellness.

Red Earth also designed the Yoga Pavilion in Pilerne, located within an eco-friendly resort. Constructed with compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEB), the mud structure reflects their belief in using on-site materials and preserving craft techniques.

In more urban contexts, projects like Haus of Caffeine in Mapusa and Marai in Arpora stand out. While Haus of Caffeine uses green tones and open layouts to create a calming café experience, Marai—a restaurant and lifestyle store—employs a central courtyard surrounded by greenery to promote slow living and sensory connection.

The Role of Technology: Visualising with Clarity

Red Earth Architects successfully merges tradition with technology. Their in-house team produces 3D renders for each project, ensuring clients receive a clear, immersive preview of their spaces before construction begins. This visual clarity aids decisionmaking, aligns expectations, and streamlines the design process.

Sustainability as Practice, Not Trend

Sustainability lies at the heart of every Red Earth project. The firm consistently opts for materials like stone, mud, and reclaimed components. One standout method they employ is rammed earth construction, a traditional, concrete-free technique that yields strong, natural walls. They also use breathable finishes like lime and mud plaster, enhancing air quality and thermal comfort.

This conscious approach not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters healthier living environments—both physically and emotionally.

Working with Clients: Listening and Co-Creation

Red Earth’s client collaboration begins with a detailed mood board presentation. This stage aligns budget, aesthetics, and vision before design execution begins. By setting transparent expectations early on, they ensure each space reflects the client's aspirations while remaining true to their own design integrity.

The Wellness of Space

The architects strongly believe that design influences well-being. Natural light, ventilation, and access to greenery are all fundamental to their spatial planning. Every Red Earth structure emphasises flow and openness, helping occupants feel connected— not confined.

Challenges and Realities

Despite their clear vision, the architects face challenges. Chief among them is sourcing skilled labor for traditional construction techniques. As concrete continues to dominate the mainstream market, preserving the use of time-tested, natural materials becomes increasingly difficult—and costly.

Looking Ahead: Reuse and Regeneration

Shayari and Saachi are excited by future trends that focus on material reuse and passive design. Integrating nature with built form, while harnessing technology to reduce energy consumption, forms the basis of their forward-looking strategy. They envision architecture that isn’t just sustainable, but regenerative.

Words to the Next Generation

Their advice to aspiring architects is both grounded and forward-thinking: design with empathy and awareness. Honour the client's vision, but do so with responsibility—prioritise breathable materials, respect the local context, and embrace passive solutions.

Conclusion

Red Earth Architects is more than a firm—it’s a movement. A quiet, persistent reminder that architecture can be intuitive, eco-conscious, and deeply human. With their grounded philosophy and evolving practice, Shayari Navelkar and Saachi Tari are helping reshape the built landscape of Goa—one earth-friendly wall at a time.