A single-level boutique resort in Goa is nearing completion, designed by Sanjay Puri Architects. Mr. Puri shared few images of construction stage in his LinkedIn profile .The project sets itself apart with an unconventional construction approach: it is built almost entirely in ferrocement, using only a fine steel mesh as reinforcement, eliminating the heavy reliance on structural steel that typically defines hospitality developments.
Ferrocement as the Core Material
Ferrocement, a composite material consisting of cement mortar applied over a thin steel mesh framework, has long been explored for its lightweight yet durable properties. Unlike conventional reinforced concrete, which requires large quantities of rebar, ferrocement achieves strength and formability with minimal steel usage. Its thin sections allow for highly flexible design possibilities, especially for shell-like or capsule structures.
In this project, Sanjay Puri Architects employed ferrocement to create capsule-shaped units that are both lightweight and self-supporting. Each capsule forms the shell of an individual room, with the mesh acting as the skeletal frame and the cement mortar providing rigidity and finish.
Capsule Rooms Opening into Water
The resort’s masterplan has been designed so that each room functions as an independent capsule unit. Once complete, the capsules will open directly into a fluid pool system, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor spatial experience. The water circulation has been integrated into the overall planning, making the pool an extension of the living environment rather than a separate feature.
This approach brings together architecture, engineering, and landscape design into a singular expression. By avoiding heavy vertical load-bearing elements and relying on ferrocement shells, the project achieves both openness and intimacy in its spatial arrangement.
Minimal Steel, Maximum Expression
What distinguishes this project is its radical reduction in steel usage. By depending only on a steel mesh for reinforcement, the construction avoids the environmental and economic costs of conventional rebar-heavy concrete systems. The ferrocement capsules demonstrate how resource efficiency can coexist with architectural innovation.
The minimalistic steel use also allows for smoother curves and organic forms, making the overall structure appear more fluid and sculptural. This reflects a growing trend in experimental architecture where material efficiency and artistic expression intersect.
Beyond construction, the project positions itself at the intersection of art, design, and engineering. Each capsule is not just a functional room but also a sculpted form, designed to harmonize with the water system that surrounds it. The ferrocement shells emphasize continuity, flexibility, and economy—principles that are increasingly relevant in sustainable resort design.
By adopting ferrocement as the primary construction material, the resort aligns with alternative building technologies that reduce heavy reliance on conventional concrete and steel. This choice highlights how architecture in coastal India is exploring lightweight, adaptable, and cost-efficient methods that suit the local environment.
As the boutique resort nears completion, it exemplifies how innovative construction can redefine hospitality design.The finished project will offer a distinctive guest experience, reflecting Sanjay Puri Architects’ vision and the promise of alternative construction techniques in India’s coastal resorts.
Image- linkedin.com
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