Archt. Chamikara Moses

Located on a 29 perch site in Maharagama, this suburban residence built for a family of four, sought to blur the lines of inside and outside with a simple structure where the garden can be seen from every space in the house. The double height fenestrations add the magical element to the design- the house feels like a living, breathing, changing being… Borrowing from nature, this element combines the whole plot as one harmonious space – translating the two-dimensional canvas to a three-dimensional piece of art. Natural light and cross-ventilation are in abundance, channelling a cool breeze throughout the building. Maximizing the available area by smart spatial planning on one hand, the design strived to go a step further by capturing the joys of tropical living: trees, sky, breeze.

Overlooking a three-acre lake along Ja-Ela road in Gampaha, Wet Water Resort sought to upgrade their services to include a spa facility. The main objective while designing this rejuvenation space was to maintain privacy without compromising the picturesque view of the lake. The building thus is orientated towards the lake front, “breaking the fourth wall” to nature while maintaining privacy from the solid walled front side and the abundant tree cover. The main design challenge was to merge the building with the surroundings while protecting the existing greenery. Thus, the spa is planned in-between the existing ‘Kumbuk’ trees which are an abundant source of screening, shade, shadow, cooling, shelter and oxygen.

A two storied dwelling of volumes confined to few rooms, was renovated to transform to an amply spaced night club with a whimsical interior and street presence. Originally a nondescript 80's residence that later functioned as a karaoke bar, the critical design challenge was to convert its architectural and spatial typology within a restricted budget to suit the new recreational function. The renovation included thoughtfully stripping out few interior walls and raising some exterior walls to open up a double height volume. Addressing the need for night-time recreational activity in Colombo, the renovation ensures a space with proper spatial volume apt for increased sociability with a sense of security, improving the urban dweller’s leisure escape. Playful architectural character apt for an evening recreation provides a sense of welcome and adds to the colours of Colombo’s street fabric. Further, responding to the challenges of dense urban living and over-consumption of the privileged: the renovation is a construction with restrain, yet to capture the joys of urban living. Instead of a new construction, the approach follows minimal alterations and no changes to the footprint or number of floors to maintain the built density, a sustainable approach of restraining consumption.