The Studio House

The site, located in the suburbs of Colombo, faces a marshy land, providing a unique backdrop for a residence tailored to a software engineer client who now works from home post-pandemic. With a focus on creating a peaceful live-work environment, the project embraces the "living big in a small house" ethos, prioritizing intentional simplicity and essential needs to minimize costs while fostering a homely ambiance. Sustainable architecture principles are integral to the project's design. The structure seamlessly blends a concrete substructure with a predominantly steel superstructure using innovative elements like a grid pattern of box bars and corrugated Zn-Al sheets for cost-effective strength and aesthetics. Exterior and interior coverings, utilizing roofing sheets and cement plaster boards, incorporate thermal insulation to mitigate heat gain. Cross ventilation, a narrow building breadth, and strategic orientation further enhance energy efficiency and interior cooling. The project's sustainability extends to efficient space utilization, a reduced environmental footprint, and a harmonious integration with nature through a larger garden. Socially responsible architecture is evident in its affordability, adaptability, and flexibility, making housing accessible across socio-economic backgrounds. By offering a holistic vision for sustainable living, this project serves as an enlightening solution to the current housing challenges in Sri Lanka, presenting a harmonious synthesis of intentional simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.