The house is located in Kaduwela, approx 1 hour away from Colombo, on a site bordering the Kelani River. Designed in the Contemporary idiom, the master plan consists of two houses facing the river, a swimming pool, a gym, other ancillary buildings and a security post.
A 75’-0” walkway leads to the main entrance through a coconut grove retained from the time of construction. The façade conceals the ultimate surprise within. The entrance is separated from the living areas by a transitional courtyard which brings in an abundance of light, articulating the living areas throughout the day. A timber and steel staircase is suspended through this void with two bridges on either side demarcating the boundaries of the courtyard. The impact of this airy volume is carried through to the main living and dining space with its double height volume which opens out to the garden on two sides capturing the greenery in the surroundings. A double height sit-out with a glass roof is wedged between the pantry and the guest bedroom with its two sides opening out to the garden and the internal courtyard.
The two wings of the building with its centre courtyard has allowed for fenestration on both sides of the living areas, with a glazed corner window in the pantry and TV area framing the frangipani tree in the courtyard. Master bed room is located over the guest room across the sit-out giving it privacy whilst a bed room in the first floor and the study on the entrance wing contemplates on the coconut grove.
A minimalist palette of materials is used with cut and polished floors and cement washed walls. The stone paving in the internal courtyard and timber fenestrations in juxtaposition with the grey cement compliments the plush interior of the house.
2005
2007
Gross floor area of house 4800sqft
Ground Floor 3027sqft
First Floor 1773sqft
Site Area 56423.8sqft
DDN Design Interior Design
Stems Consultants (Pte) Ltd Structural Engineer
Eng. Nimal Perera Services Engineer
Eng. Shantha De Silva Electrical Engineer
Cost Consultancy Services (Pvt) Ltd., Quantity Surveying
Sarasi Constructions Main Contractor
Alefiya Akberally
