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Personalized House at Greenlands Avenue

Color Awards - 2022

Greenlands Avenue, Colombo 05, Sri Lanka

Merit Award

This residence is a quiet retreat from the surrounding fast-paced city. Situated within a built-up urban context with only a thick tree line cover in front of the house, it has no other advantage of views or vistas. This plot has a narrow road frontage with a deep interior and is a rectangular shape. The client’s requirement was to have a two-storied functional home with another self-contained residential unit on the second floor, to be used in the future. The internal spaces are shaped around a triple-height central atrium, which allows natural light and ventilation to filter into the heart of the building. This void creates a seamless flow throughout each of the spaces as well as each floor. The public spaces have been orchestrated on the linear axis and open out to the green spaces surrounding the property. The main living spaces open to one another, making sure each of the home’s inhabitants can go along with their individual routines, whilst still sharing communal space. Long linear corridors open up to the interior atrium, creating sweeping, light-filled spaces. Simple, linear lines complement the contemporary minimalist design and the interior detailing enhances the essence of each space. The interior was entirely based on aesthetics and functionality, understanding the daily routine of the user. All pieces of furniture were designed, detailed, and manufactured to custom suit the user and space. The artwork was commissioned and furnishing was handpicked to complement the interior spaces and finishes.


Archt. Shehla Latiff

I, Fathima Shehla Latiff, received my architectural education at the University of Moratuwa Sri Lanka, which is fully accredited by the RIBA. I obtained a B.Sc in Built Environment, which I completed on 2002.08.01. And I completed an M.Sc. Architecture, on 2006.09.01, which educated me further into design and Theory as well as the profession, economics, and industry. I sat the SLIA Qualifying Examination in 2007 and was elected an Associate Member of the Institute in 2008, of which I am a member to date. To set up my own architectural practice, I registered and established ‘Urbanarc Architectural Consultants’ in 2013 as a sole proprietorship company and I have successfully completed over 50 residential, commercial and mixed development projects, in the fields of new construction, renovations, and interiors. My clients seek my specialized expertise to provide structures and spaces that speak of socially responsible, sustainable, modern, minimalist, and contemporary designs.