Funded by earnings of foreign-settled expatriates and local landlords, these homes show Italian classical features in their facades. His study looks at the elements that went into the making of large Goan houses, including typical flooring, windows and doors, false ceilings, gateposts and compound walls. Over many months, he and a team of architects and others, have put together an extensive study of 150 prominent houses in the state. After concluding an exhibition at the Portuguese-run Orient Foundation, he plans to publish his findings in a book. Goan early migrants to different parts of the globe, including Africa, brought back influences from far and wide.
Some houses show murals of zebras from Kenya and plants from other areas of the dark continent.
Goa's larger homes are also known for their elaborate gate- posts. Some have soldiers and lions in stone guarding the gates. Goan houses work in a very common language. Goa had access to laterite, which allowed very good moulding. Glass came into Goa only in 1890, and then too, it was very costly.