Momentz, a premier wedding venue located in Bicholim, Goa, designed by architect Sumedh Naik, effortlessly blends indoor and outdoor event spaces to offer versatile and weather-resistant options for celebrations. Crafted by Elements Design Studio, the project addresses the challenges posed by Goa’s monsoon season through innovative structural solutions. Featuring a tensile fabric roofing system supported by a structural steel frame, the venue preserves the site’s original terraces while providing ample space for various event configurations.
Adaptive Design
The initial design for the venue was an open-air wedding space, a popular choice for Goa’s tropical climate. However, the region’s erratic monsoon season presented a significant challenge. Unpredictable monsoon rains and limited covered space caused client anxiety during wedding ceremonies. The key was to create a venue that could adapt to the weather patterns. Clients desired a solution that would allow them to utilise the same dance floor and infrastructure for both indoor and outdoor events.
Designing Momentz Wedding Venue was a rewarding experience with several key takeaways. Understanding the existing site conditions, along with the client’s design requirements, was paramount in shaping the final product. The project challenged the team to consider scale and volume in a new light, resulting in a multi-level space that maximises usability. A core focus was on minimalism, allowing the raw beauty of the materials, particularly the steel structure and tensile fabric roof, to shine through.
Versatile Venue
The multi-level design and open layout of Momentz are the cornerstones of its adaptability. This flexibility allows the venue to transform to suit a variety of event configurations. For grand celebrations like large weddings or parties, the entire space can be utilised. This encompasses the main stage, the spacious dance floor, the dedicated buffet area, and additional open space for guests to mingle and socialise.
However, the wedding venue can also cater to intimate gatherings. Smaller, more personal wedding ceremonies can be held on the lower level, with access to the main stage and changing rooms for added convenience. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this adaptability is the possibility of hosting separate events simultaneously. The different levels can be sectioned off to function independently. A lively cocktail reception, complete with a dedicated buffet area, can take place on the upper level, while the lower level hosts the wedding ceremony, with the main stage serving as a stunning backdrop.
Working with steel in Goa was challenging due to site conditions and the need to keep the venue operational. This meant heavy machinery and cranes were off the table for installing columns and trusses. The substantial columns, exceeding 330 mm in diameter, had to be erected manually. Similarly, the trusses needed to be prefabricated and then installed across a significant 28 m span. Adding to the complexity, Goa’s climate with high summer humidity and heat made precise installation even more difficult.
Material selection for the tensile structure prioritised both aesthetics and practicality. The roof boasts minimal steel columns and beams, creating a clean and modern look while maintaining exceptional structural integrity. The exterior walls are double-layered, featuring a weather-resistant Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) outer layer for durability and a perforated acoustic gypsum panel inner layer for sound absorption and a comfortable indoor environment.
Moreover, the venue presented a unique design challenge due to its diverse topography. This variation in elevation became the inspiration for a multi-level space. Originally envisioned with three open terraces for parking, lawns, and a dance floor, the project pivoted to accommodate an indoor venue for the dance floor and stage. However, preserving existing features like retaining walls, tiles, and the stage itself remained a critical priority.
To achieve this, the design incorporated a structural steel frame with a tensile fabric roofing system. This system proved ideal for spanning large distances, making it a perfect solution for the new indoor space. The commitment to respecting the existing site and utilising the natural contours heavily influenced the final design. The tensile structure itself is tilted, ensuring clear sightlines of the main stage from various points within the venue. This tilt also facilitates efficient rainwater drainage.
Constructing Momentz in a non-metropolitan area presented unique challenges. Goa, for instance, lacked facilities for bending large gauge structural steel members. The construction team responded by meticulously creating precise drawings for prefabricated steel frames. These prefabricated frames could then be efficiently joined on-site, overcoming the limitations of the local resources. This approach minimised construction waste and maximised efficiency, reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Steel serves as the core structural material for the project, and this choice was driven by two key factors. Firstly, the need to create a large, open space demanded a material with exceptional strength. Steel’s inherent ability to support vast expanses made it the ideal candidate. This strength is paramount for the venue’s most crucial element; the expansive tensile fabric roof. This roof allows the venue to function year-round, unfazed by Goa’s unpredictable monsoons.
Furthermore, steel’s workability offered significant advantages during design and construction. This flexibility empowered the creation of the desired form for the wedding venue. The exposed steel frame and trusses are a testament to this design philosophy. Intentionally left unclad, they eliminate the need for a false ceiling and become a striking visual element. The trusses themselves transcend mere functionality, adding a distinct aesthetic layer to the space.
Green Design
While large indoor venues often struggle with heat control, Momentz prioritises both spaciousness and a comfortable temperature through sustainable strategies. The existing multi-level terraces offered a stroke of design genius. They not only provided the desired volume but also allowed for a human-scaled entrance area. Furthermore, the extensive use of glass fosters a connection with nature and creates an open-air feel despite being indoors.
The project prioritised recyclable and reusable materials, minimising environmental impact. The structure prioritises recyclable materials like metal and glass, with concrete use limited to the foundation. To further reduce energy consumption, Momentz utilises high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans. These fans circulate large amounts of air efficiently, minimising the reliance on air conditioning units and creating a comfortable environment without excessive energy use.
Quote
“Working on this project provided numerous key takeaways. Understanding site conditions, design requirements, scale, and volumes played a crucial role. Our main focus was on minimalism and showcasing the originality of materials. Utilising tensile roofing material with a steel structure was also a valuable experience.”
– Sumedh Naik, Principal Architect, Elements Design Studio
Fact File
Project: Momentz, Bicholim
Client: Mr. Gaurish Govekar
Architect: Elements Design Studio
Structural Consultant: Eng. Abhay (Mumbai)
Fabricator: Patil Technologies – Sangli
Status: Complete
