Pia Nesentohn, originally from Australia, has made Sri Lanka her second home by designing and building a tropical villa on a 68-foot-high terrace surrounded by lush vegetation overlooking the Madu Ganga River. The site slopes gently toward the river, and the architectural approach embraces a simple concept: arranging cubic volumes, using rustic materials, and integrating the structure seamlessly into the verdant landscape.
The Madu Ganga River, located in Sri Lanka’s southern province, is known for its rich biodiversity, including mangrove flora and fauna. The region’s tropical climate brings seasonal rainstorms, interspersed with periods of sunshine and lighter showers throughout the year.
The main portion of the site is preserved as river reserve land, with the house positioned on previously unused cultivable terrain that echoes the river’s landscape. Through the careful design of volumes, openings, and architectural details, along with the use of natural, locally sourced materials, the home adapts perfectly to the tropical climate.
Unlike typical stilted tropical houses, the villa is built directly on the ground, following the natural slope. By preserving existing walls and minimizing earthworks, the design harmonizes with the site’s natural contours rather than opposing them.
▲ Section A-A & Elevation view (river-facing side)
The architectural journey begins at a high point and gently descends toward the garden at the rear, gradually enhancing the spatial experience. A red gravel path guides residents up the slope along an entrance road, which is framed by a distinctive gravel wall of equal length. The entrance road passes through this wall and leads directly into the living room, which opens onto a linear swimming pool.
Clusters of “Diyapara” plants surround the pool, climbing concrete walls finished with clear water, enriching the upper garden area.
The dining and living areas are nestled between plain, parallel concrete walls and offer expansive views of the distant Madu Ganga River, with sparse foliage visible along both banks. The polished concrete floor in this space extends seamlessly into the landscape beyond, while a raised platform is adorned with lush green Spathiphyllum plants.
A simple concrete block, housing two bedrooms and an additional bathroom, is cantilevered beyond the gravel wall into a narrow space facing the river. This block incorporates a central wooden louver system that serves multiple purposes: ventilation, climate buffering, built-in seating, and a dynamic connection to the surrounding nature.
The wooden blinds allow natural light to filter through during the day, creating captivating patterns of light and shadow that enliven the interior. At night, the light shining through the openings illuminates the surrounding lush greenery and reflects on the pool’s surface. This subtle, warm lighting highlights the rustic yet modern textures of the materials used.
As an extension of the main structure, the cantilevered volume shields the space beneath from tropical rainfall. Its organically curved form, inspired by natural shapes, acts as a transition between the built environment and the natural landscape, blending the two seamlessly. The lighting also enhances the appearance of the surrounding Kos and Kiri Palu trees, making the landscape feel even more vibrant.
Project Drawings
▲ Location Map
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Second Floor Plan
▲ Sections C-C and B-B
Project Information
Project Type: Independent Residential Building
Location: Sri Lanka
Architectural Design: MMGS Architects
Area: 2,655 m²
Year: 2017
Photographer: Ramitha Watareka
Manufacturer: VitrA
Lead Architect: Godridge Samuel
Project Architect: Chathurika Kulasinghe
Engineer: CLEF Consultants
Quantity Surveyor: Construction Cost Consultants
Construction Contractor: D.E. De Silva & Sons
PR Copy: Zeenat Nadia Firdous
Landscape Contractor: Sarath Landscapes
Swimming Pool Contractor: Infinity Pools
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