This newlywed couple, both active professionals in the IT industry, sought a modern home that offers a peaceful retreat from their busy lives. The design challenge was to seamlessly integrate indoor spaces with the outdoor garden, creating an illusion of boundless space on a 14-foot-high urban plot.
Located on Alakeshwara Street in the densely populated Ethul Kotte area of Sri Jayawardenapura city, the residence spans two floors with a total built area of 4,025 square feet. The first floor accommodates two parking spots, a living room, guest rooms, a dining area, storage, and service rooms.
The site features a 4-foot east-to-west slope, allowing the first floor’s spaces to be set at varying levels. This design enhances visual connectivity between activities and introduces a rhythmic flow through the living areas. Elevating the first floor above ground level ensures privacy while offering panoramic views of the garden and adjacent wetland.
The home’s focal point is a narrow linear entrance leading to a spacious living room that opens directly to the outdoors. Massive wooden and glass doors flood the room with natural light, creating a seamless transition between inside and out. The central open-air courtyard serves as the heart of the house, connecting all horizontal and vertical spaces. Wooden columns and floors add warmth while honoring traditional Sri Lankan courtyard design in a contemporary style.
Straight, clean lines, simple forms, expansive landscape views, and abundant natural light blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. White-painted walls and terrazzo floors reflect sunlight, creating a serene and spacious atmosphere while reducing any sense of confinement.
The dining and storage areas flow into one another without clear separation, illustrating a harmonious blend of expansion and coexistence. The kitchen is positioned adjacent to the storage room, effectively concealing service areas from guests. Guest rooms are located on the same floor next to the living room, ensuring privacy from public spaces.
The interior spaces are free from unnecessary clutter, creating a calm environment ideal for relaxation. Simple, versatile furniture pieces complement colorful artwork, adding vibrant life to the rooms.
The first floor also includes a TV and family lounge, a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a private gym, and a library with a study. The master bedroom, along with a second-floor room, overlooks the protected wetland landscape, just like the living and family rooms. These primary spaces on both floors connect visually through the central courtyard.
Other second-floor rooms open onto the garden and street behind the house, with privacy ensured by a large wooden screen. This design provides both security and privacy while allowing for cross ventilation and natural light.
The roof terrace serves as a multifunctional space, perfect for relaxing under the ever-changing evening sky. It offers an accessible area for contemplation and enjoying panoramic views.
Project Drawings
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Second Floor Plan
▲ Front View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Perspective View
Project Information
Project Type: Independent Residential Building
Location: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka
Architectural Design: Lalith Gunadasa Architects
Area: 4,025 sq ft
Year: 2018
Photographer: Dilanka Bandara
Manufacturers: American Standard, Dulux, Grohe, Hafele, Elba
Lead Architect: Lalith Gunadasa
Design Team: Kanchana Ranaweera, Thilanka Upendra, Nelshika Gunathilaka
Owner: Mr. Pamith Kodikara
Engineer: URO Structural Consultants (PVT) Limited
Landscape Design: Sarath Landscapes
Contractor: Disson’s Construction
Text: Dewindi Ruwanpathiran
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