The Nest- A Suburban House

Located on a 20 Perch land in Pelawatta, this tropical residence built for a family of four sought to capture the tropical joys of its site with a simple architectural form nestled among abundant of trees. The envelope of TREES, all existing and untouched with the layout, provide extension of outdoor spaces to the inside - and vice versa. They are an integral part of the design: providing privacy, shade, shadow, cooling, shelter and oxygen. Taking advantage of restrictions inflicted by a long linear site coupled with site regulations, each space is planned out to be only 4.5m wide, open at each side - letting in ample cool air with cross-ventilation. Further, the 3m-4.5m floor to floor heights and windows up to the ceiling screened by existing tree cover and openable timber slats, allow in tropical rays of sunrise, and sunset: a constant source of delight in the dwelling. Taking up only 30% of site, this Suburban house is a densely-built contemporary tropical oasis that is less consumptive, sustainable, and yet joyous. The ground floor of the house consists the living ,open pantry, dining and kitchen. The Guest bedroom is placed between the living and kitchen. The staircase that borrows light and greenery from the large pivot window at its landing, leads to the family room, two kids’ bedrooms and the master retreat, where the most delight of being nestled among the trees is experience. Balconies and large fenestrations capture the pleasures of the leafy greenery.