A Floating Barge Restaurant in Goa, India by SDM Architects

SDM architects turn a simple floating steel barge into a quaint restaurant and bar. 

The architects sough to convert the seasonally used barge into a viable dining destination taking advantage of the panoramic views the barge offers. The remodel divides the barge into three main sections- lower floor, deck, and top floor. Wood from large dismantled ships was used to restore the deck and top floor, which serve as the the dining area/bar and evening lounge area respectively. The lower floor is used as a kitchen and pantry.

Project Description

This floating restaurant was one of a kind as it was designed from the very start by Ar. Samir D’Monte along with Naval Architects for his client who deals with sale of luxury yachts in Mumbai. The idea of a floating restaurant was initiated after the successful launch and use of this floating barge in Mumbai for quarterly or yearly luxury yacht sale events followed with wine and cheese tasting parties. As it was sparingly used in Mumbai for events, the owners wanted to venture new possibilities.

As the barge is open from most of its sides it provides great views while it floats in the sea. Goa being so close to Mumbai, became the first preference for the client to put the barge to good use by re-purposing it into a humble floating restaurant.  Goa is well known as a weekend getaway from Mumbai and for its heritage, beaches, shopping and food, this one of a kind experience was thought to be perfect for the place. Renovations were done to create a special dining and entertainment space and the barge was shipped out to Goa. It is currently anchored out in the water off Chapora river which is around 24 kms / 40 mins drive from Panjim.

The barge is stationery and can very well host about 60 to 80 diners at any given point of time on the lower deck. The upper deck can be used for private parties and can be hired for evenings to late nights. The upper decks are well illuminated so they make for a great space which is suitable for evening party entertainment along with only Mediterranean cuisine & eclectic cocktail drinks.

The basement of the barge was designed to house all the services and utility spaces. Apart from a working kitchen and toilets, which are required for a running restaurant, the technical requirements of a floating barge had to be studied and designed since it was an operating boat as well. The structural requirements had to be studied from scratch and designed specifically for this purpose. The basement also houses all the ballast tanks, motor rooms, diesel tanks, galleys and fire water tanks.

This one of a kind floating restaurant provides a fantastic unobstructed view of the beautiful landscape of Goa from all the dining tables. The location also enables visitors to experience some of Goa’s old-world charm with the interesting sights of floating fishing boats nearby. This floating restaurant is well known locally as one of the best party barges in the area and has been operating well from January 2014 onward.

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THE DESIGN LIST